Preparing Your Norwegian Residence Card Photo
You need a clear photo for your Norwegian residence card, known as an oppholdskort[1]. The police or a foreign service mission captures the official photo when you provide your biometrics[2].
Official Size and Requirements
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration and the Norwegian Police Service handle your application and residence card details[1][2]. The authority publishes no single official size for the photo[3].
A commonly used crop is 35 by 45 millimeters, but the cited source does not specify print dimensions or state that studios use this size most often. It gives no head-height measurement[3].
The cited source does not specify print dimensions[3].
Taking the Photo at Home
If you want to practice taking a picture at home before your appointment, set up your camera or phone a few feet away from you. Have a helper take the photo rather than taking a selfie, because a selfie distorts facial proportions.
Find a plain, neutral wall to stand in front of. Make sure the room has even lighting so shadows do not fall across your face or the wall behind you. Turn off direct flash if it creates harsh glares. Keep your posture straight, look directly at the camera lens, and relax your shoulders.
How the Official Photo is Captured
The police or a foreign service mission takes your photo when you provide your biometrics[2]. If you receive a residence permit through a foreign service mission, the police take a new photo for your residence card[3].
If you want to check your own images or rehearse beforehand, you can use the tool above. The tool on this page helps you crop your pictures, but remember that the official authority takes the final image[2].
Using a practice tool can help you prepare for what to expect when you visit the office.
Background, Lighting and Glasses
The guidance requires even lighting for the background and face, but does not specify a background color[3].
Glasses must not be worn in the photo[3].
Headwear may be allowed for religious or other special reasons, such as illness. It must not cover any part of the face or more of the head than necessary[3].
Facial Expression and Mouth
The photo guidance requires a neutral expression[3].
The photo guidance requires a closed mouth[3].
Look straight into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and focused directly ahead.
Rules for Children and Age Groups
Children under 6 provide a photo. Children aged 6 to 10 provide a photo and fingerprints. Those over 10 provide a photo, fingerprints, and a signature[2].
Applicants between six and ten years old must provide a photo and fingerprints[2].
Applicants over ten years old provide a photo, fingerprints, and a signature[2]. The same facial photo standards apply to all age groups regardless of how many biometrics they submit[2].
Checking and Printing Your Practice Photos
When you print or crop your practice images at home, check that the dimensions match the standard format you want to test. If you cut out a physical copy, use clean scissors and measure the edges with a ruler.
Check that your face is centered and that your entire head is visible inside the frame. Remember that home-printed practice copies cannot replace the official capture taken at the police station or foreign service mission.
Common Reasons Photos are Refused
The guidance requires a closed mouth and says glasses must not be worn[3].
The guidance requires even lighting for the face and background and says the face must be visible[3].
Make sure you follow every official guideline if you try to take a practice picture at home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a Norwegian residence card photo?
The cited source does not specify a print size. A commonly used crop is 35×45 mm, but it is not an official size[3].
Who takes the official photo?
The photo is captured by the police or a foreign service mission when you give your biometrics[2].
Can I wear glasses in the photo?
No, glasses are not allowed for this photo[3].
What are the rules for children?
Children under six need a photo, those aged six to ten need a photo and fingerprints, and those over ten add a signature, while all follow the same facial photo standards[2].
Can I use the tool on this page?
You can use the tool above to rehearse or prepare a copy for other uses. It does not replace the photo taken for the card[2].
Do I need to bring my own printed photo to the appointment?
No, the police or foreign service mission captures the photo directly when you provide your biometrics[2].