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Germany Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Complete guide to germany passport photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.

German passport photos (Passfotos) must be 35x45mm with a light grey uniform background, setting them apart from the white backgrounds used by most countries. Glasses are allowed only when medically necessary and must produce no glare, and the face height must fall precisely between 32mm and 36mm. Digital submissions require 600x750 pixels at 300 DPI in JPEG format, with file sizes between 50 KB and 5 MB, and must comply with both ICAO 9303 and EU biometric standards. These regulations are overseen by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and enforced at local Burgeramt offices. SnapID produces biometric-compliant Passfotos automatically, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.

Photo Specifications

Photo Size	35mm x 45mm
Pixel Dimensions	600 x 750 pixels
Resolution	300 DPI
Background Colour	Light grey
Head Size	70-80% of frame height
File Format	JPEG
File Size	50 KB - 5 MB
Document Type	Passport

Photo Requirements

Facial Expression

Neutral expression, mouth closed, looking directly at camera

Glasses

Allowed only if medically necessary with no glare

Head Covering

Not allowed unless for documented religious reasons

Additional Requirements

Must comply with ICAO 9303 and EU biometric standards
Face height must be 32-36mm in the photo
Light grey uniform background required
Photo must be taken by an authorized photographer
No shadows on face or background
Photo must be high quality with sharp focus

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size should my Germany Passport photo be?▾

Your Germany Passport photo must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall. For digital submissions, the recommended resolution is 600x750 pixels at 300 DPI.

What background colour is required for a Germany Passport photo?▾

The required background colour for Germany Passport photos is light grey. The background must be plain and uniform with no patterns, textures, or shadows.

Can I wear glasses in my Germany Passport photo?▾

Allowed only if medically necessary with no glare. If you normally wear prescription glasses, it is generally safest to remove them for the photo to avoid any issues with glare or reflections that could cause rejection.

Can I smile in my Germany Passport photo?▾

No. The requirement is: neutral expression, mouth closed, looking directly at camera. A neutral, relaxed expression with your mouth closed is required for government compliance.

How recent does my Germany Passport photo need to be?▾

Most countries, including Germany, require that your photo be taken within the last 6 months and accurately reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly, you should take a new photo.

Last updated

2026-01-10

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