head 70–80 %
Free: cropping, background replacement, check
14-day refund if the authority rejects the photo
SourceSwedish Migration Agency
Verified
Quick answer: The recommended Sweden residence 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 | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| 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 residence card (uppehållstillståndskort / UT-card) photos are administered by Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency). Photos and fingerprints are captured at a Migration Agency service centre or Swedish embassy abroad — applicants do not need to bring their own photo, similar to the Swedish passport workflow.
The biometric chip card includes a photo, fingerprints, and personal data. Same biometric standard as Swedish passport: 35×45mm, head 31-36mm. Background white, cream or light grey accepted (all three uniquely allowed in Sweden).
Examples and mistakes
A photo that will be accepted, next to the six most common reasons Sweden residence card photos get rejected.
Common reasons a document photo is rejected, checked against the requirements Swedish Migration Agency publishes: what is wrong and what to change.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| BYO photo with smile or non-neutral expression | Re-shoot neutral expression |
| Head height outside 31-36mm | Re-shoot at correct distance |
| Black-and-white photo | Re-shoot in color |
| Photo older than 6 months | Re-shoot |
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 | Swedish Migration Agency |
|---|---|
| Source | Residence permit cards |
| Verified |
Questions
The recommended size for the Sweden residence card photo is 35 × 45 mm. The head occupies 70–80% of the photo height.
Usually no older than six months; some immigration offices ask for a more recent one. Take a new photo that looks like you on the day you apply.
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.
Only if the size and rules are the same and the photo is still recent. Otherwise take a new one: the same selfie can be turned into photos for both documents.
Take a new photo: it should show how you look now — hairstyle, beard, glasses.
We refund the payment in full. Email us within 14 days of purchase with your order number and the rejection notice from the Sweden immigration office.
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.
Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. 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: national ID card, passport.