Finnish Residence Permit Photo Requirements
Get your Finnish residence permit photo right by following official size, background, and submission rules.
Official Size and Measurements
When you apply for a Finnish residence permit, your photo must meet strict official dimensions set by the authorities. The printed or digital image must measure exactly 36 by 47 millimetres, which translates to about 1.42 by 1.85 inches[1]. These exact dimensions are mandatory for every applicant, whether you are applying for a temporary residence permit, an extended permit, or a permanent permit[2][3][1]. The issuing authorities rely on these exact specifications to produce your official residence permit card, which will display your facial image[2][3][1].
Within this rectangular frame, your head must occupy a very specific proportion of the space. The distance from the bottom of your chin to the very top of your head must measure between 32 and 36 millimetres[1]. Getting these measurements right is necessary because automated systems and officials check these proportions closely during the initial stages of your application review[2][3][1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
The Finnish Immigration Service requires a photograph that strictly complies with standard police passport photo instructions[2][3][1]. You must position yourself in front of a uniform, light-coloured background that is completely free of any patterns, textures, or shadows[1].
Official police guidance explicitly states that a light grey background is the best choice for this purpose[1]. When setting up your shot, pay close attention to your lighting setup. You should aim for even illumination across both your face and the background behind you to prevent shadows from appearing under your chin or behind your ears[1].
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
When the camera captures your image, you must maintain a completely neutral facial expression[1]. Your mouth must be closed tightly without any hint of a smile, frown, or raised lips[1]. Your eyes must be open and looking directly into the camera lens with a normal, relaxed gaze.
Glasses are permitted only under strict conditions, and they must never obscure your eyes[1]. Heavy frames, tinted lenses, or sunglasses will cause your application photo to be rejected immediately[1]. Similarly, headwear is strictly restricted to religious or medical reasons only, and it must leave your face completely uncovered from the tip of your chin to your forehead[1].
Rules for Children and Infants
The same strict police photo requirements apply to applicants of all ages, including newborns, infants, and small children[1]. Every single residence permit application must include a valid, compliant photo of the individual applicant[2][3][1].
Photographing small children can present unique challenges, but the rules do not bend for age. The child must face the camera directly with a neutral expression and open eyes[1]. No pacifiers, toys, or supporting adult hands are allowed to appear anywhere inside the final photograph frame[1].
File Limits and Submission Options
Migri accepts a paper photo or a photo-shop retrieval code[2][3]. The police photo instructions set a 250 kB maximum for electronic photos[1].
Regardless of whether you choose a digital upload or a physical paper submission, your photograph must be recent. The official guidelines state clearly that the photo must be no more than six months old at the time you submit your application[2][3].
How to Take Your Photo at Home
You can easily take your residence permit photo at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Find a spot in your home that faces a bright window to get soft, even natural light on your face. Always ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of attempting a distorted selfie.
Position the camera directly at your eye level, maintaining a distance of about one to one and a half metres away from your face. Once you have a clear picture, you can use the tool above to crop your image precisely to the required 36 by 47 millimetre size.
Printing and Preparing Your Copy
If you decide to submit a paper photograph with your application, you must format it correctly before printing. You can easily arrange your freshly cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo template so that it prints correctly at a local retail photo kiosk.
You can use the tool above to prepare your printable sheet quickly and easily. Always double-check your final image against the official size, head height, and background rules before you send your application to the Finnish Immigration Service[2][3][1].
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Finnish residence permit photo?
What is the maximum file size for a digital photo upload?
How old can the photograph be when I apply?
Do the same photo rules apply to babies and children?
What background colour do I need for the photo?
You need a uniform, light-coloured background without shadows, and official police guidance states that light grey is best[1].