Swedish ID Photo

The Face and Identity Checks Behind Sweden’s National ID Card

Sweden’s national identity card is issued by the police to Swedish citizens. It should be distinguished from other cards used for identification in Sweden, because the issuing service and application requirements are not interchangeable. At the police passport office, the applicant’s personal attendance connects the identity checks with the portrait for the new national card.

The police take the photograph during the application. Their guidance also describes fingerprint collection for national ID cards, subject to the applicable exceptions. Prepare the supporting identification before the appointment and check the instructions for a child’s application, where guardian consent is relevant. Bringing a child’s photograph alone does not replace the child’s attendance.

To prepare for the picture, read the photo requirements and the explanations of framing, facial expression, background and photo quality. A clear view of the face creates a useful likeness for the card. The capture session is part of producing the identity document, so let the officer guide your position rather than trying to reproduce a casual portrait.

Our Sweden page helps distinguish the national card from passports and residence documentation. The embassy and consulate directory provides contacts if you are checking an application from abroad or the card’s acceptance for a particular journey. Keep the requested identity documents available and verify the details recorded during the appointment. Travel research through the visa finder should use the actual document you intend to carry; an identification card and a passport do not have identical acceptance everywhere.