Germany Passport (Reisepass) photo requirements
Since 1 May 2025, paper photos are no longer accepted for German passports applied for in Germany: the photo must be taken at the office or sent by a registered photographer through a certified cloud. Printed 35 x 45 mm photos are still accepted when applying abroad at a German mission. Face 70–80% of the photo height.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 70–80% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain, single-colour, shadow-free |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing | Optional paid replacement if your background fails our check; retaking is safest |
| Last verified | 2026-11-06 |
Official source: www.personalausweisportal.de
How to take your Germany Passport (Reisepass) photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain, single-colour, shadow-free wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a Germany Passport (Reisepass) photo in pixels?
- 413 x 531 px, JPEG, on a plain, single-colour, shadow-free background. The printed size is 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in). The head should take up 70–80% of the photo height.
- Can I use my own photo for a German passport?
- Not when you apply in Germany. Since 1 May 2025 the passport office can't accept paper photos. The photo must be taken at the office, or by a registered photographer who uploads it to a secure cloud. The rule exists to stop digitally altered photos (morphing). A photo from this tool only works if you apply abroad.
- Can I use a paper photo when applying abroad?
- Yes, for now. German missions and honorary consuls may still accept printed photos, 45 mm high x 35 mm wide with no border, until they have their own capture equipment.
- How much does a photo at the passport office cost?
- €6 where the office uses the Bundesdruckerei's PointID system. Offices using another provider may charge a different amount, and not every office has the equipment yet, so check with yours first.
- What do I need from a photographer?
- The printed Data Matrix code they give you. Office staff use it to find your photo in the cloud, and they can't find it without the code.
- What does the photo have to show?
- Your face from chin to the top of the head, taking up 70–80% of the photo height, with both halves clearly visible. Your head must be straight and centred, and the lighting even, with no reflections or red eye.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://www.personalausweisportal.de/SharedDocs/faqs/Webs/PA/DE/Haeufige-Fragen/2_biometrie_faq/biometrie-liste.html. Last verified: 2026-11-06.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.