Danish Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Complete Guide

Danish passport and ID card photos follow the international ICAO biometric standard. The Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration (SIRI) and local Borgerservice offices enforce these requirements uniformly.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall. This is the ICAO standard used across the EU.
• Background: Plain white or very light. No patterns, gradients, or shadows. The background must not merge with the subject's hair or skin tone.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera lens.
• Glasses: Not permitted. The ICAO standard adopted by Denmark prohibits all eyewear including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Transparent contact lenses are accepted.
• Head position: Face the camera directly. No tilting, turning, or profile views.
• Recency: The photo must be taken within 6 months of the application date and must accurately reflect your current appearance.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are rejected.
• Head coverings: Permitted only for documented religious or medical reasons. The full face from chin to forehead must be visible. No shadows may fall on the face.
• Retouching: No digital filters, beauty effects, or appearance alterations. Skin smoothing is not permitted.

Denmark introduced its biometric ePassport in 2006. The passport contains a contactless RFID chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303. The chip allows the passport to be read at automated e-gates in Denmark, across the EU, and at other ICAO-compliant border crossings worldwide.

For most applications at Borgerservice, the biometric photo is captured on-site using a calibrated camera during the appointment. In some cases, a pre-printed 35×45mm photo may be accepted — always confirm the procedure with your local Borgerservice before attending.

Danish passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18. Confirm current validity periods at borger.dk.

Denmark introduced its national identity card — the Nationalt ID-kort — in 2021. The card is valid for travel within the EU and EEA countries, and is accepted as a travel document by all EU member states.

The photo requirements for the national ID card are identical to the passport: 35×45mm, ICAO-compliant, white or light background, no glasses. Applications are processed at the same Borgerservice offices as passport applications.

The national ID card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18. It is issued as a physical card and is not a replacement for the passport when travelling outside the EU/EEA.

All Danish passport and national ID card applications are submitted in person at a local Borgerservice (citizen service centre). You must book an appointment in advance via borger.dk or your municipality's online portal.

At the appointment, the Borgerservice officer will take the biometric photo using standardised equipment. In some municipalities, you may be asked to bring a printed 35×45mm photo — call your local office in advance to confirm.

You must bring:

• Valid identification (expired passport or other official document)
• Your CPR number (Det Centrale Personregister)
• Any previous passports or identity cards for cancellation

Non-EU nationals applying for a Danish Schengen visa must submit a printed 35×45mm ICAO-compliant photo with their application. The photo must:

• Be taken within 6 months of the application date
• Have a white or very light background
• Show a neutral expression with both eyes open
• Be free of glasses and head coverings (unless religious/medical)

Danish Schengen visa applications are handled by the Danish Embassy in Berlin for applicants based in Germany, and by Danish diplomatic missions or affiliated visa application centres worldwide. Confirm current submission procedures with your nearest Danish Embassy or Consulate.