A photo is optional on a CV in all the Nordic countries. It's still fairly common in Denmark and Norway, especially at local companies, and increasingly left off in Sweden and Finland, particularly at large corporates and tech companies. Including a good photo won't hurt you anywhere in the region; leaving it out won't either.

Should I put a photo on my CV in Sweden?

Optional, and declining. Swedish corporates, tech companies and international employers in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö routinely receive CVs without photos. Smaller Swedish companies still see them. If you include one, keep it relaxed and approachable: Swedish workplace culture is informal and a stiff studio portrait can feel out of place.

Should I put a photo on my CV in Denmark?

Common, but not required. Many Danish CVs still include a photo, particularly at local and mid-sized companies. Don't use a graduation photo (the student cap, or studenterhue): it reads as informal. A neutral headshot is the standard.

Should I put a photo on my CV in Norway?

Common and accepted. Norwegian CVs often include a photo, and it's rarely seen as a negative. In international energy, shipping and tech companies the clean, photo-free format is just as normal.

Should I put a photo on my CV in Finland?

Optional. Finnish recruiters focus on content, and many CVs, especially in tech, come without a photo. If you include one, keep it simple and professional.

What makes a good Nordic CV photo?

  • Recent, chest-up framing, plain background
  • Business-casual clothing (Nordic dress codes are relaxed)
  • Natural expression, sharp focus, even lighting
  • Placed in the header of a single-column CV, not inside a sidebar or text box

That last point matters for ATS parsing: According to HAIRED's analysis of 10,000+ CVs, 73% had at least one critical ATS error, and layout problems (text boxes, sidebars, floating images) are among the most common.

Need a Nordic-standard CV with an ATS-safe layout, with or without a photo? HAIRED's Resume Builder handles A4 format and safe photo placement by default. Want to check your current CV first? Get your free ATS score. For how other countries compare, see the full European CV photo guide.