Taken at the office

Germany Passport Photo: taken at the office

Deutscher Reisepass (incl. Kinderreisepass/vorläufiger Reisepass)

The photo for this document is taken at the office when you apply, so you do not need to bring one. Here is what to expect.

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35×45 mm · light grey backgroundExample (AI-generated model)

Head too small
Busy background

Quick answer

A Germany Passport Photo must be 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in), with the head 32–36 mm from chin to top of head, with a background that is single-colour (einfarbig), preferably light grey (vorzugsweise hellgrau). The photo is taken at the office when you apply, so you do not need to bring one.

Printed photo: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)

Verified October 3, 2026 from personalausweisportal.de (Bundesministerium des Innern).

Need a photo for a visa instead?

Schengen Area Visa 35×45 mm Home photo OK

Photo requirements

Summarised from the official sources below.

Printed photo: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Head size (chin to top of head): 32–36 mm (70–80 % of the photo height)
Background: Single-colour (einfarbig), preferably light grey (vorzugsweise hellgrau). Shadow-free, uniform, clear contrast to face and hair; no pattern.
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, looking straight into the camera.
Glasses: Allowed only if eyes clearly visible; frames must not cover eyes; no dark/tinted lenses or reflections.
Head covering: Only for religious reasons; face visible from lower chin edge to forehead, no shadows.
Babies and children: Children: face 50–80 % of photo height; until age 10 minor deviations allowed; until age 6 further exceptions for head position, expression and eye visibility. Separate template for children 6–9.

More rules (5)

since 1 May 2025 ONLY digital biometric photos accepted in Germany (transition for paper photos ended 31 July 2025)
photo must be taken either at the authority (e.g. Bundesdruckerei PointID terminal, €6) or by a REGISTERED photo service provider that uploads it to a BSI-certified encrypted cloud and hands out a Data-Matrix code
colour, sharp, high contrast, even lighting, no red-eye
no retouching/filters, no soft-focus
abroad (embassies/consulates/honorary consuls): conventional paper photos 45 mm x 35 mm, portrait, no border still accepted until the missions have their own capture devices

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Official sources

Verified on October 3, 2026

Vereinfachte Ausweisbeantragung ab Mai 2025 (28.04.2025) — personalausweisportal.de (Bundesministerium des Innern)
Häufige Fragen: Biometrie (Passbild und Fingerabdrücke) — incl. 'Ab wann darf ich ... kein Papier-Passbild mehr mitbringen?' — personalausweisportal.de (Bundesministerium des Innern)
Fotomustertafel — Qualitätsmerkmale biometrischer Fotos für Dokumente (Stand: Juli 2025, BMI24037) — Bundesministerium des Innern (bmi.bund.de)
Lichtbild-Schablone für Personen ab einem Alter von 10 Jahren — personalausweisportal.de (Bundesministerium des Innern)

Questions

What size is a Germany Passport Photo?

Printed: 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).

Can I take my Germany Passport Photo at home?

No. The photo is taken at the office when you apply, so you do not need to bring one.

What background is required?

Single-colour (einfarbig), preferably light grey (vorzugsweise hellgrau). Shadow-free, uniform, clear contrast to face and hair; no pattern.

Can I smile?

Neutral, mouth closed, looking straight into the camera.

Can I wear glasses?

Allowed only if eyes clearly visible; frames must not cover eyes; no dark/tinted lenses or reflections.

Can I wear a head covering?

Only for religious reasons; face visible from lower chin edge to forehead, no shadows.

What about babies and children?

Children: face 50–80 % of photo height; until age 10 minor deviations allowed; until age 6 further exceptions for head position, expression and eye visibility. Separate template for children 6–9.