← All passport photosGermany Passport Photo Size 2026
Official Germany passport photo requirements for 2026. Resize and compress your photo to the exact dimensions and KB limit — free, instant, no upload needed.
German passport and national ID (Personalausweis) photos must comply with BSI (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik) biometric standards. Germany is strict about background colour — it must be light grey, not white. The online ID application (AusweisApp) accepts digital uploads. For residence permit applications, printed photos are required.
Germany Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Validity
10 years (adults), 6 years (under 24)
Photos needed
1 digital photo (online) or 1 printed photo (in-person)
ℹ️ Biometric. Neutral expression. No glasses. Face centred.
Resize your photo for Germany passport — free
Resize Photo Now — FreeNo upload · Works in browser · Instant download
⚠️ Common reasons Germany passport offices reject photos
- White background used instead of light grey
- Glasses on the face
- Head tilted or face not square to the camera
- Non-neutral expression
- Shadows on the grey background
- Photo dimensions not 35×45 mm
How to prepare your Germany passport photo
1
Take or choose a photo
Use a recent photo against a light grey background. Ensure your full face is visible and centred.
2
Open PhotoFit
Go to photofitapp.in — no account needed. Works on mobile and desktop.
3
Set dimensions to 413×531 px
Enter 413 as width and 531 as height in the Resize tab. Set the KB target to under 200 KB.
4
Download and submit
Download the resized JPEG. It will meet all Germany requirements for file size, dimensions, and format.
Frequently asked questions
Does Germany require a grey background for passport photos?
Yes. German passport and ID photos must have a plain light grey background. A white background is technically not compliant with German BSI standards, though it is often accepted in practice. To be safe, use grey.
Can I wear glasses in a German passport photo?
No. Germany follows the ICAO standard: no glasses of any kind in biometric ID and passport photos.
What pixel size should a German passport photo be for online applications?
For digital submission, resize your photo to 413×531 pixels and ensure the file is under 200 KB in JPEG format. PhotoFit can do this in seconds.
How is a German national ID (Personalausweis) photo different from a passport photo?
The dimensions are the same (35×45 mm, 413×531 px). The main difference is the application process — you apply for an ID at your local Bürgeramt, while passports can be renewed online.
Other passport photo requirements