Austria
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 3 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in Austria
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for an Austrian passport, applicants must adhere to the strict biometric standards enforced by the MA 62 or the relevant District Authority. These regulations ensure that all identification documents meet the high security and facial recognition criteria required for international travel. Ensuring your Austrian passport photo is compliant is the most important step in avoiding unnecessary delays during your application process.
The official standard requires a photo measuring exactly 35mm by 45mm, with the head positioned in the centre. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes clearly visible, looking directly at the camera. A plain, light grey background is mandatory, and shadows on the face or background are strictly prohibited. Glasses are generally discouraged due to glare, and head coverings are only permitted for documented religious reasons.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:6a732748§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
While most passport applications in Austria require physical prints submitted at local authorities, digital images are increasingly relevant for online pre-registration and specific citizen portals. When digital files are requested, they must meet high-resolution standards, typically in JPEG format, ensuring the file size remains within the specified limits. You can easily prepare a compliant image using idpic.app to ensure the dimensions and lighting meet the biometric requirements before you visit the office.
Common issues
A frequent cause for rejection in Austria is the presence of shadows behind-the-head shadows or on the face, which often occurs due to poor home lighting. Applicants are also frequently rejected for having an incorrect head-to-frame ratio or tilting their heads away from the centre. Additionally, wearing light-coloured clothing against the grey background can lead to a failure in contrast, so it is best to wear a darker, solid-coloured shirt.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
You can obtain professional passport photos at most local photo studios or via dedicated photo booths found in major train stations and shopping centres, which usually cost between 10 and 20 Euro. If you choose to take your own photo, ensure you use a steady tripod and natural lighting from a window to avoid harsh artificial flash. Always double-check your print quality, as the authorities require high-resolution, matte-finish paper for all official identity documents.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
Guides