Official biometric photo requirements for German passports and ID cards (Personalausweis). Meet Bundesdruckerei standards every time.
Create Your German Passport Photo| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height | 70–80% of image height (32–36 mm) |
| Background | Plain light grey or white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open looking directly at camera |
| Photo age | Taken within last 6 months |
| Glasses | Not permitted for biometric photos since 2017 |
| Lighting | Even, no shadows on face or background |
PassportSnap applies EU biometric standards used for German passports and ID cards.
Create Your Photo in 2 MinutesGermany banned glasses in biometric photos in 2017. This includes prescription glasses.
Your face must be straight and centred. Tilting or turning the head even slightly causes rejection.
German biometric rules require the head to fill 70–80% of the image height. This is strictly checked.
The background must be plain light grey or white with zero shadows for biometric processing.
Use a plain light grey or white wall. Stand 60–90 cm away from it to avoid shadows.
Look straight into the camera. Face must be completely frontal, no rotation or tilt.
Use two light sources on either side to eliminate shadows. Avoid harsh directional light.
Select Germany. We apply biometric crop rules and verify head-to-frame ratio.
Meets German and EU ICAO biometric photo requirements for passports, ID cards, and visas.
We auto-check that your head fills the 70–80% frame requirement.
Passport photo services in Germany cost €10–15. PassportSnap costs far less.
Your biometric photo never leaves your device — fully private.