How to Take a Finnish Identity Card Photo
Prepare your Finnish identity card photo at home by following official rules on size, background, and lighting. You can use the tool above to crop your picture correctly.
Understanding the Official Size Requirements
A 36 × 47 mm crop is commonly used for an identity card photo. The police instructions specify head positioning and digital pixel dimensions, but do not give paper-photo width and height[1].
Your head height must be 32 to 36 mm, measured from chin to crown, with 4 to 6 mm above the crown[1]. Meeting these photo requirements does not guarantee acceptance or prevent processing delays.
Setting Up Your Background and Lighting
You need to set up a proper backdrop before you snap the picture. The requirements state that you must use a monochromatic, flat, light and neutral background, and the police say light grey is best[1]. You must stand out clearly from this background without blending into it[1].
To achieve good lighting, stand facing a large window with natural daylight illuminating your face evenly. Avoid harsh overhead lights that create deep shadows under your eyes or chin. Step a small distance away from the wall to prevent casting body shadows behind you.
Facial Expression and Pose Guidelines
Your face and head must follow strict positioning rules to pass official inspection. Keep a neutral facial expression and look directly into the camera lens with both open eyes[1]. Your mouth must be closed completely during the shot[1]. Do not smile, smirk, frown, or tilt your head in any direction.
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only, and it must never obscure your facial features[1]. You can wear glasses as long as they do not hide your eyes, cast reflections on the lenses, or feature heavy frames that block your face[1].
Special Rules for Infants and Children
The same photo size and positioning rules apply at all ages[1].
For very young babies, the neutral-expression and closed-mouth rules are flexible; the mouth may be slightly open[1]. The police instructions also say no other people or objects should appear in the photo[1].
Preparing Digital Files and Submissions
You can apply online or at a police service point[2]. The photo instructions say paper photos can be used for applications submitted at a police service point[1].
An electronically submitted photo must be exactly 500 × 653 pixels and no larger than 250 KB[1]. A photo studio usually sends the image to the police photo server[1].
Printing and Paper Photo Guidelines
Paper photos are also accepted at a physical police service point if you prefer traditional submission[3].
If you submit a paper photo, the police accept it at a police service point[1]. Their instructions do not specify a 4 × 6 inch print sheet or glossy or matte paper.
Avoiding Common Photo Mistakes
The police instructions require correct head positioning, even lighting, and a straight head position[1].
The head must measure 32 to 36 mm from crown to chin[1]. The photo instructions require a neutral expression and a closed mouth, with some flexibility for very young babies; they also require the eyes and face to be clearly visible[1].
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear my everyday glasses in the photo?
You may wear glasses conditionally, but your eyes must remain completely visible without heavy frames or tinted lenses blocking them[1].
What background color should I use?
You must use a monochromatic, flat, light and neutral background, and the police state that light grey is best[1].
What are the digital file size limits?
The maximum file size for a digital submission is 250 KB[3].
Are babies held to the same expression rules?
For very young babies, the neutral-expression and closed-mouth rules are flexible, and the mouth may be slightly open, though size and positioning rules remain the same[1].
Can I submit a printed photo?
Yes, paper photos are accepted at a police service point[3].