Good to know: In Germany, passport and ID photos are now digital only, from a certified photographer or the office’s own terminal. German missions abroad may still accept a printed 35 × 45 mm photo: check yours.
German passport (applying abroad) photo requirements
Germany’s photo chart (July 2025) measures the face from the chin to the top of the head, leaving out the hair: 70–80 % of the photo, which is 32–36 mm. Children under 10 may be 50–80 %, and under-6s get more leeway. The background should be plain and light, ideally neutral grey.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head | 32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head, not counting the hair |
| Background | A plain light grey background |
| Glasses | No tinted lenses, no reflections, frames off the eyes. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera |
| Babies | Under 10: the face may be 22–36 mm. Under 6: some leeway on head position, expression and the eyes. |
| Editing | “Retouching and soft-focus filters are not acceptable.” |
Source: bundesdruckerei-gmbh.de, personalausweisportal.de, personalausweisportal.de (2026-11-09). Germany measures from the chin to the top of the head, ignoring the hair; the app does the same for this document.
Taking a German passport (applying abroad) photo
Stand in front of a plain light grey background. Glasses are a risk: take them off if they catch the light. Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed. For a baby: Under 10: the face may be 22–36 mm. Under 6: some leeway on head position, expression and the eyes.
Printing German passport photos
8 fit on a 4×6 print, 9 on a 5×7, 25 on A4 and 25 on US Letter.
Questions
What size is a German passport (applying abroad) photo?
35 × 45 mm, with the head 32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head (not counting the hair).
Can I take a German passport (applying abroad) photo at home?
Usually, yes. In Germany, passport and ID photos are now digital only, from a certified photographer or the office’s own terminal. German missions abroad may still accept a printed 35 × 45 mm photo: check yours.
Can I change the background?
The rules say: “Retouching and soft-focus filters are not acceptable.”
Other photos
- 35 × 45 mm photo 35×45 mm
- UK passport 35×45 mm
- Schengen visa 35×45 mm
- Italian passport 35×45 mm
- Every passport and visa photo