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The Challenge
Germany requires 35×45mm biometric photos with a neutral grey background (not white), face height 32–36mm (70–80% of frame), and 600 DPI minimum. The competitor incorrectly states white background. Since May 2025, domestic German passport/ID applications require digital-only photos via QR code from certified photographers — but visa applicants abroad still need printed photos. Professional services charge €8–20. One rejected photo = weeks of resubmission delays.
Germany requires GREY background — not white
- Official requirement: neutral grey background that contrasts with face and hair
- Light grey for people with dark or black hair
- Medium grey for people with light, grey, or blonde hair
- Many online guides incorrectly state white background — this can cause rejection
- Background must be single colour, no patterns, no shadows
German biometric photo requirements
Germany follows ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards as defined by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt). Photos must be 35×45mm with face height 32–36mm (70–80% of frame) for adults. The official sample photo guide from german embassies specifies a neutral grey background — not white — with contrast to face and hair colour. Photos must be printed at minimum 600 DPI on high-quality photo paper. Both colour and black-and-white are accepted for passport applications, but visa applications require colour photos only. German embassies require 2 identical photos for Schengen visa applications.
May 2025 law change: Digital-only for German domestic applications
- Since May 1, 2025: German passport and ID card (Personalausweis) applications require digital photos only
- Photos must be taken by certified photographer or Bürgeramt self-service terminal (€6 fee)
- Photographer provides QR code — paper prints no longer accepted for domestic applications
- Self-taken photos, photo booth photos, and photo apps are NOT permitted for domestic German ID/passport
- This change does NOT affect visa applicants abroad — embassies still accept printed photos
- This tool is ideal for: Schengen visa applications, residence permits abroad, and preparing photos before visiting certified photographer
German passport & visa photo requirements checklist
- 35×45mm dimensions, no border or frame
- Face height 32–36mm from chin to crown (70–80% of frame)
- Neutral grey background — light grey for dark hair, medium grey for light hair
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible, looking directly at camera
- Clear-lens glasses allowed if eyes fully visible (no tint, no glare, no frames covering eyes)
- No head coverings (except religious/medical with documentation)
- No uniform parts visible in photo
- High-quality photo paper, minimum 600 DPI print resolution
- Colour photos required for visa applications (B&W accepted for passport only)
- No digital filters, retouching, or beauty mode
- No shadows on face or background
- 2 identical photos for visa applications
Common rejection reasons at German embassies
- White background instead of required neutral grey (most common error from online tools)
- Face height outside 32–36mm range (below 27mm or above 40mm = automatic rejection)
- Shadows on face or background
- Black-and-white photo submitted for visa application (colour required)
- Glasses with tinted lenses, glare, or frames covering eyes
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution or pixelation (below 600 DPI)
- Head tilted, turned, or not centred
- Mouth open or visible teeth
- Uniform parts visible in photo
- Photo digitally altered or filtered
Good vs bad German passport photo examples
How to print German passport photos at home
- Paper: Use high-quality photo paper (matte or glossy both accepted). German authorities do not mandate matte-only unlike some countries.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode. Minimum 600 DPI.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '35×45mm biometric on photo paper'. Cost: €3–8 at print services vs €8–20 at professional studios.
German Schengen visa photo requirements
Schengen visa applications at German embassies require 2 identical biometric colour photos in 35×45mm format. Black-and-white is not accepted for visa applications. Both printed photos and digital uploads are accepted depending on embassy — check your local German embassy website. For online submission, photos must be JPEG format, typically under 300KB file size, at minimum 600 DPI resolution. Embassies increasingly use AI-powered photo verification to automatically check compliance. German embassies will not accept applications with non-compliant photos — ensure grey background and correct face proportions before submission.
Children and baby passport photo rules (Germany-specific)
Germany has age-specific relaxations following ICAO standards. Babies under 1 year: eyes may be closed. Children up to 5 years: neutral expression not required, head does not need to be centred, and direct camera gaze not mandatory. Children aged 6–9: same adult requirements except face height can be 50–80% of frame (22–36mm) instead of adult 70–80%. From age 10: full adult requirements apply. For babies, lay on plain grey blanket and photograph from above. No other person, hands, toys, or objects may be visible in the frame.
Germany vs other EU countries — key differences
Germany uses the standard EU 35×45mm format but has distinct requirements. Grey background is required — unlike UK (light grey/cream acceptable), Ireland (light grey/cream/off-white), or many countries that accept white. Germany allows clear-lens glasses (many countries now ban all glasses). Germany accepts both colour and B&W for passports (but not visas). The face coverage requirement (70–80%) is stricter than some EU countries. Since May 2025, Germany is the first major EU country to mandate digital-only passport photos domestically, though this doesn't affect visa applicants abroad.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Professional photo studio in Germany: €8–15 for biometric photos
- Bürgeramt self-service terminal (domestic only): €6 for digital photo
- Certified photographer with QR code (domestic only): €10–20
- Photo booth (no longer accepted for German domestic applications since May 2025)
- Embassy photo service abroad: €10–20 depending on location
- This tool: Free — download and print at home or local photo shop for €0.30–0.80
- Savings: €8–20 per application for visa applicants abroad
Official German Government Resources
- Official Sample Photo Guide — German Embassy Official biometric photo requirements PDF from German diplomatic missions (English)
- Federal Foreign Office — Passport & Visa Information German Federal Foreign Office visa services and application information
- Personalausweisportal — Digital Photo Requirements Official portal for German ID card and passport photo digital submission (German)
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines (32–36mm)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Height (Adults)
- 32–36 mm (70–80% of frame)
- Face Height (Children ≤9)
- 22–36 mm (50–80% of frame)
- Background
- Neutral grey (light grey for dark hair, medium grey for light hair)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos (visa applications)
- Valid For
- Passport, Schengen visa, national ID (Personalausweis), residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
Best Practices
- Germany requires GREY background — not white. Use a neutral grey wall or backdrop for contrast with face and hair
- Face must occupy 70–80% of frame (32–36mm from chin to crown for adults)
- Clear-lens glasses are allowed if eyes are fully visible with no glare — Germany is more lenient than many countries on this
- Visa applications require 2 identical COLOUR photos — B&W not accepted for visas
- Since May 2025, German domestic passport/ID applications require digital-only photos from certified photographers — this tool is for visa and residence permit applicants abroad
- Both matte and glossy photo paper accepted — no matte-only restriction unlike some countries
- Children ≤9: face can be 50–80% of frame (22–36mm). Babies under 1 don't need eyes open
- No uniform parts visible — this includes military, police, and other official uniforms
- Print at minimum 600 DPI — lower resolution will be rejected by embassies
Frequently Asked Questions
What background colour is required for German passport photos?
Neutral grey — not white. The official German government sample photo guide specifies a single-colour bright background, ideally neutral grey. Light grey for people with dark hair, medium grey for people with light or grey hair. The background must contrast with face and hair. Many online tools incorrectly state white background, which can lead to rejection.
What are the German passport photo dimensions?
35×45mm (1.37×1.77 inches). Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame, meaning chin-to-crown height should be 32–36mm. Photos will be rejected if face measures less than 27mm or more than 40mm. Resolution must be minimum 600 DPI (827×1063 pixels).
Can I still use printed photos for German visa applications?
Yes. The May 2025 digital-only law applies only to domestic German passport and ID card (Personalausweis) applications at Bürgerämter. Schengen visa applicants at German embassies abroad still submit printed photos. Both printed and digital uploads are increasingly accepted depending on the specific embassy — check your local German embassy website.
Can I wear glasses in German passport photos?
Yes, if lenses are clear (not tinted), there is no flash glare or reflection, and frames do not cover any part of the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted. Germany is more lenient on glasses than many countries that ban them entirely.
How many photos do I need for a German Schengen visa?
2 identical biometric colour photos are required for Schengen visa applications at German embassies. Photos must be in colour — black-and-white is not accepted for visa applications, even though it is accepted for German passport applications.
What are the requirements for children's passport photos in Germany?
Children aged 6–9: face must be 50–80% of frame (22–36mm), otherwise same as adults. Children aged 5 and under: same face measurements as 6–9, but neutral expression not required, head does not need to be centred, and direct camera gaze not mandatory. Babies under 1: eyes may be closed. No other person, hands, toys, or objects may be visible.
What changed about German passport photos in May 2025?
Since May 1, 2025, German domestic passport and ID card applications only accept digital biometric photos. Self-taken photos, standard photo booths, and photo apps are no longer permitted. Photos must come from certified photographers who transmit via encrypted QR code, or from Bürgeramt self-service terminals (€6). This does not affect visa applicants abroad who still use printed photos.
Is matte paper required for German passport photos?
No. Germany accepts high-quality photo paper in both matte and glossy finishes. The official requirement is 'high-quality paper' with minimum 600 DPI resolution. This differs from countries like Albania and Ireland which specifically require matte paper.
Can I use the same photo for German passport and Schengen visa?
The dimensions are identical (35×45mm) with the same face positioning requirements. However, visa applications require colour photos only, while passport applications accept both colour and B&W. Both must be taken within 6 months. For domestic passport applications since May 2025, only digital photos via QR code are accepted.
What digital photo format is needed for online German visa submission?
JPEG (.jpg) format, typically under 300KB file size, at minimum 600 DPI resolution. Many German consulates now accept digital uploads through online visa portals alongside or instead of printed photos. Check your specific embassy's portal requirements as they may vary.