How to Take a Finnish Child Passport Photo
Learn the official rules for a Finnish child or baby passport photo. You can format your photo easily using the tool above.
Official Size and Layout
The official size for a Finnish child passport photo is 36×47 mm, which equals about 1.42×1.85 inches[1]. The Police of Finland establishes this exact size requirement for all passport and identity card applications[1]. When you prepare your application, you must make sure the physical dimensions match these rules precisely so the issuing authority can process your documents without delays. The proportions are strict, and small errors in scaling can cause the application office to reject the image during your appointment.
Your child's head must measure 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1]. This measurement describes the head height strictly from the chin to the crown, without including hair volume or hats. Furthermore, the top margin above the head must measure 4 to 6 mm[1]. Maintaining this exact spacing helps position the face correctly for biometric scanning equipment used by the police.
Background and Lighting Requirements
You must use a uniform, light-coloured background without shadows; police guidance says light grey is best and the subject must be clearly distinguishable from it[1]. This means you should avoid patterned walls, textured wallpaper, or dark curtains when setting up your photo area. A plain, evenly lit wall works well for older children, while babies can lie down on a solid light grey blanket placed on a flat surface.
Check the lighting carefully before you take the picture to prevent dark patches or uneven illumination. Natural light from a large window often provides the most even coverage. Position your child directly facing the light source so shadows do not form under the nose, chin, or eyes. If you use indoor lamps, place them carefully to eliminate background shadows entirely.
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
Your child must display a neutral facial expression with their mouth closed during the photo capture[1]. Smiling, laughing, crying, or making funny faces will cause the authorities to refuse the image because it distorts natural facial features. The child's eyes must remain fully open and look directly into the camera lens.
Glasses are conditional and allowed only if they do not obscure the eyes in any way[1]. The frames must not be heavy or thick, and the lenses must be completely clear without any tint, glare, or reflection. Headwear is strictly prohibited unless worn for religious or medical reasons[1]. Even in those exceptional cases, the headwear must not cast shadows on the face or hide the hairline and facial contours.
Rules for Babies and Young Children
Police instructions state the same photo positioning requirements apply at all ages[1]. Even though photographing infants can be challenging, the official rules do not relax standards for babies or toddlers. Every child applicant needs a separate passport and a unique, individual photo[2].
You cannot include parents, siblings, or hands holding the child in the final frame. The submitted photo must be recent and no more than six months old[1]. To capture a baby successfully, lay them flat on a light grey surface, stand directly above them, and wait patiently until they look up with a calm expression and a closed mouth.
Digital Files and Submission Rules
You have options for how you submit the final application materials, as the rules allow for both digital and printed formats[2]. If you choose to submit a digital file, the maximum file size is 250 kB[1]. The required pixel dimensions for digital submission are 500×653 pixels[1].
A professional photo studio commonly sends the digital image directly to the police, or a printed photo may be submitted in person[2]. You can use the tool above to help format your image correctly before saving it to your device.
How to Print Your Photo at Home
If you prefer to bring a physical copy to your appointment, you can format your cropped image onto a standard 4×6-inch photo sheet. You can send this digital collage file to any local printing kiosk just like an ordinary snapshot. Make sure you print the 4×6-inch file at actual size without any auto-scaling or cropping adjustments from the printer kiosk software.
Choose a standard matte or glossy photo paper finish for the best results. Once the sheet prints out, use a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter to trim the picture carefully along the guidelines to the exact 36×47 mm dimensions before you head to your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child wear glasses in the passport photo?
Glasses are conditional and allowed only if they do not obscure the eyes, with no heavy frames or tinted lenses[1].
What are the rules for baby expressions?
How old can the child's passport photo be?
The photo must be no more than six months old[1].
What background color is required?
Police guidance states it must be a uniform, light-coloured background without shadows; police guidance says light grey is best and the subject must be clearly distinguishable from it[1].