Applying for a Sweden visa can be an exciting step toward exploring a Scandinavian dream. But before diving into flight bookings and itinerary planning, there’s one small but crucial detail that can lead to delays, rejections, or the need to restart your entire application: your Sweden visa photo size and quality.

Swedish officials adhere to stringent biometric requirements. Even a photo slightly out of size, poorly lit, or old can lead to unwanted delays or even a direct rejection of your visa.

This complete guide provides you with all the information you require and regulations to make your application successful on the first attempt.

Official Sweden Visa Photo Size Requirements

The standard Sweden visa photo size requirements are:

  • Size: 35 mm wide x 45 mm high
  • Head height: Must occupy 70-80% of the photo (around 32-36 mm)
  • Head position: Centred, facing forward, no tilt
  • Facial expression: Neutral with closed mouth, eyes open, no smiling

Tip: These aren’t the same as India’s passport photo dimensions (which are often square). Make sure your photographer knows you need a photo specifically for a Sweden visa.

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Background & Lighting Rules

Sweden's visa officials need clean, uniform backgrounds to provide biometric clarity. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Background requirements:

  • Plain white or light grey background only
  • No shadows behind your head or body
  • Uniform lighting across the entire background
  • No textures, patterns, or colored backgrounds

Lighting specifications:

  • Even natural lighting on your face
  • No harsh shadows on the face or background
  • No red-eye or flash glare
  • Avoid overhead lighting that creates shadows under the eyes

Pro Tip: Natural light from a window works well for DIY digital photos. Just ensure there are no harsh shadows.

Dress Code & Appearance Guidelines

How you look and what you wear in the photo mean more than you realise:

Clothing guidelines:

  • Avoid white or very light-colored clothing that blends with the background
  • No uniforms unless it's your daily work attire
  • Dark or contrasting colours work best
  • Professional or smart-casual attire is recommended
  • Uniforms are not allowed, including military

Headwear and accessories:

  • No headwear unless required for religious reasons
  • If religious headwear is worn, the face must be fully visible
  • Remove caps, hats, or fashion accessories
  • Avoid colored lenses and accessories that cover your face

Eyeglasses policy:

  • Daily wearing glasses is allowed
  • Sunglasses are strictly prohibited
  • Ensure no glare or reflection on lenses
  • Frames should not obscure eyes

Reminder: Hair should not fall in front of your face or eyes.

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Technical Specifications

Photo quality standards:

  • High-resolution digital photo with face shown clearly
  • Must be in colour, not black and white
  • Sharp focus throughout the image
  • No digital edits or filters

Recency requirements:

  • The photo must be taken within the last six months
  • Must represent your current appearance
  • Natural skin tone representation

File format for online applications:

  • JPEG format preferred for digital submissions
  • File size typically between 200KB to 500KB
  • Resolution: 300 DPI minimum

Print specifications:

  • Two identical photos are required
  • Matte or glossy finish is acceptable
  • No creases, tears, or damage
  • Professional photo paper is recommended

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many Indian applicants face rejection due to these common Sweden visa photo size and specification errors:

  • Cropping the head too much or leaving too little margin
  • Using old or reused passport photos
  • Smiling or tilting your head
  • Poor lighting causes shadows or glare
  • Blurry or pixelated images
  • Wearing white clothes on a white background

Mistake alert: Don’t assume your passport photo will work. The Sweden visa photo size and specs are different.

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Sweden Visa Types & When These Rules Apply

These photo guidelines apply across all major Sweden visa categories for Indian applicants:

  • Tourist visa: All tourism applications require standard 35mm x 45mm photos
  • Student visa: The same photo requirements for study permits and students' visas
  • Business visa: Same requirements for business visits and conferences
  • Transit visa: Short-transit visas have the same photo requirement
  • Family visit visa: Visiting family and friends needs to have standard specifications

Whether you're applying at the Swedish Embassy in India or VFS Global, the requirements stay the same. But double-checking on their official website or with your visa service provider, just in case, is always a good idea.

How Visa2Fly Can Help

It's easy to get confused about visa regulations, but there's no need to go it alone. Here at Visa2Fly, we provide complete support for your Sweden visa application, including:

  • Expert check of your Sweden visa photo size and requirements
  • Photo-check and correction as an optional service
  • Form filling and document preparation step-by-step instructions
  • Application tracking in real time
  • Expeditious, guaranteed tourist, student, and business visa service

With Visa2Fly, you can skip the guesswork and avoid costly delays.

Conclusion

It's when applying for your Sweden visa approval that a compliant photograph isn't a formality, it's a requirement.

By using the official Sweden visa photo size and technical regulations, you significantly decrease the likelihood of rejection.

If you're unsure or would like assurance, Visa2Fly can assist you. From checking your photograph twice to taking care of your entire visa process, we can assist you.

Ready to apply for your Sweden visa the correct way and keep your travel plans on track?