Table of Contents
Since the gradual introduction starting in 2019 and the nationwide rollout in 2023, the Austrian e-card features a photo. This is designed to prevent misuse and make identification at medical appointments easier. But what are the requirements for the e-card photo? And how does it differ from a standard passport photo? This article has all the answers.
What Is the e-card?
The e-card is Austria’s social insurance card. It serves as proof of your health insurance and is required at every doctor’s visit, hospital stay, or pharmacy visit. Since the update, it contains:
- First and last name of the insured person
- Social insurance number (SV-Nummer)
- Photo of the cardholder
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) on the back
Why Does the e-card Now Have a Photo?
The introduction of the photo serves several purposes:
- Fraud prevention: Stopping the card from being passed to third parties
- Identification: Doctors and pharmacists can verify identity
- Security: Supplementing the existing social insurance number
- EU compatibility: Alignment with European standards
Which Photo Is Used for the e-card?
The photo on the e-card is typically sourced from the central identity document register (IDR) — meaning from your most recent passport or national ID card. In most cases, you do not need to submit a separate photo.
Automatic Transfer
| Source | Automatically transferred? |
|---|---|
| Passport | Yes |
| National ID card | Yes |
| Driving licence (card format) | Yes |
| Residence permit | Yes |
| No document with photo available | No — photo must be submitted |
When No Photo Is Available
If you do not have a current identity document with a photo, you will be contacted by the umbrella organisation of social insurance providers (Dachverband der Sozialversicherungsträger). In this case, you need to submit a photo. This commonly applies to:
- Newborns and toddlers
- People without a valid passport or national ID card
- Newcomers without Austrian documents
Requirements for the e-card Photo
Since the photo comes from the identity document register, the same requirements as for a passport photo generally apply:
Technical Requirements
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | 35 x 45 mm (printed smaller on the card) |
| Background | White or light grey, uniform |
| Face | Frontal shot, neutral expression |
| Eyes | Open, visible |
| Glasses | Without glasses recommended |
| Head covering | Only for religious reasons |
| Lighting | Even, no shadows |
| Resolution | At least 600 dpi |
Differences from a Passport Photo
Although the same basic rules apply, there are minor differences:
- Print size: The photo is printed much smaller on the e-card than on a passport
- Recency: The photo does not need to be brand new — it is taken from existing documents
- Biometric strictness: Since the e-card is not a travel document, biometric checks are somewhat less strict
- Colour quality: The photo is printed on the e-card in slightly reduced quality
How Often Is the e-card Photo Updated?
The e-card is automatically renewed every 5 years. During renewal, the current photo from the identity document register is used. If you have applied for a new passport in the meantime, the newer photo will be used.
Special Cases
- Children: Photos for children are updated more frequently as their appearance changes quickly
- New passport: The photo will be transferred at the next e-card renewal
- Lost e-card: When reissued, the current photo is used
Where Do I Submit a Photo If None Is Available?
If you need to submit a photo:
- Online: Through the social insurance portal (www.sozialversicherung.at)
- In person: At your local social insurance office
- By post: To the umbrella organisation of social insurance providers
The submitted photo must meet passport photo requirements.
How PassphotoLabs Helps with Your e-card Photo
If you need to submit a photo for the e-card, PassphotoLabs creates a guaranteed compliant image:
- Biometric verification: Our AI checks all ICAO standards — the same ones used for passports
- Background removal: No matter where you take the photo — the background is automatically set to white
- Instant feedback: You know immediately whether the photo meets the requirements
- Digital format: Perfect for online upload to the social insurance portal
- Only 4 euros: Significantly cheaper than a photographer
- Validation for 1 euro: Have an existing photo checked before you submit it
Frequently Asked Questions About the e-card Photo
Can I use the e-card without a photo?
Yes, the e-card works even without a photo. Your health insurance benefits are not affected. However, doctors may find it harder to verify your identity.
What happens if my photo is no longer current?
The photo will be automatically updated at the next e-card renewal. You can also submit a new photo through social insurance at any time.
Does the e-card photo count as official ID?
No. The e-card is not an official photo ID. It serves exclusively as proof of health insurance.
Conclusion
In most cases, the e-card photo is automatically sourced from your passport or national ID card. If you need to submit a photo, the same requirements as for a biometric passport photo apply. With PassphotoLabs, you can create a compliant photo in minutes — conveniently from home.
Never Miss an Update
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tips and requirement updates about passport photos.
Edvin Kuric
Founder & CEO, ION Solutions GmbH
Experts in biometric passport photos and AI technology.