The complete 2026 German biometric photo specification (Bundesdruckerei / Federal Ministry of the Interior) — plus an online maker that crops to 35×45 mm, fixes the background and checks face size for you.
Make a Germany Passport Photo →Per the official Fotomustertafel used by the Federal Ministry of the Interior for passports, Personalausweis and visas.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm, portrait |
|---|---|
| Face height | 32 – 36 mm from chin to crown — 70–80% of the photo (tolerance: rejected below 27 mm / above 40 mm) |
| Background | Plain, bright, one colour — neutral grey preferred (light grey for dark hair, medium grey for light hair) |
| Resolution | Print on photo-quality paper at ≥ 600 DPI |
| Head position | Centered, straight, no tilt or turn; face fully visible from chin to crown |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Allowed only with clear lenses, no glare, frames not covering the eyes |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Children | Up to age 10: face may occupy 50–80% (22–36 mm) of the photo |
Something most guides miss: paper photos are no longer accepted for applications filed in Germany.
Have your biometric photo taken by a certified photographer or an official Bürgeramt photo booth (€6–15).
The photo is stored on government servers and tied to a one-time QR code. Keep it safe until your appointment.
The official retrieves the photo via the QR code. Abroad, German embassies and consulates still accept printed or uploaded photos — make yours with IDPhotoWork.