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Germany Passport Photo Rules

Generate a compliant 35x45mm biometric photo (Biometrisches Passbild) for a German passport or ID card application, matching the Bundesdruckerei/ICAO standard.

This photo cannot be used

A photo you make yourself is not accepted for this application, however exactly it matches the size rules.

What to do instead

since 1 August 2025 German passports and ID cards take only digitally captured photos, from a Bürgeramt terminal or a certified studio

Requirements verified · Source: bmi.bund.de

The specification below is still accurate, so you can check what the authorities will be capturing.

Self-made photos are not accepted

since 1 August 2025 German passports and ID cards take only digitally captured photos, from a Bürgeramt terminal or a certified studio

Germany Passport Photo Requirements, Explained

Follow the Bundesdruckerei/Auswärtiges Amt rules to avoid delays with your Reisepass or Personalausweis application.

Quick Check: Do's & Don'ts

No Glasses

Glasses of any kind have been banned in German biometric photos since 2016.

No Smiling

Keep a neutral, closed-mouth expression facing the camera directly.

Plain Light Grey Background

Use an even, shadow-free light grey (or plain light) background.

Recent Photo

Your photo must be no more than 6 months old.

The Digital-Only Workflow

Since May 2025, most applications use a digital biometric capture.

Since 1 May 2025, German passport and ID card (Personalausweis) applications generally use a digital biometric photo captured at the issuing authority or sent through an approved photo service's secure cloud workflow, rather than a printed photo.

However, if you're applying for a visa at a German embassy or consulate abroad, a printed 35x45mm photo meeting this same standard is still required — this tool produces a file suitable for both.

Attire & Accessories

No glasses, minimal accessories, standard ICAO rules.

Glasses — prescription or otherwise — are not permitted in German biometric photos, a rule in place since 2016.

Head coverings are only accepted for religious reasons, and your face must remain fully visible from chin to forehead with no shadow cast by the covering.

Background & Lighting

Plain, light-colored background, evenly lit.

The background should be plain and light-colored — light grey is the conventional choice used by German photo booths and studios. Avoid patterns, textures, or visible shadows.

Facial Expression & Posing

Neutral expression, direct gaze, both eyes visible.

Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and both eyes open and clearly visible. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.

What You'll Actually Download

Printed at 35 x 45mm, 413 x 531px, JPG/PNG. Computed from this photo's own specification, not typed by hand.

How you submitPhotographed on site
Pixel size
413 x 531px @ 300dpi
Print size
35 x 45mm (3.5 x 4.5cm / 1.38 x 1.77 in)
File type
JPG / PNG

Requirements verified · Source: bmi.bund.de

Watch out — Self-made photos are not accepted — since 1 August 2025 German passports and ID cards take only digitally captured photos, from a Bürgeramt terminal or a certified studio

Germany Passport Photo: Digital Capture Only Since 2025

Germany stopped accepting self-made passport photos on 1 August 2025. What the Bürgeramt requires now, what it costs, and the specification it captures.

Get Your Photo in 3 Steps

1. Upload Your Photo

Choose a clear, recent photo from your phone or computer.

Remove glasses — not allowed since 2016.

2. Auto Alignment

We crop to 35x45mm and switch the background to plain light grey automatically.

Chin-to-crown height is checked against the 32-36mm rule.

3. Download & Print

Save a print-ready file for embassy/consulate visa applications, or a digital file matching the standard.

Digital files are sized to 413x531px at 300 DPI.

Germany Passport Photo Specifications

Dimensions35 x 45mm
Head Height32 - 36mm (chin to crown)
BackgroundPlain light grey
Digital Size413 x 531px, 300 DPI

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Can I wear glasses in my German passport photo?▼
No. Glasses have been banned in German biometric photos since 2016, with no exceptions.
Q.Is a printed photo still required?▼
Since May 2025, most Reisepass/Personalausweis applications use a digital photo captured at the authority. Printed photos are still required for visa applications at German embassies and consulates abroad.
Q.What background color should I use?▼
A plain, light-colored background — light grey is the conventional standard.
Q.How old can my photo be?▼
No more than 6 months old at the time of application.