Germany · Passport Photo
Germany passport photo requirements and official submission rules - 35 x 45 mm
Check the verified 35 x 45 mm size and plain light grey background requirements for Germany Passport Photo. The official submission restriction and accepted channels are listed below.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Background | plain light grey |
| Head size | 70-80% of photo height · 32-36 mm chin to crown |
| Digital requirements | Do not upload a self-created file from this tool for a domestic German passport application. Use photo capture at the authority or secure digital transfer from a registered provider; check the responsible mission for applications abroad. |
| Print requirements | Do not submit a self-printed photo from this tool for a domestic German passport application. Paper-photo rules may differ at German missions abroad; confirm the accepted channel with the responsible mission. |
| Official source | Federal Foreign Office / Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-09 |
Check the official rules before submitting
We are an independent photo tool, not a government agency. Document rules can change, so check the official source linked on this page before submitting. The issuing authority makes the final acceptance decision.
How to take the source photo
- Take the source photo with even front light and no shadow behind the head.
- Face the camera directly with eyes open, a neutral expression, and a closed mouth.
- Frame head and shoulders so the face can be cropped to the verified head-size range.
- If glasses are allowed, lenses must be clear, untinted, and glare-free.
- No casual hats or caps; any permitted covering must leave the full face visible with no shadows.
Common rejection reasons
- Smiling, frowning, closing eyes, or opening the mouth.
- Hair covering the eyes or face outline.
- Necklaces, chains, or shiny jewelry covering the neck/face or reflecting light.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head.
- Heavy filters, beauty effects, or retouching.
- Glasses with glare, tint, thick frames, or lenses covering the eyes.
- A casual hat/cap or permitted head covering casting shadows or hiding facial edges.
Digital upload
- Do not upload a self-created file from this tool for a domestic German passport application.
- Use photo capture at the authority or secure digital transfer from a registered provider; check the responsible mission for applications abroad.
Printing
- Do not submit a self-printed photo from this tool for a domestic German passport application.
- Paper-photo rules may differ at German missions abroad; confirm the accepted channel with the responsible mission.
Official source
Official source: Germany Passport Photo
Federal Foreign Office / Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. Open official requirements: Germany Passport Photo (https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/resource/blob/2557804/bae5d6c6a4bb3459c019132f10fad3d4/fotomustertafel-deutsch-drag-drop-data.pdf). Last reviewed: 2026-08-09.
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