Applying for a Passport: What Photos Do You Need?

Need a new passport? Then you also need a current biometric passport photo. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the photo requirements — and how to get your photo the easiest way.

Which Documents Need a Passport Photo?

In Austria, you need a biometric passport photo for the following documents:

Requirements at a Glance

Every passport photo for an Austrian passport must meet these criteria:

• Format: 35 x 45 mm
• Face height: 32–36 mm (chin to top of head)
• Background: Uniform white or light grey
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
• Gaze: Directly into the camera
• Photo age: No more than 6 months old

Important: Since 2020, glasses are generally permitted in passport photos — as long as there are no reflections on the lenses and the eyes are clearly visible.

How Many Photos Do I Need?

• Passport: 1 photo (digitally captured)
• ID card: 1 photo
• Driver’s license: 1 photo

In the past, you needed 2–4 identical prints. Today, a single photo is usually enough, as authorities scan it digitally. If you have a digital passport photo from PassphotoLabs, you can still print it as many times as needed.

Where Can I Get a Passport Photo?

Option 1: Photographer (€10–25)

• Appointment needed, business hours only
• 30–60 minutes total time
• Only printed copies

Option 2: Photo Booth (€8–12)

• Location-dependent, often at train stations
• No guarantee of biometric correctness
• About 80% acceptance rate

Option 3: PassphotoLabs (€4)

• Instantly available, from anywhere
• AI-powered biometric check
• 98% acceptance rate
• Money-back guarantee

Step by Step: Applying for a Passport

1. Create passport photo — Fastest with PassphotoLabs
2. Book appointment — Online or by phone
3. Bring documents:
   • Previous travel document
   • Passport photo (printed or digital)
   • Registration certificate
   • Birth certificate (for first-time applications)
4. Pay fees — €75.90 (adults, standard process)
5. Collect passport — After approximately 5 business days

Special Case: Children and Babies

Special rules apply for children:

• Under 2 years: Eyes must be open, head as straight as possible
• Under 12 years: Passport valid for 5 years (instead of 10)
• Cost: €30 (under 12 years)

Tip: Lay babies on a white blanket and photograph from above. PassphotoLabs recognizes baby faces too and creates a standards-compliant passport photo.

Common Reasons for Rejection

These mistakes most frequently lead to passport photos being rejected:

1. Wrong face size — Face too small or too large in the image
2. Shadows — On the face or background
3. Wrong background — Not white/light grey or uneven
4. Head position — Tilted or turned
5. Photo too old — Older than 6 months

With PassphotoLabs, all these points are automatically checked and corrected — before you go to the authority.

What Does a Passport Cost in Total?

You save €11 — and a lot of time.

Conclusion

For a new passport, you need exactly one current biometric passport photo. With PassphotoLabs, you create it in under a minute, save money and have the highest acceptance rate thanks to AI verification. Making your passport application a breeze.

Create your passport photo now →