Requirements for Danish Passports, Visas, and ID Photos
Get the right photo for your Danish passport, driving licence, residence card, visitor visa, or work permit. Use the tool above to crop your image to the correct size.
Covered Danish Documents
When you apply for official documents in Denmark, you must submit a photo that meets strict government standards. This guide covers the Danish passport photo (35×45 mm) and the Danish child passport photo (35×45 mm)[1].
It also covers photos for Danish driving licences, residence cards, visitor visas, and work permits[2][3][4]. Their photo dimensions and submission methods vary by application.
Whether you are a local resident renewing your credentials or a visitor coming from abroad, getting the correct documentation starts with an acceptable picture. Each agency has specific guidelines on how the photo should look, how it must be delivered, and what kind of background is acceptable.
Sizes and Head Heights
Danish passport, child passport, and driving-licence photos measure 35×45 mm, with a head height of 30 to 36 mm[1]. A 35×45 mm photo with a 30 to 36 mm head height is also used for Danish work permits[3].
A 35×45 mm photo is a common size for Danish residence cards and visitor visas[3][4].
Measure head height from the chin to the crown. Follow the stated 30 to 36 mm range for passports and driving licences[1].
Printed Versus Digital Submission
Danish passport applications allow printed or digital photo submission[1]. Check the instructions for your visa application to confirm its submission method[4].
A Danish driving licence requires a printed photo[2]. Residence card and work permit photos are submitted digitally[3].
Before you choose how to submit your file, double check the specific guidelines for your document type. If you are printing your photo at home, use high-quality photo paper with a glossy or matte finish. Avoid using plain office paper, as low-quality prints make it hard for officials to see your facial details clearly.
Practical Tips for Taking Your Photo
Good lighting and clear framing help you take a successful photo at home. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid distortion. Keep the camera lens directly at your eye level.
Face a window to use soft, natural daylight. This prevents harsh shadows behind your head and under your chin. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of using your phone's front camera.
Choose a plain, light-colored background with no patterns, textures, or objects behind you. A simple white or off-white wall works best. Stand slightly away from the wall to avoid casting a shadow directly behind your neck. Remove your hat, sunglasses, and any heavy accessories that hide your face before you begin taking pictures.
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection
For passports and driving licences, the head height must be between 30 and 36 mm[1].
Other reasons for rejection include wearing tinted glasses, having your hair cover your eyes, or showing an unnatural facial expression. Keep your mouth closed, look straight into the camera lens, and keep your face fully uncovered.
Common mistakes also include poor lighting that creates dark shadows under your nose or chin. Red-eye effects from camera flashes will cause your application to be turned down. Make sure your eyes are wide open, fully visible, and looking straight at the camera without tilting your head to the side.
Rules for Children and Infants
Babies and young children must still meet official photo standards when applying for a Danish child passport[1]. While authorities understand that infants cannot always pose perfectly, the photo must still clearly show the child's face.
Follow the photo instructions for the child’s passport application[1].
For babies, you can lay the child down on a plain white sheet or blanket on the floor and take the picture from directly above. Make sure no hands or toys appear in the final image. For toddlers, keep distractions away from the camera lens so the child looks straight ahead with a neutral expression.
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for a Danish passport photo?
The photo must measure 35×45 mm with a head height between 30 and 36 mm[1].
Can I submit a digital photo for a Danish driving licence?
No, the Danish driving licence photo must be submitted as a printed copy[2].
Are residence card photos standardized?
A 35×45 mm photo is a common size for a Danish residence card[3].
Do visitor visas have a set head height rule?
A 35×45 mm photo is a common size for a Danish visitor visa. The verified facts do not set a head-height measurement[4].
How can I format my photo quickly?
You can crop your image using the tool above to match the required dimensions and prepare it for printing or digital upload.
What kind of background should I use when taking the photo?
Use a plain, light-colored background with no patterns or textures behind you.