head 70–80 %
Free: cropping, background replacement, check
14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceThe Swedish Police Authority
Verified
Quick answer: The recommended Sweden national ID card photo size is 35 × 45 mm. Photo is usually taken at the authority on site; if a preparatory file is needed, use a neutral plain light background without shadows. Head occupies 70–80% of photo height. Neutral expression, clear lenses only, no glare. Last verified .
Requirements
| Format | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of photo height |
| Background | Photo is usually taken at the authority on site; if a preparatory file is needed, use a neutral plain light background without shadows. |
| Pose | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. See full rules → |
| Lighting | Shadows, overexposure, and reflections not permitted. |
| Head covering | Only for religious or medical reasons, supported by documentation. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| File format | JPEG · sRGB / 24-bit |
| Millimetres | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Inches | 1.38 × 1.77″ |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels at 600 dpi | 827 × 1063 px |
Sweden national ID card photos are administered by Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) — note this is different from the Swedish passport which is issued by the Police. Photo is captured AT the Skatteverket service centre during in-person appointment — applicants do not need to prepare a photo in advance.
Height is also measured. 2-week issuance, 5-year validity. The Swedish Tax Agency ID card is the most common national ID for residents and is not a travel document (the Police-issued national ID card from Polismyndigheten is the EU travel-valid version).
Examples and mistakes
A photo that will be accepted, next to the six most common reasons Sweden national ID card photos get rejected.
Common reasons a document photo is rejected, checked against the requirements The Swedish Police Authority publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| No in-person Skatteverket appointment | Schedule mandatory service centre visit |
| Dark glasses or head covering without justification | Remove for capture (medical/religious exceptions with documentation) |
| Inability to stand for height measurement | Measurement taken seated as alternative |
How to take it
Background: plain light
The tool puts in the required background. Stand half a metre from a plain light wall, face a window and shoot without flash — then there are no shadows on your face or on the wall.
Head: 70–80 % of the photo height
Camera at eye level, about a metre away; head and shoulders in the shot. The tool crops it to 35 × 45 mm.
Clear lenses only, no glare
If you wear glasses, check the shot: no glare on the lenses, eyes clearly visible.
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
Look straight into the lens with your head level; keep hair away from your eyes and eyebrows.
An ordinary selfie will do: we fix the background, light and framing ourselves — to this document's rules. The preview is free.
Head straightHold the phone at eye level and your head straightens by itself.
Face uncoveredMove your hair away so your eyes and eyebrows show.
No glare on glassesStand so that no light reflects in the lenses.Printing and submission
| 10 × 15 cm · 4 × 6″ | 8 (4 × 2) |
|---|---|
| A4 · 21 × 29.7 cm | 36 (6 × 6) |
Print at 100% scale, borderless, and turn off fit-to-page so each photo keeps its exact size.
| Authority | The Swedish Police Authority |
|---|---|
| Source | Swedish passport and national ID card application guidance |
| Verified |
Questions
The recommended size for the Sweden national ID card photo is 35 × 45 mm. The head occupies 70–80% of the photo height. The photo should look like you do day to day.
Photo is usually taken at the authority on site; if a preparatory file is needed, use a neutral plain light background without shadows. A plain, evenly lit wall without shadows or pattern is enough — the tool sets the required background colour.
Most offices accept a photo taken within the last six months. If your hair, beard or face has changed noticeably since then, take a new one.
Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. If you keep them on, tilt them slightly downwards by lifting the arms a little above your ears: this usually moves reflections of a window or lamp off the lenses.
We refund the payment in full. Email us within 14 days of purchase with your order number and the rejection notice from the Sweden authority.
35 × 45 mm = 3.5 × 4.5 cm = 1.38 × 1.77 inches. At 300 dpi that is 413 × 531 pixels; at 600 dpi, 827 × 1063 pixels.
Only for religious or medical reasons, supported by documentation. The face must stay fully visible from chin to forehead and on both sides, with no shadow across it.
Yes. The same 35 × 45 mm format and head size apply to: passport, residence card.