35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) · 413 × 531 px · 32–36 mm · light grey or white
Official measurements
Taken by an approved photographer only
A home-made or edited photo is not accepted for the German biometric photo. Have it taken by an approved photographer or photo booth, or at the office when you apply. Use the measurements on this page to check the photo you are given.
Head
Eyes
Specification
Photo size
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Digital size
413 × 531 px (300 dpi at print size)
Head height
32–36 mm (top of the skull (hair not counted); 71–80% of the photo height)
German rules measure the face to the top of the skull, without the hair, so hair may rise above the guide. Since May 2025 photos for German ID cards and passports are sent digitally; paper photos still serve visas, driving licences and other documents.
Photo check
Do this, avoid that
DoSoft window light, plain wall
AvoidHarsh overhead light, busy background
DoNeutral expression, eyes open, hair off the face
AvoidBig smile, tilted head, sunglasses
What the German biometric photo needs
A German biometric photo is 35 × 45 mm, which is 1.38 × 1.77 in. The editor exports it at 413 × 531 px, enough for a sharp print at 300 dpi.
The rule measures the head from the chin to the top of the skull (hair not counted): it must be 32–36 mm, which is 71–80% of the photo height. The editor draws this band on the frame so you can place the chin inside it.
Accepted backgrounds: light grey or white. Use one plain colour with no shadows or patterns; the editor starts with light grey.
The same 35 × 45 mm size is also used for: UK passport photo, EU biometric and Schengen visa photo, French passport and ID card photo, Italian passport photo, Canadian visa photo, Australian passport photo, Indian passport photo, Japanese passport photo, Korean passport photo, Taiwan passport photo, and 35 × 45 mm photo. The head size or background can still differ, so choose the exact document.
Check the latest rules
These measurements were last checked on 2026-10-14 against the source above. Photo rules change and offices can be strict, so check your government's or embassy's current requirements before you print or submit. We cannot guarantee that a photo will be accepted.
FAQ
Questions about the German biometric photo
What size is a German biometric photo?
35 × 45 mm, which is 1.38 × 1.77 in. As a digital file it is 413 × 531 px.
How big should the head be in a German biometric photo?
32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the skull (hair not counted), which is 71–80% of the photo height.
What background colour does a German biometric photo need?
Accepted backgrounds: light grey or white. Use one plain colour with no shadows or patterns; the editor starts with light grey.
Will my German biometric photo be accepted?
We cannot promise that. The editor helps you match the size and head height, but offices also check the background, lighting, expression, glasses and how recent the photo is. Check your government's latest rules before you submit.
Can I make a German biometric photo at home?
No. This document only accepts a photo taken by an approved photographer, a photo booth or the office itself, so a home photo will be refused however well it is cropped. Check the office's current instructions before you go.
