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
Driver's License
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.
German passport photos use a 35 x 45 mm biometric image with a plain, contrasting background. Clear glasses are allowed if they do not hide the eyes or cause reflections.
See the full 35 × 45 mm passport specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
Since May 2025, German passport and ID photos must come from a certified provider via secure digital transfer or be taken at the issuing office. Home uploads are not accepted.
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
Use a certified photo provider or a photo terminal at the issuing office. Check which option your local office offers.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
Guides