Passport Photo Requirements by Country on PassphotoLabs

Passport Photo Austria

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Passport Photo Requirements for Austria

Austrian passports and ID cards require biometric photos that comply with ICAO standards and the specifications of the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Technical Specifications

Property	Requirement
Format	35 x 45 mm
Head height	30–36 mm (from chin to top of head)
Resolution	Minimum 600 DPI
Background	White to light gray, evenly lit
File format	JPEG (for digital submission)

Biometric Requirements

Facial expression: Neutral, mouth closed
Gaze direction: Directly into the camera
Eyes: Fully visible, no reflections in glasses
Head coverings: Not permitted (exception: religious reasons)
Lighting: Even, no shadows on the face
Hair: Must not cover the face

Special Notes

Photos must be no older than 6 months
Children under 5 have relaxed requirements regarding gaze direction
Glasses wearers: Since 2020, the BMI recommends taking photos without glasses

PassphotoLabs for Austria

Our service knows all Austrian requirements and automatically creates your passport photo in compliance. The acceptance rate with Austrian authorities is over 98%.

Passport Photo Germany

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

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

Property	Requirement
Format	35 x 45 mm
Head height	32–36 mm (from chin to top of head)
Resolution	Minimum 600 DPI
Background	White to light gray, even, no patterns
File format	JPEG (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.

Passport Photo Switzerland

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Passport Photo Requirements for Switzerland

Swiss passports and identity cards require biometric photos in accordance with the specifications of the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) and ICAO standards.

Technical Specifications

Property	Requirement
Format	35 x 45 mm
Head height	30–36 mm (from chin to top of head)
Resolution	Minimum 600 DPI
Background	White to light gray, even
File format	JPEG (for digital submission)

Biometric Requirements

Facial expression: Neutral, mouth closed
Gaze direction: Directly into the camera
Eyes: Fully visible and open
Head coverings: Not permitted (exception: religious reasons)
Lighting: Even, no shadows on the face
Glasses: Permitted if no reflections and eyes are fully visible

Special Notes

Photos must be no older than 1 year
Children under 6 have relaxed requirements
Switzerland also accepts photos with a slight smile, provided the mouth remains closed
The biometric passport (since 2010) has stricter requirements than the identity card

PassphotoLabs for Switzerland

Our service takes into account the specific Swiss requirements. The acceptance rate with Swiss authorities is over 98%.