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. PassportPic 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
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be light grey — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 70-80% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for Germany Passport photos: allowed only if medically necessary with no glare. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression, mouth closed, looking directly at camera. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 35mm x 45mm; digital submissions need 600x750 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
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Last updated
2026-01-10