How should a Denmark visa photo look?
Denmark uses the 35×45 mm Schengen format with head height around 34.5 mm on a plain light grey background. Since 2018, domestic passport and ID applications are captured digitally on site at the Borgerservice (Citizen Service) office during the appointment; a brought-in print is a fallback. For abroad applications a 35×45 mm print is filed at the missions.
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by Rigspolitiet (Danish National Police). For abroad applications the print must be within six months of the capture date; for domestic appointments the photo is captured live, so recency does not constrain the customer.
Workflow after the shoot
For abroad and fallback work, open the frame in PhotoID Studio and pick the Danmark preset; the app aligns the face, normalises the backdrop to light grey and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI. The same frame is reusable for a Schengen visa.
Capture setup and direction
For abroad/fallback work, seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of a light grey backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8, a softbox at 45° with a reflector opposite. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression"; glasses are best off, and if worn no glare must remain.
Where Borgerservice and consulates send people back
• A backdrop other than light grey (blue, cream, white). • A frame older than six months (abroad). • Glasses glare; frame cutting across the eyes. • A smile, visible teeth, an open mouth. • Hair covering the eyes or eyebrows. • Print without contrast; skin tone drift. • A print outside the 35×45 mm spec.
Borgerservice fallback plus Schengen
Although Borgerservice captures the passport photo itself, Danish studios still see steady traffic for Schengen visas and fallback prints. The PhotoID Studio Danmark preset locks the 35×45 mm light-grey format and switching to a visa layout from the same frame is one click.
Frequently asked questions
Does Borgerservice take the photo itself?
Yes. Since 2018 passport and ID applications capture the photo digitally on site at the Borgerservice appointment.
How recent must the print be for an abroad application?
A 35×45 mm print filed at the missions must be within six months of the capture date.
Are glasses allowed?
Removal is recommended; if worn there must be no glare on the lenses and the frame must not cut across the eyes.
Similar Sizes
Related guides
Passport Photo
ICAO 9303 standard, country sizes and the mistakes that get photos rejected
Passport Photo Software
AI-powered passport, visa and ID photos in seconds: Mac & Windows, fully offline
Passport Photo Requirements
Size, background, head height, glasses and expression: what every authority checks
Passport Photo Size
US 2×2 in, Europe 35×45 mm: every dimension in one chart