German Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Rules & Where to Get One (2026)
Complete guide to German passport photo requirements. 35x45mm biometric specs, strict rules on glasses and expression, and how to save money vs dm or Rossmann.
German passport photos follow some of the strictest biometric standards in the world. The requirements have been mandatory since 2010, and German authorities reject photos that don’t meet every specification exactly.
The good news: once you understand the rules, they’re straightforward. The format is the same for passports, ID cards (Personalausweis), and driving licenses — so you only need to learn this once.
Here’s everything you need to know to get your German passport photo right the first time.
German Passport Photo Specifications
German biometric photos differ significantly from US passport photos. The size, proportions, and rules are all different:
| Requirement | German Specification | US Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm | 51 × 51 mm (2×2”) |
| Head height | 32–36 mm (70–80% of photo) | 25–35 mm (50–69%) |
| Background | White or light gray | White only |
| Expression | Strictly neutral, no smiling | Neutral preferred |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
| Resolution | 600 dpi recommended | 300 dpi minimum |
The key differences: German photos are taller and narrower than US photos, and the face must fill a larger percentage of the frame. The expression rules are also enforced more strictly — even a slight smile can get your photo rejected.
The Biometric Requirements Explained
German passport photos must be “biometrietauglich” — suitable for biometric analysis. This means the photo can be processed by automated facial recognition systems at border control.
Head Position and Centering
Your head must be:
- Centered in the frame
- Straight — not tilted or rotated
- Facing directly forward — no three-quarter angles
The distance from chin to the top of your head (not including hair) must measure between 32mm and 36mm in the printed photo. That’s 70–80% of the total photo height.
Expression Rules
This is where German requirements get strict:
- Mouth must be closed — no open-mouth smiles, no teeth showing
- Neutral expression only — no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows
- Both eyes open — looking directly at the camera
- No squinting — eyes must be naturally open
The neutral expression rule is heavily enforced. German authorities use the official “Fotomustertafel” (photo template guide) published by the Federal Ministry of the Interior to check every photo.
Glasses: Almost Always Forbidden
Unlike some countries that allow glasses with conditions, Germany essentially bans glasses in biometric photos:
| Glasses Type | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Prescription glasses | ❌ No (with rare exceptions) |
| Sunglasses | ❌ No |
| Tinted lenses | ❌ No |
| Fashion frames | ❌ No |
The only exception: documented medical necessity. You’ll need a signed statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot remove your glasses (e.g., recent eye surgery). Even then, the frames cannot obscure your eyes, and there can be no glare on the lenses.
The safe play: Just take them off for the photo.
Background Requirements
The background must be:
- Plain — no patterns, textures, or objects
- Light colored — white or light gray
- Uniform — no shadows or gradients
- Contrasting — must contrast with your hair color
Light gray backgrounds are actually preferred in Germany because they provide better contrast for people with light-colored hair. White works fine for most people.
Lighting and Shadows
Your face must be evenly lit with no shadows on:
- Your face (especially around eyes and nose)
- The background behind you
- Either side of your face
Red-eye effect, overexposure, and underexposure will all cause rejection.
What Gets German Passport Photos Rejected
German authorities use software to check biometric compliance. These issues cause automatic rejection:
| Issue | Why It’s Rejected |
|---|---|
| Any smile | Alters facial geometry for biometric scanning |
| Head tilted | Facial features can’t be measured accurately |
| Eyes not fully visible | Iris recognition fails |
| Shadows on face | Creates false facial contours |
| Wrong dimensions | 35×45mm is mandatory |
| Photo too old | Must reflect current appearance |
| Digital alterations | Beauty filters, retouching prohibited |
| Wrong head size | Must be exactly 70–80% of frame |
The most common rejection reasons are smiling (even slightly), glasses, and incorrect head size.
Where Germans Get Passport Photos
Understanding the local market helps if you’re planning to get photos in Germany:
Photo Booths (Fotoautomaten)
- Cost: €5–8
- Location: Train stations, shopping centers, government buildings
- Pros: Fast, available 24/7
- Cons: Limited retakes, harsh lighting
Drugstores (dm, Rossmann)
- Cost: €8–15
- Location: Everywhere in Germany
- Pros: Staff helps with positioning
- Cons: Expensive for what you get
Professional Photographers
- Cost: €15–25
- Location: Photo studios
- Pros: Best quality, multiple shots
- Cons: Need appointment, most expensive
Online Tools
- Cost: €1–5
- Pros: Cheapest, control over result
- Cons: Need to print yourself (unless digital submission)
If you’re outside Germany or want to save money, using an online tool and printing at a local photo service is the most cost-effective option. A 10×15cm (4×6”) print with four German passport photos costs under €0.50 at most print services.
German Passport Photo vs. Other German Documents
Good news: the photo requirements are identical across German identity documents.
| Document | Photo Size | Same Requirements? |
|---|---|---|
| Reisepass (Passport) | 35×45mm | ✅ Yes |
| Personalausweis (ID Card) | 35×45mm | ✅ Yes |
| Führerschein (Driving License) | 35×45mm | ✅ Yes |
| Aufenthaltstitel (Residence Permit) | 35×45mm | ✅ Yes |
One photo works for all German documents. The only variation: driving license photos must be taken within 3 months (vs. 6 months for passports).
Digital vs. Print: What Germany Requires
As of 2025, Germany is transitioning to digital passport photo submission for some documents:
| Document | Submission Method |
|---|---|
| Passport (Reisepass) | Printed photos — bring to Bürgeramt |
| ID Card (Personalausweis) | Digital only — from certified photographers |
| Driving License | Varies by state |
| Visa applications | Usually printed |
For passports, you still bring printed photos to the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) when you apply. The digital-only requirement currently applies mainly to the new ID card system.
How to Take Your Own German Passport Photo
You can absolutely take a compliant German passport photo yourself. Here’s how:
Setup
- Stand against a plain white or light gray wall
- Face a window or use soft, even lighting
- Position camera at eye level, about 1.5 meters away
- Use portrait mode or a 50mm+ focal length to reduce distortion
Taking the Shot
- Remove glasses, hats, and headphones
- Keep expression completely neutral — mouth closed
- Look directly into the camera lens
- Keep both eyes fully open
- Make sure no hair covers your face or eyebrows
Checking Your Photo
Your photo should have:
- Face centered and filling 70–80% of frame height
- Even lighting with no shadows
- Sharp focus on eyes
- Neutral expression with closed mouth
Use a German passport photo tool to crop to the exact 35×45mm dimensions and verify biometric compliance before printing.
Printing Your German Passport Photo
If you’re printing at home or at a print service:
- Print size: 10×15cm (4×6”) sheet with multiple photos
- Resolution: 600 dpi for best quality, 300 dpi minimum
- Paper: Photo paper (glossy or matte both accepted)
- Color: Full color (black-and-white is technically allowed but uncommon)
Most German print services (dm Fotoservice, Rossmann Fotowelt, CEWE) accept uploaded images and deliver prints for under €0.15 per sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a German passport photo?
35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm). This is the standard European biometric format, different from the US 2×2 inch size.
Can I smile in my German passport photo?
No. German biometric photos require a strictly neutral expression with your mouth closed. Even a slight smile will cause rejection.
Can I wear glasses in my German passport photo?
No, with very rare medical exceptions. The safest approach is to remove glasses entirely.
How recent must my German passport photo be?
Within 6 months for passports and ID cards. Within 3 months for driving licenses.
Is the German passport photo the same as Schengen visa photo?
Yes. Schengen visa photos use the same 35×45mm biometric format with identical requirements.
Can I use a US passport photo for a German passport?
No. US photos are 51×51mm (2×2 inches). German photos must be 35×45mm with different head-size proportions.
Where can I print German passport photos in the US?
Most photo print services can print custom sizes. Use CVS, Walgreens, or online services like Nations Photo Lab. Specify 35×45mm or use a 4×6” template with multiple photos.
Ready to create your German passport photo? Our tool automatically formats your photo to the exact 35×45mm biometric specifications and checks all requirements before you print.
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