🇩🇪Germany (Deutschland) Passport Photo Requirements

Germany Passport Photo Maker Online (Biometrisches Passbild 35x45 mm)

German passport authorities (Bürgeramt) enforce strict biometric photo standards (Biometrisches Passbild according to the official Passbild-Schablone). The photo must be 35x45mm, with the face height strictly between 32mm and 36mm and a uniform, neutral light grey background.

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Official Germany (Deutschland) Passport Photo Requirements

Validated against latest guidelines from Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) / Bundesdruckerei

Dimensions

35 x 45 mm

1.38 x 1.77 inches

413 x 531 px (at 300 DPI)

Head Ratio

70% – 80% of total vertical height

32 mm – 36 mm from chin to crown

Measured chin to crown

Background Color

Uniform light grey (approx 18% neutral grey) with no patterns

Must be clean and shadow-free

Eyeglasses Policy

Clear glasses allowed without reflections or frame obstruction; tinted lenses prohibited

Facial Expression

Strictly neutral expression, mouth firmly closed, direct frontal gaze, no smiling

Recommended Print

Printed as 35x45mm photos on high-resolution photo paper

Cost: ~$0.35 at pharmacy

Disclaimer: FreshPassPhoto is an independent photo preparation tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Requirements can change. Always verify the current requirements published by the relevant passport, visa or government authority before submitting your photo.

Key Biometric Guidelines for Germany (Deutschland)

Passbild-Schablone Conformity

32 mm to 36 mm Face

The distance between the chin line and top of the skull must be strictly between 32mm and 36mm.

Background Neutrality

Light Grey Monochrome

A monochrome light grey background without gradients or reflections is required for optimal contrast.

Facial Biometrics

Strictly Neutral Demeanor

Mouth closed, no smile, straight head position with zero tilt.

Focus & Contrast

Pin-sharp sharpness

Photo must be sharp across all facial features with natural skin tones.

Common Issues That May Cause Germany (Deutschland) Passport Photos to Fail Compliance
  • •Smiling or opening the mouth (German regulations require a neutral expression)
  • •Tilting the head or looking slightly sideways
  • •Using a white background with insufficient contrast against hair
  • •Reflections on eyeglass lenses
  • •Face height outside the strict 32–36mm Passbild-Schablone range
Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Your Germany (Deutschland) Passport Photo

1

Capture portrait with direct, even lighting

Face the camera directly without tilting your head. Keep a completely neutral expression.

2

Apply Germany Passbild preset in FreshPassPhoto

Our software aligns your face precisely against the official Bundesdruckerei Schablone.

3

Select official light grey background

Swap your original backdrop with the compliant neutral light grey tone.

4

Download 35x45mm digital file or printable sheet

Export sharp 300 DPI image ready for your Bürgeramt appointment.

Ready to create your Germany (Deutschland) photo?

Use our free photo maker with pre-configured 35 x 45 mm dimensions. Crop, align, remove background, and download printable sheets in under a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions (Germany (Deutschland))

What is a "biometrisches Passbild" for Germany?

A biometric passport photo in Germany meets specific geometric standards defined by the Bundesdruckerei: 35x45mm size, 32-36mm head height, straight frontal posture, neutral expression with closed mouth, and a neutral light grey background.

Can I smile in a German passport photo?

No. German biometric regulations strictly prohibit smiling. Your mouth must be closed and your facial expression completely neutral.

What background color does the German Bürgeramt require?

A plain, light grey background is standard and recommended. The background must provide clear contrast with your hair and face.

Other Popular Passport Photo Requirements

Official Consular Disclaimer:FreshPassPhoto is an independent digital utility designed to assist users in sizing, aligning, and formatting personal photographs in accordance with published guidelines from Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) / Bundesdruckerei. Specifications are regularly monitored, but requirements may change without notice. Always verify your photograph directly with your local German passport office, embassy, or consulate prior to submission.