PASSPORT PHOTO
What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document issued to Finnish citizens that also serves as an official proof of identity. The passport is valid for 5 years.
DIGITAL OR PAPER PASSPORT PHOTO?
You usually don’t need a paper passport photo when applying for a passport. We send your photo digitally directly to the police, and you receive a photo retrieval code immediately via SMS.
With this code, you can submit your application online or at a service point.
Keep your code safe! A digital passport photo speeds up the process, and online applications are cheaper.
HOW MUCH DOES A PASSPORT PHOTO COST?
Prices for passport photos vary greatly, so comparing is worthwhile. Our goal is to offer the most affordable and high-quality passport photos on the market. You can purchase paper and digital passport photos separately, and you won’t pay for a paper photo unless you need one. Additional photos are also available at a low price.
Check the price list for your city:
Helsinki
Espoo
Turku
Tampere
Jyväskylä
Kuopio
Oulu
See also passport photo price comparisons:
PAPER PASSPORT PHOTO FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE!
You may need a paper passport photo for moped, car, or motorcycle licenses. A digital passport photo can be used for these licenses only if you have applied for a passport or ID card with the same photo and it has been approved. The photo will then be automatically sent to Traficom. When dealing with Traficom, you cannot use the photo retrieval code. Most visas also require a paper photo.
3 STEPS TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT ONLINE
COME FOR A PHOTO!
We send your passport photo digitally directly to the police. You will immediately receive a photo retrieval code via SMS (valid for 6 months), which you need when submitting your application!
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE
Fill out your application online at https://asiointi.poliisi.fi. Enter the photo retrieval code we sent you, pay for your passport, and select a pick-up location. Passport delivery takes 5–8 business days, depending on demand!
PICK UP YOUR PASSPORT
Your passport will be delivered to the service point you selected. You will receive a notification when it is ready for collection! When picking up your passport, you must provide proof of identity (driver’s license is not accepted) and show the dispatch code. You may also authorize someone else to collect your passport, but they must present a valid ID.
Generally, you can complete your passport application entirely online if your fingerprints were taken for a previous passport (within the last 6 years) and your name is the same as in your previous passport. If these conditions are not met, you can still submit the application online, but it will only be processed after you visit a service point for identification. The system will notify you during the application if a visit is required.
COME FOR YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO!
We provide professionally taken passport photos that meet all official requirements and are guaranteed to be accepted by the police! No appointment is needed — you can come for your photo whenever it suits you, during our opening hours.
HIGH-QUALITY STUDIO PHOTOS
All our official photos are taken in a professional studio equipped with top-level equipment, from cameras to lighting.
Photos are captured with soft, face-flattering lighting and a lens that produces accurate facial proportions.
Our professionals always check the photo quality. You get to choose your preferred photo, and we inform you of any factors that could lead to rejection, such as reflections on glasses or an overly broad smile.
Only a very small number of our photos are rejected — about 1 in 1,000!
With us, you get exactly the photo you want!
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
Customer service and a smooth, hassle-free experience are our top priorities!
Our team consists of passport photo professionals who know the official requirements for passport photos.
We guarantee that your photo will be accepted for passports and ID cards. If your photo is rejected due to our fault, you will receive a new photo free of charge! If a photo taken exactly according to our instructions is rejected, you get a new photo free of charge.
We have very high customer satisfaction, with the average of our numerous Google reviews nearly reaching 5 stars at every location!
AFFORDABLE DOESN’T MEAN LOW QUALITY
You can get passport photos from us at an affordable price!
We aim to change the market by offering passport photos at reasonable prices, with high quality and excellent customer service. With us, you get passport photos cheaper than some places offer even on sale!
Check it out for yourself:
HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU GET A PASSPORT PHOTO?
No appointment is needed, you can come during our opening hours at your convenience!
A typical passport photo session takes less than 5 minutes. We send your photo immediately to the police system, and you will receive your photo retrieval code before leaving our premises. We always make sure you get your code!
Once you have the code, it means your passport photo is at the police, and you can submit your application right away! The code is valid for 6 months and can also be used at a service point.
VISA PHOTOS
We also provide official passport and visa photos for multiple countries that meet the required standards.
Each country has its own standards, so it’s best to check them before your photo session!
You will receive your photo immediately in digital form via email or on paper to take with you.
The most common visa photos are for Russia, Estonia, and the USA.
PASSPORT PHOTOS FOR BABIES
Even very young children need their own passport when traveling. We offer baby photos at the same affordable price as for adults.
A child’s passport is issued in the same way as an adult’s, with the only difference being that a small child’s passport does not include a signature or fingerprints.
We aim to take a photo that meets official requirements as closely as possible, but for very young children, there is some flexibility. For example, a baby’s mouth can be slightly open. The child must look at the camera, and no hands of the parent or child should appear in the photo.
Bring your child in a good mood — it is difficult to get a successful photo if the child is hungry or tired. Choose clothing without large hoods or collars; the color does not matter.
You may also bring a toy to attract the child’s attention and direct their gaze to the camera.
Our professionals handle children’s photos, so you don’t need to worry about getting a suitable photo!
GUIDELINES FOR THE PERSON BEING PHOTOGRAPHED
Passport photography is a simple and quick procedure, but there are a few restrictions compared to, for example, a CV photo. Passport photo standards in Finland are relatively flexible compared to some other countries.
Our professional photographers will guide you, so you can trust that they will let you know if something might cause the passport photo to be rejected!
WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO
For submitting an electronic passport photo, we only need your first name and phone number. It may also be useful to bring a comb and, if needed, powder for makeup touch-ups. If your skin is shiny, you can reduce shine with blotting paper even if you don’t normally wear makeup.
Do you need a passport for your photo?
You do not need to show your old passport or otherwise prove your identity when taking your passport photo.
WHAT MUST NOT BE IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
A passport photo must not include anything that covers the facial features of the person being photographed. Facial features can be obscured by, for example, long bangs, thick-rimmed glasses, heavy makeup, or a headscarf. No other people may appear in the photo.
In addition, the photo must not have digital retouching, color errors, or optical distortions. The size and quality of the photo must comply with police regulations. In a professional studio, you can trust that your photo will meet the official standards.
HOW TO POSE FOR A PASSPORT PHOTO
The goal of a passport photo is to capture the face as straight as possible. You usually sit during the photo, and while sitting, you should face your entire body directly towards the photographer and keep your back straight.
Your head should be as straight as possible, eyes open, mouth closed, and expression neutral. A slight smile is allowed. It is better to keep the chin slightly raised rather than lowered.
Our photographers will guide you into the correct position!
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A PASSPORT PHOTO
A passport photo is cropped just below the neck, so only the upper part of your shirt is visible. You can wear normal everyday clothes for the photo.
Avoid hoodies and thick scarves, as the hood or scarf may appear against the background in a way that is not allowed. Often, hoods can be adjusted during the photo session so they do not appear in the photo.
A turtleneck can be worn as long as the collar is not unusually thick. Avoid plain white shirts, as passport photos are taken against a white background and the person should stand out. A completely white shirt can create the illusion of a floating head.
CAN YOU WEAR GLASSES IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
You may wear glasses in a passport photo as long as they do not cause reflections and the frames do not cover the eyes or facial features. In practice, it is difficult to take a photo without reflections, so it is recommended to remove glasses for the photo.
Many glasses have thick frames that inevitably cover features such as the eyebrows, which can lead to the photo being rejected. In our experience, the police often reject photos where glasses are worn.
CAN YOU SMILE IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
Yes! The corners of your mouth do not need to point downwards; a slight smile is allowed. However, your mouth must remain closed, and the lips together. The smile must not be so wide that it distorts your facial features.
A small smile is recommended in a passport photo, as it softens your expression!
DO HAIR NEEDS TO BE DOWN IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
No. You can wear your hair as you like in a passport photo, as long as it does not cover your facial features. Hair must not cover the eyebrows.
If you have long bangs or hair that easily falls onto your face, it is a good idea to bring hairpins to the photo session!
CAN YOU HAVE BANGS IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
Yes, as long as your hair does not cover your eyebrows. If your bangs are long, it is a good idea to bring hairpins to the photo session!
CAN YOU WEAR FALSE EYELASHES IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
You may wear false eyelashes or eyelash extensions in a passport photo as long as they do not cast shadows over the eyes. In practice, the thickest volume lashes may create shadows that can cause the photo to be rejected.
As your photo session approaches, it is recommended to slightly reduce the thickness of eyelash extensions!
CAN YOU WEAR MAKEUP IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
You may wear makeup in a passport photo as long as it does not impair your recognizability. According to police guidelines, makeup should not be heavy. Eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lipstick are allowed.
CAN YOU WEAR A HEADSCARF IN A PASSPORT PHOTO
You may wear a headscarf for religious reasons in a passport photo. However, the scarf must not cover facial features, such as eyebrows, or cast shadows on the face.
A small scarf around the neck is allowed as long as it does not cover the background. In practice, large scarves should be avoided, but a small neck scarf is acceptable.
FOR WHICH APPLICATIONS IS AN ELECTRONIC PASSPORT PHOTO ACCEPTED?
AN ELECTRONIC PASSPORT PHOTO IS ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS
PASSPORT – all types issued by the Police and the Finnish Immigration Service, including temporary passports, alien passports, and refugee travel documents
ID CARD – excluding temporary ID cards
FOREIGN NATIONAL ID CARD
SECURITY GUARD CARD
GUARD CARD – including temporary guard cards
SECURITY PROTECTION OFFICER CARD
WEAPON HANDLING PERMIT
RESIDENCE PERMIT – renewal of residence permit cards and residence cards for family members of EU citizens
INFORMATION ABOUT OBTAINING A PASSPORT PHOTO
The passport photo attached to your application must be no older than 6 months. You can apply for an ID card at the same time as your passport, as the same photo can be used for both.
ELECTRONIC PASSPORT PHOTO
When applying for a passport, you do not need a printed photo. For example, these studios send the passport photo electronically directly to the Police, and you receive a photo retrieval code immediately via text message. You can then complete your application online or in person at a service point.
Remember to keep your photo retrieval code safe, as it allows your photo to be accessed in the Police system.
PRINTED PASSPORT PHOTO
You can also use a printed photo for your passport, but in that case, you cannot submit your application online. The Police do not recommend using printed photos because they need to be scanned into electronic form, which takes time and reduces photo quality. A printed photo cannot be used for the electronic application, which is slightly cheaper.
A printed passport photo is required for driving licenses, moped licenses, and motorcycle licenses. An electronic passport photo can be used for these only if you have previously applied for a passport or ID card with the same photo and it has been approved. An electronic photo code or email submission cannot be used for driving licenses. After the passport or ID card is issued, the photo is automatically transferred to Traficom.
Note that the photo must be less than 6 months old even when applying for a driving license, so a photo from an older passport cannot be used.
Most visa applications also require a printed photo.
WHAT IS A PHOTO RETRIEVAL CODE
A photo retrieval code is a 7-character code consisting of letters and numbers. You need this code when submitting your application, both online and at a service point! It ensures that the correct photo is linked to your passport. You receive the code via text message at the time of your photo session.
You can use the code for up to six months for other applications under the Police, such as ID cards.
HOW LONG IS A PASSPORT PHOTO VALID
A passport photo, whether electronic or printed, is valid for six months. When submitting your passport application, the photo must have been taken within the last six months.
PASSPORT PHOTO FOR A DRIVING LICENSE
For moped, car, and motorcycle licenses, you need 2 printed photos.
A Police electronic photo retrieval code is not accepted for driving license applications!
An electronic passport photo can only be used if you have previously applied for a passport or ID card with the same photo. An electronic code or email submission is not valid for driving licenses. After the passport or ID card has been issued, the photo is automatically transferred to Traficom.
Note that the photo must be less than six months old when applying for a driving license, so a photo from an older passport cannot be used.
TAKING YOUR OWN PASSPORT PHOTO
- You can now take your own passport photo, but it must meet strict official requirements.
-
According to the Police, the best lens is 90–130 mm, but a 50 mm lens also produces an acceptable photo.
-
Using a smartphone camera is generally not recommended due to distortions.
-
Use daylight against a light, plain wall. Sit about half a meter from the wall.
-
Photos taken by non-professionals are often rejected, so the Police recommend using a professional.
- Technical requirements for electronic photos:
-
Exact size: 500 × 653 pixels, no deviations allowed
-
JPEG format, maximum file size 250 KB
-
No editing or retouching allowed
-
Face must be clear, without distortions
-
Distance from top of head to chin: 445–500 px (32–36 mm)
-
Space above the head: 56–84 px (4–6 mm)
-
Space below the chin: 96–124 px (7–9 mm)
-
Face and gaze directed straight at the camera, shoulders aligned with face
-
Background must be light, plain, and even
For more detailed instructions, see the Police website.
WHAT NOW!
PASSPORT LOST
If your passport is lost or stolen, it is important to report it immediately to prevent misuse. You can make a report using the online crime report form or by visiting a police station. If you are abroad, you can report it to the Finnish embassy or consulate. After making the report, you can apply for a new passport as usual.
PASSPORT DAMAGED
If your passport is damaged, contact a Police service point or, if abroad, the Finnish embassy or consulate. Do not attempt to travel with a damaged or otherwise compromised passport, as your journey may be stopped at a border control point.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR OLD PASSPORT
When you receive your new passport, the old passport’s validity ends and it is removed from the register. You may no longer use it after that.
The new passport includes instructions on how to invalidate and dispose of the old passport. You can also return the old passport to the Police.
DID YOU NEED THE PASSPORT IN A HURRY?
PASSPORT EXPIRED AND YOUR TRIP IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER? NO WORRIES!
Your passport can also be issued with expedited processing for an additional fee! Please note that applications are only processed on weekdays.
EXPRESS PASSPORT
WHAT IS AN EXPRESS PASSPORT?
An express passport can be collected within two business days at the latest, provided that you submit your application on a weekday by 9:00 AM and there is availability in the same day’s express passport quota!
EXPRESS PASSPORT
WHAT IS AN EXPRESS PASSPORT?
An express passport is a regular passport issued with express processing.
The passport can be collected the same afternoon at 4:00 PM if you submit your application online by 9:00 AM and there is availability in the same day’s express quota.
If you submit your application at a Police service point OR if the online application requires an identification visit, the cutoff time is 11:00 AM. If you submit later or the quota is full for that day, you can collect your passport the next business day at 4:00 PM.
You can apply for an express passport at any Police service point, but the finished passport can only be picked up at the following collection points:
-
Matkahuolto, Kamppi Terminal, Kampin keskus Narinkka 1, Helsinki
-
R-kioski, Terminal 2, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
-
Verkkokauppa.com 24h kiosk, Tyynenmerenkatu 11, Helsinki
Always remember to check the travel regulations for your destination, what type of passport is accepted in that country, and any other requirements, such as passport validity rules.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Still have questions?
Click here for frequently asked questions about passports and passport photos!
WHAT IS A PHOTO RETRIEVAL CODE?
A photo retrieval code is a code you need when submitting your application, both online and at a Police service point! It ensures that the correct photo is linked to your passport. You will receive the code via SMS at the time of your photo session.
DID YOU KNOW?
The photo attached to your application can be no older than 6 months. You can apply for an ID card at the same time as your passport, as the same photo can be used for both!
DID YOU KNOW?
A driver’s license is not an official form of identification! Official IDs are a passport and an ID card.
HEY STUDENT!
A passport photo can also be used for your student card!