Germany Passport Photo Requirements 2026: The Complete Biometric Guide (Passbild)
A German biometric passport photo (Passbild) follows one of the most precisely regulated formats in the EU. The Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the Bundesdruckerei set the technical standard, aligned with ICAO Document 9303, and every Bรผrgeramt checks new photos against the same Lichtbild-Schablone template. A photo that misses any single measurement is rejected on the spot, which matters given how far in advance most Bรผrgeramt appointments must be booked.
The 2025 Digital-Only Rule
Since 1 May 2025, printed paper photos are no longer accepted for German passport, ID card (Personalausweis), or electronic residence permit (eAT) applications made inside Germany. Applicants now choose between a photo taken directly at the Bรผrgeramt terminal (around โฌ6) or a photo taken at a certified studio, which uploads the image through an encrypted cloud service and hands the applicant a printed data-matrix code. The office scans that code at the appointment to retrieve the photo, and the code stays valid for six months. This digital-only rule applies only to domestic ID applications; German missions abroad still accept a standard printed 35ร45mm photo.
Official Technical Specifications
| Requirement | Official Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35mm ร 45mm |
| Digital output | 413 ร 531 px, 300 dpi |
| Face height (chin to hairline) | 32mmโ36mm (70%โ80%) |
| Background | Plain, light, ideally neutral grey |
| Head position | Frontal, no tilt or rotation |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recommended print resolution | Up to 600 dpi |
| Validity | 6 months, current appearance |
| Issuing authority | BMI / Bundesdruckerei |
Why the Background Must Be Light Grey, Not White
The official rule states that the background must be plain and light, ideally a neutral grey, and must contrast clearly with the applicant's face and hair. A medium grey suits fair hair, while a lighter grey suits dark hair. This contrast requirement exists so that automated facial-recognition software can separate the outline of the head from the background cleanly; a background too close in tone to skin or hair reduces that contrast and increases the chance of a manual review or rejection. No other person, object, pattern, or shadow may appear in the background.
Full Compliance Checklist
Expression and Head Position
- Neutral expression with the mouth fully closed
- Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- Head facing forward, centred, with no tilt or turn โ a half-profile is not accepted
- Full facial oval visible, from chin to hairline and ear to ear
Eyeglasses
Glasses are permitted, but the eyes must remain fully and clearly visible through the lenses. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed, and the frame must not cover the eyes. Reflections, glare, or shadows on the lenses cause rejection, so the photo should be taken without flash and away from direct light sources. If glare proves unavoidable, removing the glasses for the photo is the simplest fix.
Lighting
Lighting must fall evenly across the face and background, with no shadow on the face or behind the head and no red-eye effect. Natural daylight from a window, without direct sunlight or flash, generally produces the cleanest result.
Clothing
Plain, contrasting clothing is recommended. White or very pale tops reduce contrast against the light grey background. Clothing resembling a uniform is not permitted.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are accepted only for religious reasons, and the full face must remain visible and free of shadow even when one is worn.
Print Quality
Where a printed photo is still required (for applications made abroad), the paper must be smooth and glossy or semi-matte, without a textured or pearl surface. The Auswรคrtiges Amt recommends a print resolution of at least 600 dpi for a sharp result. The photo must be free of creases, stains, or rounded corners, and must show only the applicant.
Recency
The photo must reflect the applicant's current appearance and, for the digital ePassfoto process, remains reusable for up to six months if the applicant's look has not changed.
Children and Special Cases
Children up to age five are exempt from full biometric checks; only size, frontal framing, sharpness, contrast, lighting, background, and photo quality apply. For children up to age ten, the accepted face height range widens to 22mmโ36mm, and some deviation in gaze direction, head position, and expression is tolerated for infants and toddlers who cannot yet follow instructions.
Getting a Compliant Photo
Upload a clear, front-facing photo, and this tool applies the correct light grey background, positions the face within the 32mmโ36mm height window, and exports a 413ร531 px JPEG at 300 dpi, along with a printable A4 sheet for use where a physical copy is still accepted. The output is built to match the same Lichtbild-Schablone that every Bรผrgeramt terminal and certified photo studio checks against.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still bring a printed photo to my Bรผrgeramt appointment?
Not for a passport, ID card, or eAT application made inside Germany. Since 1 May 2025, only a digital photo taken at the office or transferred by a certified studio is accepted for these documents.
Can I wear glasses in my German passport photo?
Yes, provided the eyes stay fully visible with no glare, tint, or shadow across the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.
Does the background have to be pure white or grey?
The background must be light and plain, ideally a neutral grey that contrasts with the applicant's face and hair. This tool always applies a verified, uniform light grey to match that standard.