Finnish Schengen Visitor Visa Photo Requirements
You need a printed photo measuring 36×47 mm for your Finnish Schengen visitor visa application. Follow these official rules to prepare your picture correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland requires one colour photo measuring 36×47 mm, which is about 1.42×1.85 inches, for your visa application[1]. The head height is not set by the authority in this specific checklist[1]. Knowing these exact dimensions helps you frame your picture correctly before you print it.
Your photo must be fresh and current when you submit your application papers. Specifically, the image must be no more than six months old[1]. You must submit a physical, printed copy with your documents rather than a digital file[1].
Background and Image Quality Requirements
The Finnish mission checklist specifies a light background for your visa photo[1]. Make sure you stand against a plain wall that matches this description so the camera can capture your face clearly. Avoid patterned backgrounds, shadows, or objects behind you.
Do not use digital filters, colour corrections, or touch-ups on your image. Edited photos are not accepted by the issuing office[1]. Keep the lighting even and bright across your entire face to avoid heavy shadows underneath your chin.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can easily take your picture at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera and keep the lens steady at your eye level. Face a bright window to get natural light on your face without relying on harsh flashes.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of trying to hold the camera yourself for a selfie. Keep your expression natural and look straight into the camera lens. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions quickly.
Preparing and Printing Your Photo
The visa application requires a printed photo rather than a digital upload file[1]. You can place your correctly cropped 36×47 mm photo onto a standard 4×6-inch sheet using the tool above. This layout lets you print multiple copies on a single inexpensive photo sheet.
Save the final sheet image to your phone or a USB drive and print it out at a local photo kiosk as an ordinary 4×6-inch print. Cut out the photo carefully using sharp scissors or a paper cutter before you bring it to your appointment.
Rules for Children and Infants
A photo is required for each visa applicant, including newborn babies and small children[1]. The official checklist does not publish separate infant-specific dimensions for the picture[1]. You must follow the same general size and background rules as adult applicants.
You can lay a baby flat on a plain light background if they cannot sit up on their own, and take the picture from directly above. Make sure the child's face is clearly visible, their eyes are open, and the photo is unedited[1].
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Visa offices reject photos that do not match the published official guidelines. If your photo is more than six months old, the office will refuse it[1]. Check the date of your picture before you finalize your application packet.
Any digital editing, filters, or alterations will cause the application to be rejected because edited photos are not accepted[1]. Check your printed picture closely against all size and background requirements to avoid problems at the mission.
Submitting Your Application Correctly
Submit the printed photo with your application[1]. Follow the instructions for the Finnish mission where you apply.
Check that your photo meets the checklist’s stated size, background, age, and editing requirements[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Finnish Schengen visitor visa?
You need one colour photo measuring 36×47 mm, which equals 1.42×1.85 inches[1].
Can I submit a digitally edited photo?
No, edited photos are not accepted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland[1].
How old can the photo be?
The photo must be no more than six months old[1].
Do babies and small children need their own visa photo?
Yes, a photo is required for each visa applicant, though there are no separate infant-specific dimensions published[1].
How should I submit the photo to the authorities?
You must supply a printed photo with your application at the Finnish mission[1].