Germany Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A German biometric passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain light grey background. The head — measured from chin to crown — must be between 32 and 36 mm tall, occupying about 70–80% of the photo height. Bundesdruckerei applies these biometric specifications to passports, the German national ID card (Personalausweis), and visa applications.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Germany Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Germany Visa | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Germany ID Card (Personalausweis) | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain light grey is the official requirement. Pure white is also widely accepted in practice. No patterns, no shadows behind the head.
Expression and eyes
Strictly neutral expression with mouth closed. Both eyes open, looking directly into the camera. Smiling is explicitly disallowed for biometric photos.
Glasses
Glasses are discouraged. If worn, no reflections on the lenses, no tinted lenses, and the eyes must be fully visible. Thick frames covering the eyes will be rejected.
Headwear
No headwear except for daily religious wear that does not obscure the face. Hair must not cover the eyebrows or eyes.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must reflect your current appearance.
Digital format
For online ID and passport applications, digital photos must be at least 413×531 pixels, JPEG, 300 DPI, and pass biometric face recognition checks.
Country-specific notes
- Germany uses ICAO biometric specifications — the face must be straight on, both ears visible if possible, no head tilt.
- The photo can be taken at most photo shops or "Fotofix" booths, but Apple-style apps are accepted if they produce a 35×45 mm output meeting biometric checks.
- For online applications via the BMI portal, a verified upload is supported.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Smiling — even a slight smile is rejected for biometric photos.
- 2 Head tilt or face not facing camera directly.
- 3 Background is too dark or has visible shadows.
- 4 Glasses cause glare or hide the eyes.
- 5 Photo does not match current appearance (older than six months).
- 6 Hair obscures the eyebrows or eyes.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Stand against a light grey wall
Position yourself 0.5 m from a plain light grey or white wall. Use diffuse daylight from in front of you — no shadow behind your head.
Take a straight, neutral shot
Camera at eye level, around 1.5 m away. Look directly into the lens, mouth closed, no smile.
Verify biometric compliance
Photo must be exactly 35×45 mm with the head 32–36 mm tall. Our app checks each biometric rule before producing a print-ready file.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a German passport photo? +
Can I smile in a German passport photo? +
Is a light grey background mandatory? +
Can I use the same photo for my Personalausweis and passport? +
Will my home phone photo be accepted at the Bürgeramt? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.