Preparing Your Finland Schengen Visitor Visa Photo
You need a clear, correct photo for your Finland Schengen visitor visa application. Use the tool above to crop your image to the correct size before you print or submit it.
Official Size and Dimensions
The Finnish guidance directs visa applicants to police photo instructions and ICAO requirements; it does not publish a visa-specific photo size[1][2]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is commonly used, but check the instructions for your application channel before preparing a print.
Check your application channel for its photo requirements[1][2]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is commonly used, but is not a size specified by the cited Finnish guidance.
Background and Lighting Requirements
Your photo background must be clean, plain, and free of any patterns or objects. Finnish visa guidance directs applicants to police photo guidance, and the mission specifies a light background and an ICAO-compliant photo[1][2][3]. A light background is commonly rendered as light grey for this crop[1][2][3].
Lighting plays a major role in whether your photo passes inspection. Stand facing a window or use soft, balanced indoor lighting to illuminate your entire face evenly. Avoid harsh overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your nose, chin, or on the grey background behind you[3].
Facial Expression, Pose, and Gaze
The police instructions require a neutral expression and a closed mouth[3].
Look directly straight ahead into the camera lens so your face is captured straight-on. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to either side[3]. Keep your eyes wide open and make sure your hair does not fall across your eyes or obscure your face in any way[3].
Glasses, Headwear, and Accessories
Glasses are allowed if the frames or reflections do not obscure your eyes. Tinted glasses are allowed only for medical reasons[3].
Head coverings are allowed for religious, established-tradition, health, or medical reasons, but must not cover the face too much or cast shadows[3].
Special Rules for Children and Infants
The police photo instructions apply, and the same size and positioning requirements apply at all ages[3]. They say no other people or objects should appear in the photo; a small child may be supported, but no part of the supporting person may be visible[3].
The police instructions require open eyes, a neutral expression, and a closed mouth, but the expression and mouth rules are flexible for very young babies[3].
Preparing and Printing Your Photo Sheet
Applicants generally submit one colour photo, and the mission collects biometrics while potentially capturing a facial image during processing[1][2]. Whether a separate applicant-supplied print is needed can depend heavily on your specific application channel[1][2]. Always verify if you need physical prints or digital uploads before you finish your paperwork[1][2].
If you need a paper photo, check the instructions for your application channel. The cited Finnish guidance does not specify a 4 × 6 inch print sheet or paper finish.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The police instructions require a sharp, in-focus photo, open eyes, an unobstructed face, even lighting, no background shadows, and a straight head position[3].
The police instructions say the face must be clearly visible and no other people or objects may appear in the photo[3]. Check your photo against the requirements before submitting it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Finland visa photo?
Glasses are allowed if the frames and reflections do not obscure your eyes. Tinted glasses are allowed only for medical reasons[3].
What background color do I need?
What is the official photo size?
Can I use a selfie for my visa application?
No, a selfie usually distorts your facial features and has incorrect lighting; ask someone else to take your photo or use a tripod[3].