Photo Requirements for Åland Islands Passports and IDs
Prepare your official application pictures correctly by following official rules and formatting your prints easily. Whether you need a new passport, a driving licence, or a residence permit, taking the right picture saves you time at the office.
Supported Documents and Sizes
The Åland Islands use specific photo rules for various official documents. This page covers the Åland Islands passport, the Finnish identity card, the Åland Islands driving licence, the Finnish residence permit card, and the Finnish seaman’s passport.
The listed passport, identity card, driving licence, residence permit, and seaman’s passport photos are 36×47 mm[1]. The Police of Finland handle passport applications[2], while the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) manages driving licences[3], and the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) handles residence permits[4].
A 35×45 mm photo is a common size for a Finland Schengen visitor visa; the Ministry for Foreign Affairs does not set one official size for this document[5].
Head Height and Framing
For the passport photo, head height from the top of your head to your chin must measure between 32 and 36 mm[1].
Position your face in the center of the frame and look directly at the camera. No head-height measurement is listed for the Schengen visa. Check the current application instructions before submitting your photo.
Taking the Photo at Home
You can take your application photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask a helper to take the picture instead of taking a selfie, because selfies distort facial features and change your head proportions.
Stand about one to two meters from the camera and keep the lens at eye level. Use even light and avoid harsh shadows.
Background and Lighting
Your photo must feature a plain light background behind you[1]. Stand a little bit away from the wall to stop shadows from forming behind your head.
Use even lighting and avoid shadows or bright spots[1]. The background should be plain, light, and neutral[1].
Facial Expression and Pose
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth completely closed[1]. Look straight ahead and keep your eyes wide open and visible.
Avoid smiling, frowning, or tilting your head in any direction. Your face must point directly toward the camera without turning to the side[1]. Relax your facial muscles to keep your natural look while maintaining the required neutral pose.
Glasses and Headwear
You can wear prescription glasses as long as the frames do not cover your eyes and the lenses do not reflect light[1]. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are strictly forbidden unless you need them for medical reasons[1].
Headwear like hats or caps is not allowed unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons, and it must never hide your face[1]. Make sure your hair does not fall across your eyes or obscure your facial contours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many application pictures get rejected because of simple errors. Watch out for a slight smile or parted lips, which breaks the neutral expression rule[1].
Another common mistake is poor lighting that casts shadows under your nose or chin[1]. Check that your hair is tucked away from your face so your eyes and the edges of your face are fully visible[1].
Preparing and Printing Your Photos
You can submit both printed and digital versions depending on the specific application[1]. Use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions for your specific document.
The tool places your cropped photo onto a standard 4×6-inch sheet so you can print it at a local photo kiosk just like a normal picture. Preparing your prints this way saves time and keeps costs low for your application process.
Frequently asked questions
What size is an Åland Islands passport photo?
It must be 36×47 mm with a head height of 32 to 36 mm[1].
Can I wear glasses in my Finnish ID photo?
Yes, as long as the frames do not block your eyes and the lenses have no glare[1].
What background should I use?
You must use a plain light background[1].
How do I print my photo at home?
You can use the tool above to arrange your photo on a standard 4×6-inch template for easy printing at any photo kiosk.
What are the rules for a Schengen visa photo?
The Finland Schengen visitor visa photo is 35×45 mm, and the authority does not set a single official head height[5].
Can I use a selfie for my official document photo?
No, you should have someone else take the picture to avoid lens distortion and incorrect proportions[1].