Germany passport photo size — 35×45 mm
Germany passport photos must be exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px at 300 DPI) on a light-grey background.
Checked August 21, 2026 against Personalausweisportal (Federal Government of Germany) — Biometrie FAQ.
Specification
| Size (mm) | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Size (inches) | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Size (pixels @ 300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px |
| Head height | 32–36 mm |
| Background | light-grey |
Requirements
- Since 1 May 2025, German passport and ID photos are captured digitally at the Bürgeramt or transmitted by a registered photo studio — printed photos are no longer accepted at most citizen offices.
- Photo proportions follow the biometric standard: 35mm × 45mm with the face and head occupying about 70–80% of the frame (chin to crown roughly 32mm to 36mm).
- Background must be a plain light grey — specifically the shade RAL 7035. Pure white and pure dark grey are both rejected.
- Photo must be in colour and taken within the last 6 months.
Print several at once
8 Germany passport photos fit on a single 4×6 inch print. 30 fit on an A4 sheet.
Build a print-ready sheetFrequently asked questions
Can I still print my own German passport photo at home?
No — since 1 May 2025, German citizen offices (Bürgerämter) no longer accept printed passport photos; the photo must be captured digitally on-site or transmitted by an approved photo studio.
Why was my German passport photo rejected for having a white background?
The German biometric photo standard requires the specific light grey shade RAL 7035, not pure white — a common mistake that causes rejection.
What's the head size requirement for a German biometric passport photo?
The face and head should fill about 70–80% of the frame, which works out to roughly 32mm to 36mm from chin to crown on the 35×45mm photo.
Checked August 21, 2026 against Personalausweisportal (Federal Government of Germany) — Biometrie FAQ. We can’t guarantee any office will accept your photo — rules change, so always check the official source before you apply. See our disclaimer.