German passport photo requirements (35×45 mm)
Last reviewed July 19, 2026 by the My New ID Photo editorial team. Rules change—confirm details with the issuing authority before you apply.
Written and reviewed by the My New ID Photo editorial team.
Practical notes for applicants and travelers. This is not legal advice—compare every requirement with the official checklist linked below.
German passport photos must meet PassV (Passport Act) biometric specifications. This summary aligns with our 35×45 mm preset; confirm details with official sources.
Biometric standards
The photograph is 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Your face must occupy a defined proportion of the height (follow the official template). The image must be high contrast, color, and suitable for facial recognition.
Face, glasses, and hair
Look straight into the camera. Eyes open and clearly visible; eyebrows must not be covered. Reflection-free glasses if worn; tinted lenses are not allowed. Head coverings only for religious reasons if the face remains fully visible from chin to forehead.
Background and lighting
Neutral grey background without shadows or patterns. Even illumination; no “hot spots” on the face. No other persons or objects in the frame.
Common rejection and upload quirks
Germany’s biometric photo rules (PassV Anlage 8) require the head to be 32–36 mm high in the 35×45 mm frame. The background must be plain light grey, off-white, or white with no shadows. A neutral expression is required, which means mouth closed and eyes open. The photo is valid for six months from the date of application. Some Bürgeramt or Ausländerbehörde offices are particular about finish—matte is usually preferred because glossy prints can glare under scanners. Make sure the photo is not retouched or filtered; smoothing skin texture can cause rejection.
Printing and submission tips
Passbildautomaten are widely available at train stations and shopping centres and are calibrated to the German standard. Major drugstores also offer passport photo services. If you print at home, use a 100×150 mm sheet with the image centered and cut carefully to 35×45 mm. For online applications, upload the digital file exactly as specified; do not convert a scanned print back to digital, since the dimensions and quality can drift.
How our tools handle tricky backgrounds
German biometric standards demand clean edges and a plain background. Our server-side matting returns a soft alpha channel, and the Edge Refine brush lets you restore missing hair wisps or remove background specks without starting over.
Making this photo in My New ID Photo
Select Germany and Passport. The preset is 35×45 mm with neutral grey background—use background replacement if your wall is not evenly lit. Face the camera directly; keep eyebrows and cheek lines visible for biometric capture. Print on high-quality photo paper if you must submit a physical copy.
Frequently asked questions
- What background colour is accepted for German passport photos?
- A plain light grey, off-white, or white background with no shadows or texture is required.
- Can the photo be older than six months?
- No. German biometric passport photos must be no older than six months at the time of application.
- Are photo booths reliable for German passport photos?
- Yes, Passbildautomaten are calibrated to the German standard. Still, check the print dimensions before submitting.
Official sources
We link to primary sources where possible. Embassy pages, PDF checklists, and ICAO references are listed so you can read the wording yourself—not rely on a summary alone.
- Germany — PassV Annex 8 (biometric photograph requirements)
- ICAO — Machine Readable Travel Documents (Doc 9303)
Related guides for this country
Reminder: Embassies and motor vehicle offices update photo rules without notice. Re-read the official page on the day you submit.
Open the generator, browse all country guides, or read the general requirements overview.