Norwegian Student Residence Permit Photo Guide
Learn about the photo requirements for your Norwegian student residence permit and how you can prepare using the tool above.
How Your Photo is Taken and the Official Size
UDI's cited photo guidance does not specify print dimensions[1]. A commonly used crop is 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in), but this is not an official size for the residence card.
The police or foreign service mission takes your photo at the appointment, and you do not need to bring one[1]. The guidance requires even lighting but does not specify a background color[1].
Head Height and Framing Rules
The cited guidance does not specify a head-height measurement[1].
The tool above lets you crop and check your picture to see how it looks on a standard layout. Even though the police take your official picture in person, you can use the tool to rehearse and prepare a personal copy for other uses. Keep your shoulders level and look straight ahead into the camera lens.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
The photo guidance requires a neutral expression and a closed mouth[1].
Keeping your face completely relaxed helps the official system match your face correctly. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera without any hair covering your face or eyes.
Glasses and Headwear Rules
You cannot wear glasses in your permit photo[1]. Take them off before the picture is snapped, even if you wear them every day.
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[1].
Rules for Children and Infants
Children and infants provide a photo as part of the biometrics process[1]. The photo requirements for residence permits are the same as for passport and national ID facial photos[1].
Age-based biometrics differ by document type. For a residence card, children under 6 provide a photo, ages 6 to 10 provide a photo and fingerprints, and those over 10 provide a photo, fingerprints, and a signature[2].
Using the Tool for Practice
The tool on this page helps you crop your pictures to the 35x45 mm size easily. Since the authority captures your final photo at the police or foreign service mission, the tool will not replace that official step.
You can use the tool to prepare a photo for other uses.
Preparing Your Digital Files
Preparing your digital files correctly helps you keep track of your personal image copies. If you store a backup copy on your phone or computer, make sure the lighting is bright and even.
Avoid heavy shadows behind your head or under your chin. You can use the tool on this page to format your image into a standard 4x6-inch print sheet. This lets you print a physical copy at a local kiosk for your own records, even though your official permit photo is taken by the police[1].
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own photo to the police station?
What size is the residence permit photo?
The authority publishes no single official size, but the studio uses 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in) as the size most often asked for[1]. Confirm this with your issuing office.
Can I wear my glasses in the photo?
No, glasses are not allowed[1].
Are there special photo rules for children?
Can I use religious headwear?
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only, as long as it does not obscure your facial features[1].