Passport Photo Germany

Passport Photo Requirements for Germany

German passports and ID cards require biometric photos in accordance with the specifications of the Bundesdruckerei (Federal Printing Office) and ICAO standards (ISO/IEC 19794-5).

Technical Specifications

PropertyRequirement
Format35 x 45 mm
Head height32–36 mm (from chin to top of head)
ResolutionMinimum 600 DPI
BackgroundWhite to light gray, even, no patterns
File formatJPEG (for digital submission)

Biometric Requirements

  • Facial expression: Neutral, mouth closed
  • Gaze direction: Directly into the camera, frontal shot
  • Eyes: Fully open and visible
  • Head coverings: Not permitted (exception: religious reasons with approval)
  • Lighting: Even, no shadows
  • Contrast: Sufficient contrast between face and background

Special Notes

  • Since November 2024, passport photos in Germany must be created digitally at the authority or submitted through certified digital channels
  • Photo booths and photographers can still create photos that are transmitted digitally
  • Photos must be no older than 6 months
  • Infants and toddlers have simplified requirements

PassphotoLabs for Germany

Our service meets all requirements of the Bundesdruckerei. The created photo can be submitted digitally or printed.

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