Sweden Passport Photo

Swedish Passport Photo -- The Police Station System

Sweden's passport process works differently from most European countries. The Swedish Police Authority (Polismyndigheten) is responsible for issuing both passports (pass) and national ID cards (nationellt id-kort), and -- here is the critical detail -- in most cases, the police station takes your photo during your appointment. You do not bring your own printed photo. This is unusual in Europe, where nearly every other country requires applicants to arrive with pre-made photos.

The Polismyndigheten publishes its photo requirements at polisen.se. Approximately 1.8 million Swedish passports are in active circulation, and the system handles around 700,000 passport and ID card applications annually. Despite the police taking the photo themselves, understanding the requirements beforehand matters -- you need to arrive prepared with the right clothing, expression, and hairstyle, because retakes at the station waste everyone's time and may require rebooking.

How Sweden's Photo System Works

When you book a passport appointment (passbokning) at a police station, the process typically goes like this:

1. You arrive at your appointed time with your current passport or ID, and any required documentation
2. A police officer or civilian clerk photographs you at the station using standardized equipment
3. The photo is taken against a calibrated white or light grey background with controlled lighting
4. You verify the photo on screen and approve it
5. If you are dissatisfied, one retake is usually offered
6. The photo is linked directly to your digital application -- no physical print is involved

This means Sweden's system eliminates most of the common rejection reasons seen in other countries (wrong background, bad print quality, incorrect dimensions). The burden shifts to the applicant's preparation: correct expression, no prohibited accessories, appropriate clothing.

What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment

Expression and pose:

• Neutral expression (neutralt ansiktsuttryck), mouth closed, both eyes open
• Face straight to camera, no head tilt
• Natural, relaxed facial muscles -- Swedish police clerks will ask you to redo the photo if your expression looks forced or tense

What to remove:

• All glasses, including clear prescription lenses. Sweden banned glasses in passport photos as part of its biometric update. No exceptions.
• Headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth devices
• Hats, caps, and decorative headbands. Religious head coverings are permitted with a written declaration; the face from chin to forehead must remain fully visible.

What to wear:

• Clothing that contrasts with the white/light grey background. Avoid white, cream, or very light-colored tops.
• No uniforms (military, police, security, medical)
• Simple necklines photograph best -- avoid high collars that may obscure the chin line

Hair:

• Hair should not cover the forehead, eyebrows, or eyes
• Ears do not need to be visible, but hair pulled back generally produces better biometric results

When You DO Need Your Own Photo

There are specific situations where you must provide your own passport photo in Sweden:

Swedish consulates abroad: If you apply for a passport at a Swedish embassy or consulate listed through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, you typically need to bring your own 35x45mm biometric photo. Not all consulates have photo equipment. Check with your specific konsulat before your appointment.

Provisional passport (provisoriskt pass): Emergency or provisional passports issued at police stations or border crossings may require you to provide your own photo in some circumstances, though most stations can photograph you on-site.

Other Swedish ID documents: The driving licence (körkort), issued by Transportstyrelsen, requires a photo taken at the Trafikverket office -- similar to the police station system. Residence permits (uppehållstillstånd) from Migrationsverket sometimes require applicant-supplied photos.

Technical Specifications (For Self-Supplied Photos)

If you need to provide your own photo (consulate application, etc.):

Dimensions:

• 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height: 25-35 mm from chin to crown
• Face centered in the frame

Background:

• White or light grey, uniformly lit, no shadows
• No patterns or visible objects

Digital specifications (for online submission where applicable):

• JPEG format
• Minimum 600 x 600 pixels
• File size under 5 MB
• Color photo only

Print specifications:

• Photo-quality paper, matte or glossy
• Sharp, high-resolution print (300 DPI minimum)

Swedish Self-Service Photo Options

For situations where you need your own photo:

Pressbyrån and convenience stores: Some Pressbyrån kiosks in Swedish cities have self-service photo printing. If you have a digital photo, you can print a sheet for approximately 30-50 SEK. Availability varies.

Photo studios (fotostudio): Professional photographers in Stockholm (Fotografiska area, Södermalm), Göteborg (near Nordstan), and Malmö offer passport photo services for 150-300 SEK. Ask for "passfoto enligt Polisens krav" (passport photo per Police requirements).

Automated photo booths (fotoautomat): Booths in Swedish train stations and shopping centers produce biometric photos for 80-120 SEK. Look for booths labeled "passfoto" -- avoid the entertainment-style booths (fotobås for fun photos). Major stations like Stockholm Central, Göteborg Centralstation, and Malmö C typically have compliant booths.

ICA, Coop, and Apoteket kiosks: Some ICA and Coop supermarkets and Apoteket pharmacies have photo printing kiosks where you can print a pre-made digital photo for approximately 10-30 SEK per sheet.

Swedish Document Photo Sizes

Children's Photos

Swedish children need their own passport from birth. At police stations, children are photographed using the same on-site system as adults.

• Children under 6: the police clerk is experienced with young children and will work to get a usable photo. Slight expression deviations and partially closed eyes (infants) are tolerated.
• Children 6 and older: full biometric standards apply
• Parents cannot appear in the child's photo

For consulate applications with self-supplied photos: lay infants on a white surface and photograph from above. No pacifiers, toys, or parent hands visible.

Common Issues at Police Station Appointments

Even though the police take the photo, these issues can cause problems:

1. Glasses not removed -- you must remove all glasses before sitting for the photo. The clerk will remind you, but arriving without them avoids delay.
2. White clothing -- blends into the background and may require you to drape a dark cloth over your shoulders (some stations provide one, many do not)
3. Hair covering eyes or forehead -- the clerk will ask you to adjust your hair, which can be difficult to fix quickly without a mirror
4. Tense expression -- Swedish police clerks report that many applicants look stiff or anxious. Take a breath and relax your face before the photo.
5. Appointment no-shows -- Sweden's passport booking system (passbokning) has limited slots, especially in Stockholm. Missed appointments waste scarce slots. Rebook well in advance if you cannot attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to bring a passport photo to the police station? A: No. In Sweden, the police station takes your photo during your passport appointment using their own equipment. You do not need to bring a printed photo.

Q: How do I book a passport appointment in Sweden? A: Through the Polismyndigheten website at polisen.se. Select "Boka tid för pass" and choose your preferred police station and time slot. In Stockholm, slots can be booked out 2-4 weeks in advance during peak periods (spring and early summer).

Q: I am applying at a Swedish consulate abroad. Do I bring my own photo? A: Usually yes. Most Swedish consulates require you to bring a 35x45mm biometric photo. Check with your specific consulate -- some have on-site photo equipment.

Q: Can I wear glasses during the photo? A: No. All glasses are banned in Swedish biometric passport photos. This includes clear prescription lenses, sunglasses, and transition lenses.

Q: How long does a Swedish passport take? A: Standard processing takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Express processing is not routinely available -- apply well in advance of travel. Provisional passports (provisoriskt pass) for emergencies can be issued same-day at select police stations.