Germany
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 7 document types.
Passport
35 × 45 mm
ID Card
35 × 45 mm
Visa
35 × 45 mm
Driving Licence
35 × 45 mm
Residence Permit
35 × 45 mm
Student Visa
35 × 45 mm
Baby Passport
35 × 45 mm
Helpful pages for document photos in Germany
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 a German passport or ID card, your photograph must strictly adhere to the biometric standards set by the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt). These regulations ensure that facial recognition software can accurately process your identity during border control. Whether you are renewing at a local Bürgeramt or applying from abroad, providing a compliant image is the most critical step in avoiding processing delays.
The mandatory size for a German passport photo is 35mm by 45mm, featuring a neutral grey background that provides sufficient contrast. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes looking directly into the camera lens. Glasses are not allowed, and head coverings are strictly prohibited unless worn for religious reasons, provided they do not obscure the face. The lighting must be uniform, with no shadows on the face or background.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:fd62defe§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For in-person appointments at a German Bürgeramt, you typically bring a physical print, though some offices now accept digital uploads via secure kiosks. If you are applying for specific digital ID services, your photo must be saved as a high-resolution JPEG file. Using a professional tool like idpic.app can help you format your photo to the exact biometric dimensions required by the German authorities before you finalize your application online or visit your local office.
Common issues
The most frequent cause for rejection in Germany is poor lighting, specifically shadows cast across the face or the background. Many applicants also fail the biometric check because their head is not perfectly centred or tilted at an angle, rather than facing straight ahead. Additionally, wearing clothing that blends into the grey background or having hair that obstructs the contours of the face will often result in your application being sent back by the clerk.
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
Most German citizens visit a local photo booth or a professional photography studio, which usually costs between 15 and 25 Euros. Alternatively, you can take your own photo at home using a plain wall, provided you ensure even lighting and correct alignment. Always check your local Bürgeramt website, as some larger cities now offer specialized biometric photo terminals directly in the waiting area that calibrate your image automatically for a small fee.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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