Iceland Residence Permit Card Photo Guidelines
Learn the official size and appointment rules for your Iceland residence permit photo and find out how to prepare your own practice copies.
Official Size and Document Rules
You must book an appointment to have your residence permit card photo taken[1]. The cited sources do not specify a size for the card image[1][2][3].
The work-permit document requirements specify a 35×45 mm passport photo[2]. This is a supporting-document photo, not a published measurement for the residence permit card image.
The Directorate of Immigration handles residence permit matters[1][2][3]. The card is called a Dvalarleyfiskort. The cited sources do not state a photo size for the card itself[1][2][3]. The 35×45 mm size on the work-permit page is for a supporting passport photo[2].
How the Authority Captures Your Photo
You must book an appointment to have your residence permit card photo taken[1].
The work-permit document requirements call for a 35×45 mm passport photo[2]. The cited sources do not say whether that supporting photo must be printed or submitted digitally.
The authority takes the card photo at your appointment, so you do not need to bring a finished photo for the card itself[1]. Check the instructions for your application type to see whether you need a supporting passport photo[2].
Preparing Photos with the Tool Above
You can use the tool above to crop a practice photo. The work-permit page specifies 35×45 mm for its supporting passport photo[2].
You can use the tool to arrange practice images on a sheet for printing.
You can use the tool to crop a practice photo. The work-permit page specifies 35×45 mm for its supporting passport photo[2].
Steps to Take a Practice Photo at Home
Taking a practice photo at home helps you check your appearance and framing before you submit applications or attend appointments. Stand facing a bright window to get even, natural lighting on your face without harsh shadows.
For a practice photo, ask someone to take the picture and keep the camera steady.
Good lighting makes a big difference in how your practice photo turns out. Avoid standing under strong overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your eyes and nose. Stand a few feet away from the background to prevent harsh shadows on the wall behind you. Ask a helper to hold the camera at your eye level. Do not use arm's length selfies, because they distort your facial features and rarely match official framing standards.
Submission Guidelines and File Rules
The work-permit document requirements say applicants must submit the required supporting documents with the application[2]. Check the instructions for your specific permit type.
The cited sources do not specify file-size limits or pixel dimensions for a home-prepared card photo.
Check the instructions for your specific permit type before submitting supporting documents[2].
Common Reasons Photos Face Rejection
The work-permit page says missing satisfactory supporting documents may delay or lead to rejection of an application[2].
Remember that the authority ultimately decides if any submitted material meets their standards. Rehearsing your framing with the tool above gives you a clear preview of your layout, but you must still follow every instruction given by the Directorate of Immigration[1][2][3].
The cited sources do not list photo rejection reasons or rules for lighting, glasses, head position, or expression[1][2][3]. The work-permit page says missing satisfactory supporting documents may delay or lead to rejection of an application[2].
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of the Iceland residence permit card photo?
The cited sources do not specify a card-image size. The work-permit page specifies a 35×45 mm supporting passport photo[2].
Do I need to take my own photo for the residence card?
No, you attend an authority photo appointment for the residence permit card, and the authority captures the card photo directly during that visit[1].
Where is the photo used if the authority takes the card picture?
The work-permit document requirements call for a 35×45 mm passport photo[2].
Who issues Iceland residence permits?
Can I use a selfie for my practice photo?
Selfies taken at arm's length distort your facial features and rarely match official framing standards, so you should ask a helper to take your practice photo instead.