Everything you need to know about Finland (Suomi) passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home. Finland uses a unique 36×47 mm photo format, different from the standard EU 35×45 mm.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Finland (Suomi) |
| Document Type | Passport |
| Photo Size | 36 × 47 mm (3.6 × 4.7 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 32–36 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of photo height) |
| Head Top Margin | 4–6 mm above crown |
| Chin Bottom Margin | 7–9 mm below chin |
| Face Centering | Max 1.5 mm deviation from photo center |
| Background Color | Light grey (recommended) or plain white |
| Printable | Yes — on matte photo-quality paper |
| Digital Photo Size | Exactly 500 × 653 pixels |
| Digital File Size | Maximum 250 KB |
| File Format | JPEG |
| Color | Color preferred (black and white also accepted) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity Required | 1 photo |
The Finnish Police (Poliisi) has precise requirements for passport photos. Finland is the only EU country using the 36×47 mm format. Below is a comprehensive guide based on the official Poliisi instructions.
Glasses are allowed but strongly recommended to remove. If you wear glasses:
Source: Finnish Police (Poliisi) — Submitting Passport Photographs
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera works. Clean the lens and use the highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo. Avoid selfies as they tend to have the wrong angle.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources.
Wear normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and tops that blend with the background. If you wear glasses, consider removing them for the safest result.
Stand about 1.5 meters from the camera. Face directly forward, head level, shoulders relaxed. Make sure both head and shoulders are visible in the frame.
Keep your expression neutral with mouth closed and both eyes open. Look straight at the camera. No smiling or exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Finland passport photo must be exactly 36×47 mm (3.6×4.7 cm). This is a unique Finnish format, different from the standard EU 35×45 mm used by most other European countries.
Glasses are allowed but strongly recommended to be removed. If worn, there must be no glare or reflections, frames must not cover the eyes, no thick frames, and no tinted lenses. Sunglasses are forbidden.
Light grey is recommended, or plain white. The background must be light, neutral, and monochromatic, with your face, hair, and clothes standing out clearly from it.
Yes! Upload it to Passport Size Photo and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 36×47 mm size, remove and replace the background, adjust the head size, and ensure it meets all Finnish Police requirements.
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
Yes. Finland uses 36×47 mm instead of the standard EU 35×45 mm size. Finland is the only EU country using this unique format, so it's important to get the exact dimensions right.
No, head coverings are not permitted unless for religious or medical reasons. If worn, they must not cast shadows or cover facial features. Your full face must be clearly visible.
The digital version must be exactly 500×653 pixels in JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 250 KB. This precise pixel count corresponds to the 36×47 mm physical size at 600 DPI.
Other Finland documents:
Popular photo requirements:
