Photo requirements · Switzerland

Switzerland Passport Photo Requirements 2026

A Swiss passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain light background. The head — chin to crown — must be 32 to 36 mm. The Federal Office of Police (fedpol) applies these biometric specifications to Swiss passports, the national ID card, and driving licences. In practice, the photo is captured on-site at the cantonal passport office.

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Quick specs

Photo size

35 × 45 mm

1.38 × 1.77 inches

Head height

32–36 mm

chin to crown

Background

Plain light grey or white.

Authority

Federal Office of Police (fedpol)

Documents covered

The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:

Document	Size	Head height
Switzerland Passport	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)	32–36 mm
Switzerland ID Card	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)	32–36 mm
Switzerland Driving Licence	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)	32–36 mm

Detailed requirements

Background

Plain light grey or white. No textures, patterns, or shadows.

Expression and eyes

Strictly neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling.

Glasses

Glasses are discouraged. If worn, no glare, no tinted lenses, eyes fully visible.

Headwear

No headwear except for daily religious wear that does not cover the face.

Recency

The photo must have been taken within the last six months.

Digital format

For online services, photos meet ICAO biometric standards at 35×45 mm equivalent resolution.

Country-specific notes

fedpol captures the biometric photo on-site at the cantonal passport office for the chip-enabled passport.
Same 35×45 mm specification applies to passport, ID, and driving licence.