What size is a German passport photo?

German passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall with a light grey or white plain background.

Does Germany require biometric photos?

Yes. German passports are biometric and require a frontal, high-contrast photo with a neutral expression.

Is this the same as a Schengen visa photo?

Yes — 35×45mm is the standard EU/ICAO size used for German passports, Schengen visas, and most European IDs.

Does Germany accept a light grey background for passport photos?

Yes. German Bundesdruckerei specifications allow plain white or uniform light grey. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows. A gradient grey or off-white with texture will be rejected.

Are biometric passport photos required for German citizens applying abroad?

Yes. German passport and national ID (Personalausweis) applications at German consulates abroad require the same 35×45mm biometric photo. The consulate may require a physical print depending on the country.

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German biometric passport photos must be 35×45mm with a light grey or white background. This free tool resizes and crops your photo to meet Bundesdruckerei requirements — entirely on your device.

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35×45 mm, light grey background

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Photo Requirements

Size: 35×45mm
Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
Background: light grey or white, uniform
Face must be centred, occupying 70–80% of the height
Neutral expression, mouth closed

Official requirements: https://www.bmi.bund.de/EN/topics/administrative-reform/passports-identity-cards/passports-identity-cards-node.html ↗

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Use Auto Ready to quickly centre, align, crop, and clean the background. Prefer more control? Adjust everything yourself anytime.

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Download your photo for online use, or arrange it on a sheet for easy printing.

How to Use This Tool

Upload a front-facing photo.
Zoom and move in until the face oval guide aligns with your face.
Click Center Face to auto-center the crop, then Straighten to level your eyes.
Make final adjustments — drag the image and fine-tune the tilt if needed.
Click Apply, then optionally Remove Background for a clean backdrop.
Download your biometric-ready photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a German passport photo?: German passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall with a light grey or white plain background.
Does Germany require biometric photos?: Yes. German passports are biometric and require a frontal, high-contrast photo with a neutral expression.
Is this the same as a Schengen visa photo?: Yes — 35×45mm is the standard EU/ICAO size used for German passports, Schengen visas, and most European IDs.
Does Germany accept a light grey background for passport photos?: Yes. German Bundesdruckerei specifications allow plain white or uniform light grey. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows. A gradient grey or off-white with texture will be rejected.
Are biometric passport photos required for German citizens applying abroad?: Yes. German passport and national ID (Personalausweis) applications at German consulates abroad require the same 35×45mm biometric photo. The consulate may require a physical print depending on the country.

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