May 29, 2026 · Sweden
Swedish Passport Photo Requirements 2025/2026
Sweden issues its biometric passport (biometriskt pass) and nationellt ID-kort through the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen), in accordance with ICAO biometric standards and EU regulations. This guide covers the official photo specifications, the nationellt ID-kort as an EU/Schengen travel document, how to book at Polisen passport offices using BankID, and practical information for Swedish citizens abroad.
Sweden is EU + Schengen — No Passport Required for Germans
Sweden is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. German citizens can travel to Sweden using only their national identity card (Personalausweis) — no passport required. Swedish citizens likewise travel throughout Schengen with either their pass or their nationellt ID-kort.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully visible, taken within 6 months. Swedish biometric pass with ICAO chip since 2005. Apply in person at Polisen; book online with BankID.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Swedish passport (pass) and national identity card (nationellt ID-kort) applications and renewals, both at Polisen offices in Sweden and at Swedish diplomatic missions abroad.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO biometric standard).
- Background: Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly white.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. Sweden follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric document photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted only for documented religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to crown is completely visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
Swedish Biometric Passport (Biometriskt Pass) Since 2005
Sweden introduced its biometric passport in 2005, one of the earlier EU member states to adopt the ICAO Doc 9303 contactless chip standard. The chip stores the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints, enabling verification at automated e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers.
Adult Swedish passports are typically valid for 10 years. Passports for children under 18 are issued with a shorter validity period. Always confirm the current validity terms with Polisen or the Swedish embassy before applying.
Nationellt ID-Kort: Swedish National ID Card for EU/Schengen Travel
The nationellt ID-kort (national identity card) issued by the Swedish Police Authority has been accepted as a travel document within the EU and Schengen Area since 2012. Swedish citizens can use it for travel throughout Schengen without a separate passport.
The photo requirements for the nationellt ID-kort are identical to those of the passport: 35×45mm ICAO, white background, no glasses, neutral expression, both eyes fully open. Both documents are applied for through Polisen's passport service (pass och nationellt id-kort).
Where to Apply: Polisen Passport Offices and BankID Bookings
Swedish passport and national ID card applications must be submitted in person at a Polisen passport office (pass och nationellt id-kort). Appointments are required and can be booked online through the Swedish Police Authority's website (polisen.se). Online appointment bookings typically require BankID for secure authentication.
The biometric photo and fingerprints are captured on-site at the Polisen office using a controlled camera during the appointment. You do not need to bring a printed photo to a standard Polisen application appointment, as the photo is taken on-site. However, confirm this with your local Polisen office if you are applying under special circumstances or abroad.
Swedish Embassy in Berlin
Swedish citizens in Germany can contact the Swedish Embassy in Berlin for passport and consular services. The embassy handles Swedish document applications in line with the same Polisen photo specifications. Overseas appointments may differ from the standard domestic Polisen procedure — confirm whether you need to bring a printed photo. Current contact details and appointment information are available at swedenabroad.se/berlin.
Swedish Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swedish Passport (pass) | 35×45mm | White | No | 10 years (adult), 5 years (child) |
| Swedish National ID Card (nationellt ID-kort) | 35×45mm | White | No | 10 years (adult), 5 years (under 18) |
Always verify current validity periods and requirements with the Swedish Police Authority (polisen.se) or your nearest Swedish Embassy or Consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons for Swedish Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not permitted under the ICAO standard.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background. Avoid off-white, cream, light grey, or any coloured backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall and use even frontal lighting to eliminate all shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application or renewal date.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Maintain a relaxed, neutral expression with both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
Digital filters or retouching applied
Submit the photo without any filters, skin smoothing, or digital alterations to your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Swedish passport photo?
Swedish passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall, following the ICAO biometric standard. The face must be centred, fully visible from chin to crown, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
Can I wear glasses in a Swedish passport photo?
No. Sweden follows the ICAO biometric standard, which prohibits glasses in passport photos. Remove all eyewear, including prescription frames, before the photo is taken.
Can I use the Swedish nationellt ID-kort to travel within Europe?
Yes. The Swedish nationellt ID-kort has been accepted as a travel document within the EU and Schengen Area since 2012. Swedish citizens can use it for travel throughout Schengen without a passport.
Where do I apply for a Swedish passport?
Swedish passport and national ID card applications are submitted in person at Polisen passport offices (pass och nationellt id-kort). Appointments can be booked online through polisen.se, often using BankID for authentication. Swedish citizens abroad can apply at the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate.
Do Germans need a passport to travel to Sweden?
No. Sweden is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. German citizens can travel to Sweden using only their national identity card (Personalausweis) without a passport.
How long has Sweden issued biometric passports?
Sweden introduced its biometric passport (biometriskt pass) in 2005, one of the first EU countries to do so. The document contains a contactless chip with the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints, in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU biometric passport regulations.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — the Swedish Police Authority (polisen.se) or your nearest Swedish Embassy or Consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
Create Your Swedish Passport Photo Online
ICAO-compliant 35×45mm biometric photo with correct white background. Free preview — pay only when satisfied.
Get Your Compliant Passport Photo — From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99