Germany Passport Photo Maker
A Germany passport photo must measure exactly 35 × 45 mm with a plain light gray background. The head, from chin to crown, must occupy 71–80% of the photo's height. For digital submission that is 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI. Requirements verified against the official source on 2026-07-13.
Make yours below — free preview, one-time $3.99 for HD.
Output: 35 × 45 mm · 827 × 1063 px @ 600 DPI
Required for Germany: Light gray
HD download includes the digital photo and a ready-to-print 4×6" sheet.
How to take a photo that passes
Keep your distance
Stand about 50 cm (20 in) from the camera, head and shoulders in frame. Best results: have someone else take it, or use a tripod — selfie-arm shots distort your face.
Face the camera straight on
Camera at eye level, look directly into the lens, neutral expression with your mouth closed. Don't tilt your head.
Find even light
Face a window or light source so there are no shadows on your face. Don't worry about what's behind you — the AI removes the background.
Germany passport photo requirements
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Digital size | 827 × 1063 px at 600 DPI |
| Background | Light gray |
| Head height | 71–80% of photo height |
| Official source | Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) ↗ |
- ✓Photo must be 35 x 45 mm (biometric standard).
- ✓Face height must be 32–36 mm from chin to crown.
- ✓Plain light grey background is recommended.
- ✓Neutral expression, mouth closed, looking straight at the camera.
- ✓Since May 2025 photos are generally submitted digitally at authorised photographers or terminals.
Requirements compiled from the official guidance linked above · last verified 2026-07-13 · see the full requirements database. Always confirm with the issuing authority before submitting your application.
Glasses & head coverings in Germany
Why Germany passport photos get rejected
- ✕Since May 2025 printed photos are no longer accepted at all — digital submission only
- ✕Face height outside the strict 32–36 mm biometric band
- ✕Background not uniform light grey
- ✕Head tilted — Germany's biometric check is strict on symmetry
- ✕Reflections on glasses
More detail in our guide to the 8 most common rejection reasons.
Where to submit your application
Bürgeramt (local citizens' office) ↗
Book at your local Bürgeramt; the photo must arrive digitally via a certified photographer's QR code or the on-site PointID terminal. Our 35 × 45 output remains valid for visas, residence permits and applications abroad.
What does a passport photo cost in Germany?
| Photo studio / boothcertified photographers or dm terminals | €10–15 |
| SnapPassport HD downloadunlimited retakes · digital + printable 4×6" sheet · watermarked preview free | $3.99 |
Save roughly 64% or more — and skip the trip entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is my photo uploaded to a server?
No. The AI background removal and cropping run entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly. Your photo never leaves your device, which also makes the tool fast and private.
Will my photo be accepted by the authorities?
The tool crops your photo to the exact official dimensions and places head-position guides based on each country's published requirements. You are responsible for following the posing rules (neutral expression, no glasses, even lighting), which are listed on each country page.
How do I print my passport photo?
The HD download includes a 4×6 inch print sheet with several copies laid out with cut lines. Print it at any pharmacy, photo kiosk or online print service as a standard 4×6 photo, then cut along the lines.
What does the free version include?
You can use every feature — background removal, cropping, all size presets — and download a watermarked preview for free. The one-time HD purchase removes the watermark and adds the print sheet.
What kind of photo should I start with?
Use a sharp, well-lit photo taken straight-on at eye level, with your full head and shoulders visible and some space around them. Avoid harsh shadows, hats and glasses.