Resize Your Germany Visa and Passport Photo
A Germany visa photo (printed) must meet these official rules. Size: 35 x 45 mm. Head size: 32-36 mm or 70-80% of the photo, chin to crown. Background: missions differ: London asks for white or off-white, Warsaw for one bright colour, ideally neutral grey.
Germany photo specifications
Disclaimer: visapicresizer.com is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government, embassy, consulate, or immigration authority. All photo specifications shown are sourced from publicly available official documents for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements on the official government website before submitting your application.
Visa photo (printed)
| Print size | 35 x 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | Not stated by the source |
| File size | Not stated by the source |
| DPI | 600 |
| Head size | 32-36 mm or 70-80% of the photo, chin to crown |
| Background | Missions differ: London asks for white or off-white, Warsaw for one bright colour, ideally neutral grey. |
| Glasses | Allowed if your eyes are clearly visible |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed. |
| File format | Not stated by the source |
| Photo age | Not stated by the source |
Good to know
- No central specification was found; these values come from German missions. Follow your own mission's page.
- London accepts photos up to three months old. Digitally altered photos are not accepted. The 600 dpi minimum comes from Warsaw.
Official sources
Last checked: 2026-11-05
Passport photo (applying at a mission abroad)
| Print size | 35 x 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | Not stated by the source |
| File size | Not stated by the source |
| DPI | 600 |
| Head size | 32-36 mm or 70-80% of the photo, chin to top of head |
| Background | One plain colour without shadows, clearly contrasting; light grey preferred. |
| Glasses | Allowed if your eyes are clearly visible |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only |
| Expression | Neutral, looking straight at the camera, mouth closed. |
| File format | Not stated by the source |
| Photo age | Not stated by the source |
Good to know
- Paper is accepted abroad only until the mission has capture devices. Check with your mission first.
- The 600 dpi minimum comes from the Dublin mission.
Official sources
Last checked: 2026-11-05
Passport photo (applying inside Germany)
| Print size | 35 x 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | Not stated by the source |
| File size | Not stated by the source |
| DPI | Not stated by the source |
| Head size | 32-36 mm or 70-80% of the photo, chin to top of head |
| Background | One plain colour without shadows, clearly contrasting; light grey preferred. |
| Glasses | Allowed if your eyes are clearly visible |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only |
| Expression | Neutral, looking straight at the camera, mouth closed. |
| File format | Not stated by the source |
| Photo age | Not stated by the source |
Good to know
- Paper photos are not accepted inside Germany since 1 May 2025. Photos arrive by secure transfer from a photographer or are taken at the office, so a resized file has no accepted route.
- The percentage and millimetre values apply from age 10; younger children have other limits.
Official sources
- Bundesministerium des Innern: FAQ on paper passport photos
- Bundesdruckerei: Fotomustertafel (July 2025)
- Bundesdruckerei: Lichtbild-Schablone (July 2025)
Last checked: 2026-11-05
How to resize your photo
- Choose Germany and your document in the tool. This page starts with the visa photo (printed).
- Add your photo by dragging it in, pasting it or browsing for it. It stays on your device.
- Drag and zoom until the head and shoulders sit correctly in the frame.
- Check the size and file details under What you'll get.
- Download the JPEG, then compare it with the official page before you apply.
Common mistakes
- Using the wrong background. The rule: missions differ: London asks for white or off-white, Warsaw for one bright colour, ideally neutral grey.
- Getting the head size wrong. It must be 32-36 mm or 70-80% of the photo, chin to crown.
- Forgetting the glasses rule: allowed if your eyes are clearly visible.
- Retouching the photo or adding filters. This authority does not allow altered photos.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Germany visa photo (printed)?
A Germany visa photo (printed) must be 35 x 45 mm.
What size is a Germany passport photo (applying at a mission abroad)?
A Germany passport photo (applying at a mission abroad) must be 35 x 45 mm.
What size is a Germany passport photo (applying inside Germany)?
A Germany passport photo (applying inside Germany) must be 35 x 45 mm.
What background does a Germany photo need?
For the visa photo (printed), the background must be: missions differ: London asks for white or off-white, Warsaw for one bright colour, ideally neutral grey.
Can I wear glasses in a Germany photo?
For the visa photo (printed): allowed if your eyes are clearly visible.
Can I wear a head covering in a Germany photo?
For the visa photo (printed): religious reasons only.
Is my photo uploaded to your server?
No. The photo is processed in your browser and stays on your device.
Does this tool guarantee my photo will be accepted?
No. It sizes your photo to the stated rules, but the authority makes the final decision. Check the official Germany page before you apply.