Germany Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Biometric Size & How to Make One

German passport (Reisepass) and ID card (Personalausweis) photos must meet the strict biometric standard set by the Bundesdruckerei and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). A non-compliant photo is the most common reason an application is rejected at the Bürgeramt. Here are the complete requirements for 2026 and how to make a compliant biometric photo at home for free.

Official German Biometric Photo Specifications

• Size: 35×45 mm (width × height) — the standard German and EU format
• Background: Plain light grey or white, evenly lit with no shadows
• Face height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown (the face must fill 70–80% of the photo)
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed — smiling is not allowed for biometric photos
• Eyes: Both eyes open, clearly visible, looking straight at the camera
• Colour: Colour photo with natural, true-to-life skin tones
• Recency: Taken within the last few months
• No glasses: Strongly discouraged; if medically necessary, no glare and frames must not cover the eyes
• No head coverings except for religious or medical reasons (face fully visible from chin to crown)

What 'Biometric' Means

A biometric photo (biometrisches Passbild) is designed so that facial-recognition software can reliably measure the distance between facial features. This is why the expression must be neutral, the face centred and straight, and the lighting even. Templates at the Bürgeramt and photo booths check that your eyes, nose, and mouth fall within specific zones — preparing the photo correctly avoids a rejection on the spot.

Digital Photo Requirements

• Since 2024, many German citizens' offices capture or accept the photo digitally, and some require an upload. Typical digital specs:
• Format: JPG
• Resolution: at least 600×750 pixels (45×35mm at 413 DPI)
• File size: usually a few hundred KB
• Resize to 35×45mm for the correct dimensions, then compress if the upload portal enforces a file-size limit.

How to Make a German Passport Photo at Home

1. Stand against a plain light grey or white wall with even, shadow-free lighting 2. Have someone take a straight-on frontal photo (no selfie, no angle, camera at eye level) 3. Remove the background and replace it with a plain light colour if your wall isn't suitable 4. Resize to 35×45mm — this sets the correct biometric dimensions automatically 5. Check that your face measures 32–36mm from chin to crown 6. Compress if you're uploading the photo digitally

Common Reasons German Passport Photos Are Rejected

• Smiling or any non-neutral expression (the most common mistake)
• Background too dark, coloured, patterned, or with shadows behind the head
• Face too small, too large, or not centred in the frame
• Glasses causing reflections or frames covering the eyes
• Hair covering the eyes or eyebrows
• Looking away from the camera or head tilted

Cost: DIY vs Photo Studio

A photo studio or pharmacy in Germany typically charges €10–15 for biometric photos. Preparing the photo yourself with the correct 35×45mm dimensions and a clean light background costs nothing — you only pay if you choose to print. For the digital upload now accepted by many Bürgerämter, a self-prepared file works perfectly.