German Passport Photo Online

This article will tell you everything you need to know about getting the right size for a German passport biometric photo, including tips on how to get a perfect passport photo at home.

Note that the same guidelines apply to the Personalausweis photo and other essential biometric pictures in Germany.

Table of contents

• German passport photo size
• German passport photo background
• German passport photo dress-code
• Other important German passport photo specification
• German baby passport photo requirements
• Online passport photo maker
• Mobile passport photo app
• Where to print a 35×45 photo in Germany?
• How many photos are required for a Germany passport application

German passport photo size

The required German passport photo size in cm is 3.5×4.5 and 1.37 × 1.77 in inches. Your face should fill 70-80% of the frame, with the height of your head — from chin to crown — between 32 mm and 36 mm. Make sure your head is centered and looking straight ahead to avoid angling.

German passport photo background

The photo background should be light grey. This neutral shade helps ensure that the subject's face is clearly contrasted against the background.

German passport photo dress-code

Dress in everyday clothes, steering clear of uniforms, costumes, or any outfit that appears official or military-like. It's best to choose solid, neutral colors like black, navy blue, or grey, avoiding any patterns that could distract from your face. Make sure your attire doesn't blend into the light grey background.

Hats and head coverings are not allowed, except for items worn for medical or religious reasons (e.g., hijab). In such cases, your entire face must be visible, and you may need to provide documentation verifying the religious significance.

Other important German passport photo specification

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your photo for a German passport:

• Ensure your photo is sharp, clear, and printed on high-quality paper with a resolution of at least 600 dpi.
• The lighting should be even to prevent shadows on your face or background, avoiding photos that are too dark or too bright.
• Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed; avoid smiling or exaggerated expressions, and keep your eyes open and clearly visible.
• Glasses are allowed only if they do not create reflections or hide your eyes. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are prohibited.
• The photo should be recent, taken within the last six months, to reflect your current appearance.

Here is an example:

German baby passport photo requirements

When you need a passport photo for a child’s passport application in Germany, make sure to follow these specific German passport photo guidelines:

• The photo size should be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (or 1.37 inches by 1.77 inches).
• For babies under one-year-old, the head height (from chin to crown) should be between 32 mm and 36 mm, and it’s okay if their eyes are closed.
• The baby’s face should be directly facing forward, with all features from the chin to the hairline clearly visible.
• Use a light grey backdrop, avoiding any patterns or distractions. No shadows should appear on the background.
• Ensure no objects or other people are visible in the photo. If you need to support the baby's head with your hand, make sure your hand isn’t seen.
• The baby should have a neutral expression with a closed mouth. A gentle smile is okay, but their mouth shouldn’t be open.

Online passport photo maker

Where can I get a German passport photo? — For a smooth process, try using an online German passport photo tool like Visafoto.com. Visafoto has been processing US passport photos since 2013 and knows the requirements for every single passport, visa, driving licence or other document worldwide.

Here’s how it works: Take a picture against a plain white background using your phone or digital camera, and upload it to Visafoto.com. The service will automatically adjust the size, format, background color, and facial positioning to ensure it meets official standards. If you’re not happy with the result, we offer free replacements, and if the photo is rejected by officials, you get a full refund.

You’ll receive both a digital version for online applications and a print-ready version.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

Mobile passport photo app

Need a professional German passport-size photo quickly? The 7ID app from Visafoto.com is here to help. This app makes it easy to create passport, ID, and visa photos using just your smartphone, whether you have an iPhone or an Android device.

Simply upload your picture, choose your document type and country, and let 7ID take care of the details. The app adjusts everything from size to background to meet official German passport photo dimensions. You'll receive both a digital file and a print template that fits common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

If you need any help, our technical support team is available around the clock.

Where to print a 35×45 photo in Germany?

Visafoto and 7ID make printing easy by providing a file with four individual passport photos on one sheet. Here’s how you can print them:

At home:

• Get a 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
• Open the photo template by Visafoto or 7ID on your computer.
• Right-click the file and choose 'Print.'

With a printing service:

• If you don't have a printer, you can use a local printing service:
• Request a print on 10×15 cm (4×6 inches) paper.
• Many services allow online ordering and payment for convenient pick-up. Popular options in Germany include Foto-Meyer Digital Imaging, Photo Service Shop, and Foto Koch.

How many photos are required for a Germany passport application

For a German passport, you usually need to submit two identical standard passport-size photos.