What size is a German passport photo?

35×45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Head height from chin to top of hair must be 32–36 mm within the frame. Eye position should be centred horizontally, in the upper half of the photo.

How much does a certified passport photo cost in Germany?

Approximately €10–15 at a certified photo studio (Fotostudio) that transmits photos digitally and provides a QR code. Self-service terminals at the Bürgeramt (Personalausweisautomat) cost approximately €6.

Germany Passport Photo 2026 (Biometriefoto) — Specs, Grey Background & Digital Rules

Q: What background colour is required for a German passport photo?

Light grey or grey-white — not pure white. Germany explicitly requires a grey-toned background. Pure white is the most common rejection reason for applicants from the US, Canada, and India who are used to white backgrounds.

Q: What is a Biometriefoto in Germany?

A Biometriefoto is a biometric passport photo meeting German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) specifications: 35×45 mm, light grey background, neutral expression, head 32–36 mm from chin to crown. Required for German passport, national ID card, residence permit, and visa applications.

Q: Does Germany still accept paper passport photos?

No. Since August 2025, paper photos are no longer accepted for German national ID cards, passports, or residence permits. Photos must be transmitted digitally by a certified photographer (who provides a QR code) or taken at a self-service terminal at the Bürgeramt.

Q: Can I wear glasses in a German passport photo?

No. Glasses are not permitted in German biometric photos — including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. No exceptions without documented medical necessity.

Q: Can I use PixID for a German passport or ID card?

PixID generates compliant photos for German Schengen visa applications at German embassies abroad (printed format). For domestic German ID cards and passports, the digital-only system requires transmission by a certified German photographer — PixID's digital file is not compatible with the domestic QR code system.

Critical update — digital-only photos since May 2025: Germany no longer accepts printed paper photos for national ID cards, passports, and residence permits. Photos must be submitted digitally via a certified photographer (who provides a QR code) or taken at a self-service terminal at the Bürgeramt. Paper photos are not accepted under any circumstances for domestic German documents since August 2025.

Quick Reference by Document Type

Document	Size	Background	Submission
Passport (Reisepass)	35×45 mm	Light grey	Digital only (since May 2025)
National ID (Personalausweis)	35×45 mm	Light grey	Digital only (since May 2025)
Residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)	35×45 mm	Light grey	Digital only (since May 2025)
Schengen visa (applied abroad)	35×45 mm	Light grey / plain light	Printed (2 photos)
German visa (at embassy)	35×45 mm	Plain light	Printed (2 photos)

Biometric Photo Specifications (Biometriefoto)

BMI / Bundesdruckerei Official Specs

Photo size	35 × 45 mm
Head height (chin to crown)	32–36 mm
Top margin	3–5 mm (between crown and top edge)
Face coverage	70–80% of photo area
Eye position	Centred horizontally, upper half of photo
Background	Light grey or grey-white — NOT pure white
Expression	Strictly neutral — no smile, mouth closed
Glasses	Not permitted (no exceptions)
Colour	Full colour only — black & white not accepted
Resolution	Min 300 DPI print; 600 DPI for digital
Retouching	Not permitted — no filters, smoothing, AI editing
Recency	Within 6 months

The Grey Background Rule — Germany's Most Common Rejection

Germany requires light grey — not white. This is the most common mistake for applicants from the US, Canada, India, and most other countries that use white backgrounds. German authorities explicitly require a grey-toned background. Photos with pure white backgrounds are rejected.

Additional contrast guidance:

For applicants with dark hair — medium light grey background works best
For applicants with light or grey hair — a slightly darker grey background is recommended to ensure sufficient contrast between hair and background
Shadows on the background are not acceptable regardless of shade

PixID applies a grey background when processing photos for German documents. When selecting your document type, choose "Germany Passport," "Germany Visa," or "Schengen Visa" — the correct grey background is applied automatically.

How to Get a Compliant Photo in Germany

Certified photo studio (Fotostudio) — ~€10–15

Must be certified to transmit photos digitally. They photograph you, apply German biometric specs, and provide a QR code to present at the Bürgeramt. Brands include Foto Quelle, dm Drogerie (photo kiosk), and independent certified photographers. This is the standard route.

Self-service terminal at Bürgeramt (Personalausweisautomat) — ~€6

Some Bürgerämter have installed self-service kiosks. You take the photo on-site — no need to bring anything. Not available at all locations.

PixID — for Schengen visa at German embassies abroad ($4.99)

For non-German residents applying for a Schengen visa at a German embassy abroad. PixID generates a print-ready JPEG meeting German biometric photo specifications with light grey background. Important: PixID is not compatible with Germany's domestic digital-only system for ID cards and passports (which requires a certified German photographer QR code).

German Schengen Visa Photos

For visa applications at German embassies and consulates abroad, printed photos are still required. German consulates typically require:

2 printed photos, 35×45 mm
Light grey background (preferred for dark hair); slightly darker grey for light or grey hair
Same expression, head size, and quality requirements
Taken within the last 6 months

German consulates publish a photo sample sheet (Musterfotoblatt) with acceptable and unacceptable examples. Many embassy websites recommend local photographers familiar with German biometric standards.

PixID works for German Schengen visa applications: Select "Schengen Visa" or "Germany Visa" as your document type. PixID applies light grey background and all required German biometric specs. Print and submit 2 copies with your visa application. $4.99, 100% money-back if rejected.

Common Rejection Reasons

Pure white background

Germany requires light grey. White backgrounds are rejected — the most common mistake.

Glasses

Not permitted. No exceptions without medical documentation.

Head size incorrect

Must be 32–36 mm chin to crown in the 45 mm frame.

Insufficient contrast

Grey-haired applicant on light grey background — not enough contrast.

Digital retouching

Filters, skin smoothing, AI editing — explicitly prohibited.

Non-neutral expression

Even a slight smile is grounds for rejection.

Shadows on face or background

From poor lighting setup — even minor shadows cause rejection.

Black and white photo

Not accepted under any circumstances — full colour required.

Paper photo for domestic doc

No longer accepted for German passport/ID/residence permit since Aug 2025.

German Schengen Visa Photo — $4.99

Light grey background · 35×45 mm · German biometric specs · 100% money-back if rejected

Create German Visa Photo

Frequently Asked Questions

What background colour is required for a German passport photo?

Light grey or grey-white — not pure white. This is Germany's most distinctive requirement. Pure white backgrounds are rejected. For applicants with light or grey hair, a slightly darker grey background is recommended to ensure contrast.

What is a Biometriefoto?

A biometric passport photo meeting German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) specifications: 35×45 mm, light grey background, neutral expression, head 32–36 mm, no glasses. Required for German passport, national ID, residence permit, and visa applications.

Does Germany still accept paper passport photos?

No. Since August 2025, paper photos are not accepted for domestic German documents (passport, ID card, residence permit). Photos must be transmitted digitally by a certified photographer (QR code) or taken at a self-service terminal at the Bürgeramt.

Can I wear glasses in a German passport photo?

No. All glasses are prohibited — prescription, sunglasses, tinted lenses. No exceptions without documented medical necessity.

Can I use PixID for a German passport or ID card?

PixID works for German Schengen visa applications at German embassies abroad (printed). For domestic German ID cards and passports, the digital-only system requires a certified German photographer — PixID is not compatible with that system.

How much does a passport photo cost in Germany?

€10–15 at a certified photo studio that provides a digital QR code. €6 at self-service terminals at the Bürgeramt. For Schengen visa at German embassies abroad: $4.99 at PixID.

How recent must a German passport photo be?

Within the last 6 months, reflecting current appearance.