Germany Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Size, Background & Rules

📐 Germany Passport Photo Specifications

Specification	Required Value
Photo Size	35 × 45 mm 1.38 × 1.77 inches
Digital Dimensions	413 × 531 pixels minimum
Resolution	300 DPI
File Format	JPEG
File Size	Max 9 MB (digital via certified photographer)
Background	Light grey (not white) No white
Face Coverage	Face 32–36 mm in height (70–80%)
Glasses	Clear-lens allowed if eyes fully visible; tinted banned
Photo Recency	Within last 6 months
Face height	32–36 mm (70–80% of photo height)
Background	Light grey — pure white NOT accepted
Photo submission	Digital only via certified photographer QR code (since May 2025)
Glasses	Clear-lens allowed if no glare; tinted/sunglasses banned
Head position	Perfectly centred, facing camera directly
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed, no smile
Headwear	Not allowed (except documented religious reasons)
Issuing Authority	Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) / Bundesdruckerei

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✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

Photo taken Within last 6 months
Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
Both eyes open and clearly visible
Light grey (not white) background — no patterns or shadows
Face centred and occupying 70–80%) of the photo
Head upright, looking directly at the camera
Even lighting — no shadows on face
High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
Clear-lens allowed if eyes fully visible; tinted banned
No headwear (except religious with documentation)
No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

Photo older than 6 months
White background — Germany requires light grey, not white
Non-grey or patterned background
Tinted glasses, sunglasses, or glare on clear lenses
Shadows on face or background
Smiling or open mouth
Head tilted or not facing camera directly
Paper photo submitted (banned since May 2025)
Self-taken photo submitted directly (must go via certified photographer)
Digitally edited or AI-enhanced photo

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

Stand against a plain light grey wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
Remove glasses before taking the photo
Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the grey background
Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 35 × 45 mm size automatically.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a German passport photo? +

35×45 mm (413×531 pixels at 300 DPI minimum). This is the ICAO biometric standard used across the EU. The face must be 32–36 mm in height, occupying 70–80% of the photo. The same size applies to Reisepass, Personalausweis, and Schengen visa applications.

What background is required for a German passport photo? +

Light grey — not pure white. This is one of the most common mistakes: Germany specifically requires a uniform light grey background, not the white background used by India, USA, or Canada. Pure white backgrounds are rejected by German authorities. A medium or light grey wall is ideal.

Are glasses allowed in German passport photos? +

Clear-lens glasses are technically allowed in Germany if the eyes are fully visible and completely free of glare or flash reflections. However, tinted lenses and sunglasses are banned. In practice, most photographers recommend removing glasses to avoid any risk of rejection at the authority.

What changed in Germany passport photos from May 2025? +

From May 1, 2025, Germany banned paper passport photos entirely. All biometric photos for German passports, ID cards, and residence permits must now be submitted digitally via a certified photographer. The photographer encrypts the image and uploads it to a government cloud. You receive a QR code (data matrix code) which you present at your appointment. Self-taken photos from apps or phones cannot be submitted directly.

Can the same photo be used for a German passport and Personalausweis? +

Yes. Both the Reisepass (passport) and Personalausweis (national identity card) use the same 35×45 mm biometric specifications with a light grey background. The digital QR code from the photographer can typically be used for multiple document applications within 6 months.