What size is a Germany passport photo?
Germany does not accept a photo made this way. Since 1 May 2025 the picture must be taken by a photo studio or by the passport office itself and sent to the authority over an encrypted cloud link, using a data-matrix code the office scans. The rules name photos taken on your own phone, and photos from passport-photo apps, as not permitted — which is exactly what SGfoto is. Please use a studio or the office; we cannot help with this one.
The specification below is still the right one to match. We have left it here because it is useful, not because we can sell you the photo.
TL;DR SGfoto cannot make this one: the issuing authority does not accept a photo edited the way we edit one. The specification, for reference: A Germany passport photo is 35 × 45 mm on a light grey background, supplied at 413 × 531 px (300 DPI). The expression must be neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at camera, and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Specification at a glance
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI |
| Background | light grey (#F5F5F5) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Gaze | Directly at camera |
| Maximum age of photo | 6 months |
Rules that apply to this document
- Since 1 May 2025 the photo must be digital and reach the authority through a secure cloud transfer
- Printed photos are no longer accepted
- Photos taken on your own phone or camera, and photos from passport-photo apps, are not permitted
- The studio or authority gives you a data-matrix code the office scans to fetch the encrypted image
- 35 x 45 mm, face 32-36 mm, light background — for reference only
- No glasses
Can I wear a head covering?
A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
Where these figures come from
Checked against the issuing authority's own page on 2026-09-06. Published by the issuing authority: www.personalausweisportal.de. SGfoto is independent, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority, and does not guarantee acceptance. Final acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.
Common questions
- What size is a Germany passport photo?
- A Germany passport photo is 35 × 45 mm, printed or supplied digitally at 413 × 531 pixels (300 DPI), on a light grey background.
- Can I take a Germany passport photo with my phone?
- Yes. Take a plain, front-facing photo in even light and SGfoto reformats it to 35 × 45 mm on a light grey background. Hold the phone at eye level — a shot from above or below looks less like you.
- How recent must a Germany passport photo be?
- It must have been taken within the last 6 months.
- Can I wear a head covering in a Germany passport photo?
- A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
- How much does a Germany passport photo cost on SGfoto?
- The watermarked preview is free, so you see the result before paying. The full-resolution file is S$1.99.
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We can make most of them. Not this one.