German Visa Photo Requirements, Size & Specifications(2026 Update)

German visa photos must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high for paper applications. Your face from chin to crown must measure 32–36 mm, and your eyes must be positioned 29–35 mm from the bottom of the photo. For digital uploads via a German consulate portal or VFS Global, submit a JPEG file at a minimum of 600 × 800 pixels (900 × 1200 px recommended) within the file-size limit specified by your consulate — typically under 9 MB.

No. Under Germany's updated biometric document regulations (the Passport Act reform), domestic citizen offices (Bürgerämter) and immigration authorities (such as the Berlin LEA) no longer accept paper photo prints or self-uploaded files for passports, ID cards (Personalausweis), or electronic residence permits (Aufenthaltstitel). You must have your photo taken at an official authority terminal or by a certified photographer who transmits the image directly to the government system via a secure cloud network and provides you with a digital QR retrieval code.

No. The domestic digital-only rule applies specifically to applications made inside Germany at local municipal offices. If you are applying for a German Schengen Visa (Type C) or National Visa (Type D) from abroad through an Auswärtiges Amt consulate, embassy, or an authorized partner like VFS Global or VisaMetric, standard 35×45 mm physical biometric prints or digital JPEG uploads remain mandatory and fully accepted.

Yes. The German biometric photo standard specifies exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. This is the only accepted size for paper applications and aligns with the ICAO Doc 9303 and ISO/IEC 19794-5 standards that Germany follows for all identity documents and visa applications.

The required size is 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm high. In inches, that is approximately 1.38 inches wide by 1.77 inches high.

For digital uploads, Germany requires a minimum of 600 × 800 pixels at 300 DPI, with 900 × 1200 pixels recommended for crisp clarity. The aspect ratio must strictly be 35:45 (7:9).

Germany specifically requires a uniformly light grey background — not white. This is one of the most important distinctions from countries like Ireland or the USA. The requirement follows the German biometric photo standard based on ISO/IEC 19794-5. Submitting a photo with a white background is a common cause of rejection for applicants used to white-background standards.

No. The biometric photo specifications are the same for both Schengen C visas (short-stay) and German national D visas (long-stay): 35 × 45 mm print, light grey background, face 32–36 mm, eyes 29–35 mm from bottom, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months. Always verify the specific document checklist provided by your local German foreign mission.

No. A 2×2 inch (51 × 51 mm) square format is the US visa standard and is not accepted for German visa applications. Germany uses a portrait format: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high.

For print applications, glossy or semi-glossy photo paper from a professional lab or certified photo booth is standard in Germany. For digital submissions via a consulate or VFS portal, paper finish is irrelevant — only the JPEG file is uploaded.

Wear everyday clothing that contrasts with the light grey background. Avoid light grey tops or clothing that merges with the background, uniforms, camouflage, or anything that obscures the face or neck. The neckline and tops of the shoulders should be visible. Modest religious dress is permitted provided the full face remains visible from chin to forehead.

Yes. For infants and very young children, an open mouth is acceptable where a closed-mouth expression cannot practically be achieved. No other person, hand, toy, pacifier, or object should be visible in the frame. The child must be photographed alone against a plain light grey background.

No. Glasses are not permitted in German visa or passport photos. Germany implemented this restriction in 2017 for all biometric identity documents and the rule applies equally to all visa categories processed by German consulates. All applicants must remove glasses before the photo is taken.

No. The German biometric photo standard requires a completely neutral, relaxed expression with the mouth closed and eyes fully open. Any facial expression, including smiling, is not permitted and will be detected by automated biometric processing at the consulate.

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. German consulate staff conduct a manual likeness check in addition to automated processing, so a photo that does not match your current appearance will be returned even if it is technically within 6 months.

For paper applications, photos are submitted directly to the German consulate or embassy in your country or at a VFS Global visa application centre. For online applications, the photo is uploaded via the consulate portal or VFS Global application platform.

File size limits vary between German consulate portals. Many accept JPEG files up to 9 MB, while some portals cap at a lower limit. Always check the upload page of the specific consulate or VFS portal you are applying through. A recommended resolution of 900 × 1200 px at good JPEG quality typically produces a file well within any consulate portal file size limit.

Yes, provided the covering is worn for genuine religious reasons. The covering must be plain material without patterns, must cast no shadow on your face or the light grey background, and your full face from chin to forehead — including the outer edges of both eyes — must remain fully visible.