Norwegian Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines
Ordinary Norwegian passports are issued by the police, who take your photo at your appointment. You can still use the tool above to practice and prepare pictures for other uses.
How the Police Handle Photos
Ordinary Norwegian passports are issued by the Norwegian Police, which is known locally as Politiet[1]. Applicants do not need to bring a physical photo to the office because the police take the picture during your official appointment[1].
The police take your photo at your appointment, so you do not need to bring a photo[1].
Official Size and Measurements
The police take the photo at the appointment, and do not publish a print size for applicant-supplied photos[1]. A 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) crop is a common practical size, not an official requirement.
Head height is not set by the authority[2]. If you are preparing a photo for another private purpose that uses these dimensions, keep the proportions exact and check the framing carefully. Always confirm the required size with the issuing office or organisation before you print or submit anything to avoid rejection or delays in your application process.
Background and Lighting
The authority requires an evenly lit background for facial photos, though the official photo quality guidance does not specify a color[2]. Avoid harsh shadows on the wall directly behind you or across your facial features.
When you take practice photos at home, face a bright window for soft, natural light instead of using overhead room bulbs that create dark rings under your eyes. Ask a friend or family member to take the photo for you rather than taking a handheld selfie, which distorts facial proportions. Keep the camera lens at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
You must maintain a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed for the photo[2].
Do not smile, frown, smirk, or open your lips even slightly. Keeping your facial muscles completely relaxed helps you meet these strict quality standards. Practice holding a neutral look in front of a mirror before your appointment or before taking a test photo so it feels completely natural to you.
Glasses and Headwear Restrictions
Glasses are not allowed in the photo under any circumstances[2]. Even if you wear prescription glasses every single day for reading or driving, you must take them off for the picture to prevent light glare and heavy frame lines over your eyes.
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[2].
Rules for Infants and Children
Infants and children must follow the same photo quality rules as adults[2].
The police capture the photo for infants and children at the appointment just like they do for adults[1][2]. You do not need to bring a pre-made photo for your child's passport application because the trained staff handles the camera work on site[1].
Practicing at Home
The tool on this page helps you crop and format your pictures easily. Since the police take official passport photos at your appointment, use this tool to rehearse or prepare copies for other documents.
Testing your setup at home allows you to check your lighting and posture before a session. Review your practice images carefully against the official rules to spot any errors or alignment issues early.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a photo for a Norwegian passport?
No, ordinary Norwegian passports are issued by the police, who take the photo directly at your appointment[1].
Can I wear glasses in my Norwegian passport photo?
No, glasses are not allowed in the photo under any circumstances[2].
What background color is required?
The authority requires an evenly lit background, though the official photo quality guidance does not specify a color[2].
Are children exempt from the photo rules?
Can I wear a hat or head covering?
Headwear is strictly prohibited unless it is worn for specific religious or medical reasons[2].