Photo for a residence permit and visa to Norway for Ukrainians: UDI requirements 2026 (collective protection)
Norway
In short. Norway (UDI) applies to the photo for a visa, residence permit and travel documents the same requirements as for the passport photo: face frontal, neutral expression, evenly lit background, no glasses or headwear, the head occupying about 70% of the frame. You do NOT need to bring a separate photo — the police (in Norway — at the arrival centre in Råde) or the foreign mission take the shot on site.
- UDI states directly: the photo requirements for a visa, residence permit and travel documents are the same as for the photo in a passport and a national ID card.
- You do NOT need to bring a separate photo with you: UDI states that the police or the foreign mission take the shot during the visit by appointment.
- The background and face must be evenly lit, the face strictly frontal, a neutral expression with the mouth closed; eyes, eyebrows and ears fully visible; the head occupies about 70% of the frame (per the police requirements).
- Glasses and headwear are prohibited (the exception being religious or medical reasons, and the headwear must not cover the face).
- In Norway, biometrics are taken by the police at the National Arrival Centre in Råde — from 15 July 2024; abroad, applications and biometrics are handled by VFS Global (on behalf of Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 52 countries, including Ukraine) or the Norwegian embassy.
Short answer
Norway (UDI) does not have a separate photo standard for Ukrainians with collective protection. For a visa, a residence permit (oppholdstillatelse) and travel documents, the same requirements apply as for the photo in a passport and a national ID card. Most importantly: according to UDI, you do not need to bring a separate photo with you — the shot is taken by the police or the foreign mission during the visit.
What UDI / the police officially require
| Parameter | UDI / police requirement |
|---|---|
| Background | evenly lit |
| Face lighting | even, without shadows |
| Position | strictly frontal, looking into the lens |
| Facial expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes, eyebrows, ears | fully visible |
| Head's share of the frame | about 70% (police requirement) |
| Glasses | prohibited |
| Headwear | prohibited (exception — religious/medical) |
| Recency | the photo must show how you look today |
Before the shot, remove your scarf, bag and outerwear. Hair must not cover the ears — tuck it back.
Important about sizes. The official UDI pages and the police document «Kvalitetskrav til passfoto» do not state specific sizes in millimetres and do not set a «no older than 6 months» limit. The common 35×45 mm format and the «no older than 6 months» rule are general Schengen practice of visa centres, not a UDI requirement for the Norwegian process.
Where the photo and biometrics are taken
The photo and fingerprints are taken by the police or the foreign mission, not by you yourself:
- In Norway: from 15 July 2024, everyone applying for protection registers at the National Arrival Centre in Råde. There the police take the photo (including in a biometric kiosk), collect fingerprints and receive the passport.
- Outside Norway: visa/residence permit applications are handled by VFS Global (on behalf of Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 52 countries, including Ukraine) or the Norwegian embassy/consulate. Biometrics are also taken there by appointment.
If you apply through a VFS visa centre, you are sometimes asked for one paper photo on a light background (standard Schengen practice) — check this in the centre's current checklist before your visit.
Common reasons for rejection
- Glasses, reflections on the lenses or a frame covering the eyes.
- An unevenly lit background, shadows behind.
- Hair covering the ears or eyebrows.
- Smiling, open mouth, tilting or turning of the head.
- Headwear without a religious/medical justification.
- Incorrect scale: the head too large or too small in the frame.
- Low quality or a blurred shot.
Tip
When preparing for the visit, focus above all on the requirements for posture and appearance (frontal, neutral expression, no glasses), because the final photo in Norway is in any case taken by the police in a biometric kiosk. For children, the requirements are the same as for adults.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- Do I need to bring a photo for a residence permit or visa to Norway?
- No. UDI states directly that you do not need to bring a separate photo — the shot is taken by the police or the foreign mission during the visit by appointment. An exception may be an application through a VFS visa centre, where one paper photo is sometimes requested; check this in the centre's checklist.
- What is the official photo size required by UDI?
- UDI and the police document «Kvalitetskrav til passfoto» do not state sizes in millimetres for the Norwegian process. It is officially established only that the head occupies about 70% of the frame, the background is evenly lit, and the requirements match the photo in a passport and a national ID. The 35×45 mm format is general Schengen practice of visa centres.
- Can you have your photo taken wearing glasses?
- No. Glasses and headwear are prohibited. An exception is made only for religious or medical reasons, and the headwear must not cover the face.
- Where do Ukrainians with collective protection have their biometrics taken?
- Biometrics (photo and fingerprints) are taken by the police or the foreign mission. In Norway — at the National Arrival Centre in Råde (from 15 July 2024), abroad — at a VFS Global visa centre or the Norwegian embassy.