Denmark Passport & Visa Photo Tool – 35×45mm Official Format

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The Challenge

Denmark requires 35×45mm biometric photos for passports, visas, and driving licences with head height 30–36mm, plain light background, and 600 DPI resolution. Professional services charge DKK 130–200. Incorrect background colour or head size = rejection and resubmission delays.

One photo format for Danish passports, visas, and driving licences

Denmark uses standardised 35×45mm photos for passport applications (new, renewal, child), Schengen visa applications, and driving licence (kørekort) applications. The same dimensions, head height requirements, and background rules apply across all three document types. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. Denmark also uses digital photo codes for domestic passport applications at Borgerservice—check with your local Citizen Service centre whether they accept printed photos or require a digital code.

Danish passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?

35×45mm dimensions with head height 30–36mm from chin to crown
Plain light-coloured background (light grey, light blue, or white)—no patterns or shadows
Strong contrast between face and background—critical for light-haired persons
Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
Eyes open and fully visible, no hair covering eyebrows
Glasses allowed only if no glare and eyes fully visible—removal recommended
No hats or headgear unless religious or medical with documentation
827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for print quality
Colour photo showing natural skin tone—no over-exposure or under-exposure
Even lighting without shadows on face or background
No digital retouching, filters, or beauty mode

Common rejection reasons by Danish authorities

Insufficient contrast between face and background (especially for light hair, light scarves)
Head height outside 30–36mm range (too small or too large)
Shadows on face or background from uneven lighting
Glasses causing glare or reflections covering eyes
Photo older than 6 months
Over-exposed or under-exposed—skin tone must appear natural
Hair covering eyebrows or eyes
Smiling with teeth showing (neutral expression required)
Background not plain or has visible objects/patterns
Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
Wearing non-religious headgear (caps, headbands)

How to print Denmark passport photos at home

Paper: Use photo-quality paper (matte or glossy both accepted). Available at Bilka, Føtex, Elgiganten, or online.
Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
Alternative: Print at local photo shop or Fotoautomat booth (DKK 90–150). Specify '35×45mm pasfoto'.
Digital codes: For passport applications at Borgerservice, you may need a digital photo code from an approved provider (e.g., idphoto.dk) instead of a printed photo.

Danish background requirements—not just white

Unlike many countries that mandate pure white backgrounds, Denmark requires a plain light-coloured background—light grey, light blue, or white are all accepted. The critical requirement is sufficient contrast between your face and the background. Persons with light hair, light skin, or light-coloured religious headscarves should use a slightly darker background (light grey or light blue) to ensure their features stand out. Pure white backgrounds can cause insufficient contrast for fair-complexioned individuals, leading to rejection. When taking photos at home, use a plain light-coloured wall or backdrop and ensure even lighting without shadows.

Good vs bad Denmark passport photo examples

Head centred, crown at top guideline, chin at bottom guideline (30–36mm)

Head too large (exceeds 36mm / 80% of frame)

Head too small (less than 30mm / 67% of frame)

Neutral expression, mouth closed, no teeth visible

Smiling showing teeth

Plain light background with strong contrast against face and hair

Light-haired person on white background—insufficient contrast

Eyes fully visible, even with glasses (no glare)

Glasses creating glare or reflections hiding eyes

Even lighting, natural skin tone, no shadows

Shadows on face or background from flash or side lighting

Shoulders visible, head straight and centred

Head tilted or rotated, not facing camera directly

Taking passport photos of babies and children in Denmark

Lay baby on plain light-coloured blanket or sheet on floor. White, off-white, or light grey works.
Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid flash.
Infants: eyes do not need to be open (Danish-specific rule).
Children under 6: neutral expression not strictly required.
Only the child should be in the photo—no hands, toys, bottles, or pacifiers visible.
Children under 16 do not need new photos for passport renewal unless appearance has significantly changed.
Take 10–20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for babies.
Same 35×45mm dimensions and head height rules apply as for adults.

Denmark glasses policy—different from most countries

Denmark is more permissive than many countries regarding glasses in passport photos. You are allowed to wear prescription glasses provided there is no glare or reflection on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. However, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and heavily framed glasses that obscure the eyes are not permitted. Despite glasses being technically allowed, Danish authorities recommend removing them to avoid rejection. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, include a signed doctor's statement with your application. Our recommendation: remove glasses for the photo to eliminate any risk of rejection.

Digital photo codes for Borgerservice

When applying for a Danish passport domestically, many Borgerservice (Citizen Service) centres now use digital photo codes instead of printed photos. You can obtain a code from approved photo providers such as idphoto.dk, Fotoautomat booths, or professional photographers. The code links to your digital photo stored on a central server. You present this code at your Borgerservice appointment instead of physical prints. Not all photo providers offer codes—verify before your appointment. If applying at a Danish embassy or consulate abroad, printed photos are typically required instead of digital codes.

Denmark visa photo requirements (Schengen)

Denmark Schengen visa applications use the same 35×45mm photo specifications as passports. Whether applying for a tourist visa (Type C), work visa, student visa, or family reunification, the photo requirements are identical: 35×45mm, head height 30–36mm, plain light background, neutral expression, taken within 6 months. Visa applications typically require two identical printed photos attached to the application form—do not staple or glue them in a way that damages the photo. For online visa applications, JPEG format is standard.

Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Denmark

Borgerservice photo booth: DKK 130 (2026) added to passport fee
Professional photographer: DKK 150–250 for passport photo set
Fotoautomat self-service booth: DKK 90–150
Online code services (idphoto.dk): DKK 99–125
This tool: Free—download and print at home or at photo shop
Home printing cost: DKK 2–5 per sheet (paper + ink)
Savings: DKK 85–245 per application using DIY approach

Official Danish Government Resources

Step-by-Step Workflow

Upload Photo

Position Head Using Guidelines

Select Enhancement

Download or Print Sheet

Specifications

Photo Size: 35×45 mm
Resolution: 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
Head Height: 30–36 mm (67–80% of frame)
Background: Plain light colour (light grey, light blue, or white)
Recency: Taken within last 6 months
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Paper Type: Photo-quality paper (matte or glossy accepted)
Photos Required: 2 identical photos per application
Valid For: Passport, visa, driving licence (kørekort)

Best Practices

Denmark accepts light grey, light blue, or white backgrounds—not just white. Ensure strong contrast with your face and hair
Light-haired or fair-skinned persons should use light grey or light blue background, not pure white
Glasses are allowed but removal is recommended to avoid glare-related rejection
Two identical photos required per application—print multiple copies
Same 35×45mm format works for passport, visa, and driving licence
For Borgerservice passport applications, check whether you need a digital photo code or printed photos
Photos valid for 6 months—plan multiple applications within this window
Infants don't need eyes open; children under 6 don't need neutral expression
Use crop guidelines to ensure head height is 30–36mm (rejection if outside range)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Denmark passport photo requirements?

Danish passport photos must be 35×45mm, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain light-coloured background (light grey, light blue, or white). Head height must be 30–36mm from chin to crown, face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Glasses allowed if no glare. Two identical photos required per application.

What background colour for Denmark passport photos?

Denmark requires a plain light-coloured background—light grey, light blue, or white. The key requirement is sufficient contrast between your face and background. Persons with light hair should avoid pure white and use light grey instead. Shadows and patterns are not allowed.

Can I use the same photo for Danish passport, visa, and driving licence?

Yes. Danish passports, Schengen visa applications, and driving licence (kørekort) applications all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for all three if taken within 6 months.

Can I wear glasses in Denmark passport photos?

Yes, prescription glasses are allowed provided there is no glare or reflection and your eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted. However, Danish authorities recommend removing glasses to avoid issues—removal is the safest option.

How recent must Denmark passport photos be?

Within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly (facial surgery, major weight change, added or removed facial piercings/tattoos), you must take a new photo regardless. Minor changes like hair colour or growing a beard do not require new photos.

Do babies need eyes open in Danish passport photos?

No. Infants are not required to have their eyes open. Children under 6 do not need a neutral expression. All other requirements (size, background, lighting) apply the same as for adults.

What is a digital photo code for Danish passports?

When applying for a passport at Borgerservice in Denmark, you may need a digital photo code instead of printed photos. This code links to your photo stored on a central server. You can get codes from idphoto.dk, Fotoautomat booths, or professional photographers. Not all providers offer codes—verify before your appointment.

Do children under 16 need new passport photos?

Not necessarily. In Denmark, children and teenagers under 16 are generally not required to take new photos for passport renewal, even after puberty. However, if the child's appearance has changed significantly, new photos may be required.

Where can I print Denmark passport photos?

Print at home on photo-quality paper (DKK 2–5 per sheet), at Fotoautomat booths (DKK 90–150), professional photographers (DKK 150–250), or at Borgerservice (DKK 130 in 2026). For DIY, specify '35×45mm pasfoto' when printing at photo shops.

What's the pixel size for Denmark passport photos?

827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures sufficient resolution for biometric scanning and print quality. Lower resolution may cause pixelation and rejection.

Is Denmark passport photo the same as Schengen visa photo?

Yes. Denmark follows the standard Schengen 35×45mm photo format. The same photo works for passport and all Schengen visa types (tourist, work, student, transit). Head height 30–36mm, light background, neutral expression.