German Passport Photo Size — 35 x 45 mm
Germany applies the biometric standard set out in the BMI Fotomustertafel: 35 mm by 45 mm, head between 32 mm and 36 mm, face centred and looking straight into the lens. German municipal offices check the head height against a template, which makes this one of the least forgiving specifications in Europe.
Since 2024 many Bürgeramt appointments require the photo to be transmitted digitally from a certified booth or photographer rather than handed over as a print. Confirm what your appointment expects before you print anything.
The measurements
- Photo size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Head height
- 32–36 mm
- Background
- Plain light grey
- Resolution
- 300 DPI · 413 x 531 px
Source: Bundesdruckerei / BMI Fotomustertafel
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How to get a German biometric photo
- Photograph the subject face-on and level against a plain light-grey surface in diffuse light.
- Upload below — "Germany — Passport" is preselected.
- The tool crops to 35x45 mm with the head inside the 32-36 mm biometric band.
- Download the file, then check whether your appointment needs a digital transfer or a print.
Rules a crop cannot fix
- Taken recently and matching your current appearance.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smile.
- Face straight to the camera — a turned or tilted head is refused outright.
- Glasses only with clear lenses, thin frames and no reflection; the eyes must be fully visible.
- Head coverings only on religious grounds, with the face uncovered from chin to forehead.
- Plain light grey background, evenly lit, with no shadow behind the head.
German passport photo questions
Yes. The identity card, the passport and residence documents all use the same 35x45 mm biometric photograph.
It depends on the office. Since the 2024 change many Bürgerämter require a digital photo sent from a certified booth or photographer. Check your appointment confirmation, because this varies by municipality.
No. Germany applies the biometric rule strictly: neutral expression, mouth closed. A smile changes the facial geometry the template is measured against.
At 300 DPI, 35x45 mm is 413x531 pixels. Upload the highest-resolution original available and let the tool scale down.
Only if the lenses are clear, the frames thin, and there is no reflection obscuring either eye. Removing them removes the risk.
A plain light grey. White is discouraged because it flattens the outline of light hair against the background.