Finnish Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Complete Guide

All Finnish passport and identity card photos must comply with the ICAO biometric standard enforced by Poliisi (Finnish Police). The following specifications apply to both new applications and renewals.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall. The ICAO standard used across the EU and EEA.
• Background: Plain white or light grey. Uniform colour with no patterns, shadows, or gradients. There must be clear contrast between the background and the subject's hair and clothing.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted under the ICAO standard. This includes prescription frames, sunglasses, and all other eyewear. Non-tinted transparent contact lenses are accepted.
• Head position: Face directly forward. No tilting, turning, or profile. Both ears should be approximately symmetrically visible.
• Recency: The photo must be taken within 6 months of the application date and reflect your current appearance.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Head coverings: Permitted for documented religious or medical reasons only. The full face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible.
• Retouching: No digital filters, skin smoothing, or appearance alterations are permitted.

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

One important distinction from most other EU countries: Finnish passports are valid for only 5 years for all applicants, including adults. This is shorter than the 10-year validity common in Germany, the Netherlands, or Belgium. Confirm current validity periods at poliisi.fi before applying.

At police service points, the biometric photo is normally captured on-site using calibrated equipment during the application appointment. For some online renewals via the Enter Finland portal, a digital photo upload may be used. Check poliisi.fi or enterfinland.fi for the current procedure applicable to your situation.

The Finnish identity card (henkilökortti) is a biometric ID card valid for travel within the EU and EEA. It can be used as a travel document in place of a passport for EU/EEA travel, and is accepted by all EU member states.

The photo requirements for the henkilökortti are identical to the Finnish passport: 35×45mm ICAO-compliant, white or light grey background, no glasses, neutral expression. Applications are processed at the same police service points as passport applications.

The identity card is valid for 5 years for adults (and a shorter period for minors). Confirm current validity at poliisi.fi.

Finnish citizens apply for their passport and identity card at a police service point (poliisin palvelupiste). Appointments can be booked online at poliisi.fi. For some renewals, applications can also be started via the Enter Finland portal (enterfinland.fi).

At the appointment, the officer will take your biometric photo and fingerprints on-site. You should bring:

• Your Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus)
• Proof of identity (existing passport, ID card, or other official document)
• Your previous passport or identity card for cancellation
• Any required documents for children (parental consent where applicable)

Finnish citizens abroad can apply at a Finnish Embassy or Consulate. The Finnish Embassy in Berlin handles applications from residents in Germany.

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

• Taken within 6 months of the application date
• White or light background, uniformly lit
• Neutral expression with both eyes fully open
• No glasses or head coverings (unless religious/medical)
• No shadows on the face or background

Finnish Schengen visa applications from residents in Germany are processed at the Finnish Embassy in Berlin or through affiliated visa application centres. Confirm current procedures at um.fi (Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland).