Are you looking to get German passport photos done and not sure where to go?
Maybe you’ve searched for a “German passport photo near me,” checked out a few local options, and are worried whether your photo will actually meet all German passport photo requirements.
If so, you’ve scrolled to the right place. Keep reading to learn all about German passport photo guidelines, or click on the following links to jump to a specific section:
Interested in passport photos? Check out these related articles:
- German Passport Renewal in the US—How Does It Work?
- Passport Photo Sizes Around the World [With Dimensions]
- The Changing Landscape of Passport Photos [Visual Assets]
German passport photo requirements—in detail
No matter whether you’re taking your German passport photo on your own at home or opting to get it done at a photo studio, it’s imperative to be aware of the guidelines. That’s because German passport photo requirements differ from their US counterparts.
Not only is the German passport photo size different (e.g., 2×2” in the US vs. 35×45 mm in Germany), but applicants must also follow specific guidelines.
German Passport Photos Explained
| Requirement | Printed Passport Photos |
|---|---|
| Color | Color photos must have proper color balance and reproduce natural skin tonesYour photo may be in black and white or in color |
| Recency | The photo should accurately represent your current appearance. Should have been taken within the last 6 months |
| Image clarity | The photo must be in sharp focus, clear, and with proper contrast |
| Background | The background must be one color and bright, ideally a neutral gray color, and in a contrasting color to the face and hair. It must not be patterned, and shadows on the background are not acceptable |
| Size | Your photo must be 45 mm in height by 35 mm in width. Your face must take up 70–80% of the photo, corresponding to a height of 32–36 mm |
| Print Quality | Must be printed on high-quality photo paper |
| Resolution | A resolution of 600 DPI is recommended |
The finer details of German passport photo requirements
Besides the general guidelines mentioned above, there are also finer requirements you need to follow to ensure compliance with all Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community specifications. Namely, your German passport photo is compliant if it meets these criteria:
- Smile: Your facial expression must be neutral with the mouth closed
- Eyes: Must be open, clearly visible, and not covered by hair or eyeglass frames. You should look directly at the camera
- Hair: Must not cover the eyes. Voluminous hairstyles should allow the entire head, including hair, to be visible without reducing the size of the face
- Head position: Should be neither tilted nor turned (portrait style), and the face must be centered in the photo
- Glasses: Eyes must be clearly visible (no glare, no tinted lenses or sunglasses). The edge of the lenses or frames should not cover any part of the eyes
- Headgear: Hats or head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons. If allowed, your face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the forehead without shadows
- Children: For children aged 9 and under, the face should take up 50–80% of the photo. Special requirements apply for babies and very young children, such as not needing to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open
Compliant German passport photo examples
How to meet German passport photo requirements from home
It’s 2024, and gone are the days of needing to visit a studio or pharmacy to get document pictures.
Now you can get professional German passport photos taken from the comfort of home—all with unlimited retakes.
With our intuitive app (available for download on iOS and Android) or online photo tool, you can get German passport photos (that are guaranteed to be compliant) delivered to any address in the US!
Here’s how it works:
- Select “German passport photo” in the app or online tool, and upload your preferred photo or take a new one using the mobile application.
- Give us 3 seconds to transform it into a professional passport photo and prepare a template with several pictures on it.
- Download the digital passport photo template and print it via your preferred printing service AND/OR opt to have prints delivered to the address of your choice.
Prefer getting your photo done in person? Let’s have a look at your brick-and-mortar options in the next section.
German passport photos near you
Finding a physical location capable of snapping German passport photos nearby shouldn’t be a problem—especially in larger cities in the US. However, it’s important to remember that most providers exclusively take US passport photos and, therefore, may be unfamiliar with some of the more subtle regulations that apply to German document photos.
In any case, searching for “German passport pictures near me” is an excellent starting point that should net you a few local options to visit.
Also, out of the major passport photo providers in the US, only Walgreens explicitly mentions their ability to take German passport photos. Nevertheless, it’s worth calling your local CVS or UPS Store on the off chance they’re also capable of providing said service.
FAQ
What are the photo requirements for a German passport?
German passport photos must:
● Measure 45 mm in height by 35 mm in width (1¾ by 1⅜”)
● Be printed on high-quality paper at high resolution (600 DPI)
● Have a neutral gray background
These are just the basics, so click here for a full list of German passport photo requirements.
Does Walgreens do German passport photos?
Yes, they do. According to Walgreens’ website, the pharmacy chain provides passport photo services for more than 25 countries, including Germany.
What is the format for passport photos in Germany?
German passport photos are 35 mm in width by 45 mm in height—that’s 1⅜ by 1¾ in inches. Additionally, they must be printed on high-quality photo paper with a recommended resolution of no less than 600 DPI.
German passport photo size & other requirements—closing thoughts
The key to a successful passport photo is not just in meeting the technical specifications but also in ensuring that the photo meets the finer requirements outlined in this blog post.
However, with the right preparation and understanding of the requirements, you can navigate this step of the passport application process with confidence—no matter whether using a trusted online service such as Passport Photo Online or opting to get in-person German passport photos from a local photographer.
Sources
- https://www.germany.info/blob/906790/6e3eee9fd4d86e16aaefe0e92d809332/dd-sample-photos-data.pdf
- https://www.bmi.bund.de/DE/themen/moderne-verwaltung/ausweise-und-paesse/reisepass/reisepass-node.html
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/passport-photo.online
Simon Wojtyczka is a writer with experience living and working in 7 countries, each adding depth to his work. Holding a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, he has a profound grasp of language and its intricate ties to culture.
