What is the size of German passport photo?

German passport photos must be 35mm wide x 45mm tall. The face must occupy 70-80% of the image, with head height between 32-36mm from chin to crown.

Are glasses allowed in German passport photos?

Since November 2017, glasses are generally not allowed in German biometric passport photos to prevent reflection issues. Only medical exemptions apply.

What background is required for German passport photo?

German passport photos require a plain light gray background (not pure white). The background must be uniform without patterns or shadows.

How much does German passport cost?

German passport costs 70 for adults (10-year validity) and 37.50 for children under 24 (6-year validity). Express processing costs additional 32.

ID Biometric Compliant

German Passport Photo Requirements

Reisepass Foto / Passbild

Create biometric photos for German passport (Reisepass), ID card (Personalausweis), and driver's license (Fhrerschein). Size: 35 x 45mm.

Create Passport Photo

35 x 45mm

Biometric

Photo Specifications

Size Requirements

Photo Size	35 x 45 mm
Digital Size	413 x 531 px
Head Height	32-36 mm
Face Coverage	70-80%
Eye Position	22-30mm from bottom
Resolution	300 DPI min

Biometric Standards

OK Light gray background (not pure white!)
OK Face centered, looking straight ahead
OK Neutral expression, mouth closed
OK Both eyes open, visible, and sharp
OK Uniform lighting, no shadows
No No glasses (since Nov 2017)
No No smile, open mouth, or teeth showing

Biometric Head Position

2-4mm

Eyes: 22-30mm

Head
32-36mm

Top Margin

2-4 mm

Head Height

32-36 mm

Eye Line

22-30 mm

German Identity Documents

PASS

Reisepass

(Passport)

10 years validity (adults)

PERSO

Personalausweis

(ID Card)

10 years validity (adults)

Fhrerschein

(Driver's License)

35-45

15 years validity (EU format)

How to Apply

In Germany

1 Book appointment at Brgeramt (citizen office)
2 Bring biometric photo + old passport
3 Pay fee (70 adults, 37.50 under 24)
4 Collect in 3-6 weeks (or express 32 extra)

Outside Germany

1 Contact German Embassy/Consulate
2 Book appointment online
3 Bring same documents as in Germany
4 Processing: 6-10 weeks typically

Common Photo Mistakes

Wearing Glasses

Banned since 2017

Smiling

Strictly neutral only

White Background

Must be light GRAY

Head Tilted

Must be straight

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Germany stricter about photo backgrounds?

Germany requires light gray backgrounds (not pure white) because:

Pure white can cause overexposure at photo edges
Gray provides better contrast for facial recognition
It's specified in the German biometric photo guidelines (Fotomustertafel)

Our tool automatically applies the correct shade of gray for German documents.

Can I take my own biometric photo?

Yes, but it must meet exact specifications. Tips:

Use natural daylight or diffused lighting
Stand against a plain wall (gray preferred)
Position camera at eye level
Use VisaPicPro to ensure correct sizing and proportions
Print on high-quality matte photo paper

Note: Brgeramt staff can reject photos that don't meet standards.

What about babies and children?

Special rules for infants and young children:

Under 6: Neutral expression required but minor deviations accepted
Under 1: Eyes open not strictly required
Child must be photographed alone (no hands holding them)
Can lay baby on gray blanket for photo

Children under 16 get passports valid for 6 years (37.50).

Is the German passport photo same as Schengen?

Germany follows Schengen/ICAO standards with one key difference:

Size: Same (35 x 45mm)
Background: Germany prefers light gray, Schengen accepts white
Head size: Same (70-80% of photo)

A German-spec photo works for all Schengen countries, but not vice versa.