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Germany Job Application Photo (Bewerbungsfoto) — at home in 60 seconds

Bewerbungsfoto (job-application photo) — no official specification

Take a head-and-shoulders photo with your phone. We frame it, even out the plain wall behind you to white, light grey or light blue, and give you the exact size for your CV, LinkedIn or application. Your face is never retouched.

Make a job application photo (45×60 mm) All job and CV photo formats

Free to try. From $3.99, paid once, only if you like your photo.

Limited time offer then $6.99 from Jan 1, 2027

No authority sets rules for this photo, so you make it at your own risk and the refund guarantee does not apply.

Example Bewerbungsfoto 45×60 mm (job application photo): a woman with glasses in a grey blazer, light grey background (fictional AI-generated model)
45×60 mm · light grey backgroundExample (AI-generated model)

Quick answer

A Germany Job Application Photo (Bewerbungsfoto) is usually 45 × 60 mm (1.77 × 2.36 in), with a background that is calm, neutral colour (recommended). No authority sets rules for this photo, so you make it at your own risk and the refund guarantee does not apply.

Printed photo
45 × 60 mm (1.77 × 2.36 in)

Verified October 7, 2026 from Leuphana Universität Lüneburg (public university).

Photo requirements

Summarised from the official sources below.

Printed photo
45 × 60 mm (1.77 × 2.36 in)
Background
Calm, neutral colour (recommended). No colour is prescribed.
Expression
A friendly, smiling expression is recommended (advice, not a rule).
Online application
Uploaded to the employer's portal or placed in a PDF application.
More rules (8)
  • A photo is optional: since the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) of 2006 it is no longer required, and no law or authority sets a size.
  • 45 x 60 mm is the usual size, not a legal requirement; portrait or landscape, with or without a border.
  • Place it top right on the CV, or use a larger photo (for example 10 x 6.5 cm) centred on a cover page and leave it off the CV.
  • Colour is usual; black and white is also acceptable.
  • Do not use a biometric passport photo, a holiday snapshot, a selfie or a full-body shot; a professional photographer is recommended.
  • For email applications, send everything as one PDF of up to about 5 MB; online portals may ask for a separate photo upload.
  • A recent photo is advised, ideally no older than 3-6 months.
  • Glue a printed photo on; do not staple or clip it.

Print the sheet at 100% (Actual size), never “Fit to page”, on photo paper. Each sheet has a 50 mm ruler so you can check the size.

How to take it at home

  1. Stand about half a metre in front of a plain, light wall, facing a window.
  2. Hold the phone at arm’s length or ask someone to help. The live guide checks distance, light and head position.
  3. Get your digital file and print sheet. Print at 100% or upload the file.

Price

Free to try. From $3.99, paid once, only if you like your photo.

Limited time offer then $6.99 from Jan 1, 2027

Your exact local price is shown before you take your photo.

Photo Acceptance Guarantee — rejected for a technical reason we check? We refund you.

See all prices

Why people choose Ovalight

Made for the moment you need a photo that just works.

  • Free to try Take and check your photo for free. You pay once, only when you like the result.
  • Your photo stays on your phone Processed on your device. Never uploaded to our servers.
  • Checked against the official rules Every rule comes from the issuing authority’s own website, last verified on October 7, 2026.
  • Free retakes for 24 hours Not happy with it? Retake the same document up to 3 times within 24 hours.
  • Secure payment, no subscription Pay once through Stripe. We never see your card details.
  • A real company you can reach QMETER L.L.C-FZ, Dubai. Questions? Write to support@ovalight.com.

Official sources

Verified on October 7, 2026

Questions

What size is a Germany Job Application Photo (Bewerbungsfoto)?

Printed: 45 × 60 mm (1.77 × 2.36 in).

Can I take my Germany Job Application Photo (Bewerbungsfoto) at home?

Yes. The photo is not taken at the office and no registered photographer is required, so a photo you take yourself is accepted when it meets the rules on this page.

What background is required?

Calm, neutral colour (recommended). No colour is prescribed.

Can I smile?

A friendly, smiling expression is recommended (advice, not a rule).

Can I print the photo at home?

Yes. Print the sheet at 100% (Actual size) on photo paper, at home or at a pharmacy or kiosk, and check the size with the 50 mm ruler.

More Germany documents

Ovalight is an independent service. Only the authority that issues your document decides whether to accept a photo.