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German Visa Photo Size, Requirements & Specifications 2024

Last Update: 20-11-2024

Aditya Jain

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German Visa Photo Size, Requirements & Specifications 2024

Introduction

Applying for a German visa? One of the key steps is getting the right photo. You need to know the correct German visa photo size and follow all the photo requirements.

This guide will help you understand the German visa photo specifications and show you how to take a perfect German visa photo. With these tips, you'll be ready to complete your visa application and get ready for your trip.

German Visa Photo Size
German Visa Photo Background
German Visa Photo Quality
Expression and Head Position for Germany Visa Photo
Glasses and Head Cover Instructions
German Visa Photo Guidelines for Children and Infants
German Visa Photo Attire Requirements
Mistakes to Avoid in Germany Visa Photo
FAQs

German Visa Photo Size

The required German visa photo size is 35x45mm. The photo must meet biometric standards, with 70-80% face coverage, and be taken within the last 6 months. Ensure it is clear, well-lit, and without shadows for visa approval.

german visa photo size

German Visa Photo Background

The background must be one plain colour and bright, like light grey. It should contrast with your face and hair.
For people with light hair, use a medium-grey background.
For people with dark hair, use a light-grey background.
Only you should be in the photo. No other people or objects.
There should be no shadows in the background.

German Visa Photo Quality

The photo should be printed on high-quality paper with a resolution of at least 600 dpi (dots per inch).
Colour photos need to look natural and have the right colour balance.
The photo should be clean, undamaged, and without any creases.
Photos can be in either black and white or colour.

Expression and Head Position for Germany Visa Photo

Make sure your head is straight and not tilted or turned to the side; think of a portrait style.
Keep your face neutral, with your mouth closed, and look directly at the camera.
The person in the photo must be looking directly at the camera.
Your face should be clearly visible from chin to top of head (excluding hair) and both sides. It should cover 70-80% of the photo, around 32-36mm tall.
Your face in the photo should not be smaller than 27mm or larger than 40mm.
The eyes must be open and clearly visible and must not be covered by hair or eyeglass frames.
If you have a big hairstyle, make sure your whole head (including hair) is visible without making your face smaller.
Make sure your face is centred in the photo.

Glasses and Head Cover Instructions

For individuals who wear glasses

Eyes must be clearly visible with no flash reflection off the lenses, no tinted lenses, or sunglasses.
The edge of the lenses or frames should not cover any part of the eyes.

For head coverings

Hats or head coverings are generally not allowed, but there are exceptions for religious reasons.
If you do wear a head covering, make sure your whole face, from the bottom of your chin to your forehead, is clearly visible.
There should be no shadows on your face.

German Visa Photo Guidelines for Children and Infants

For Children aged 9 and under

The face should fill 50-80% of the photo. This means the measurement from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (not the hair) should be between 22 and 36mm.
It's sometimes hard to tell where the top of the head is without hair, so photos should only be rejected if the face is smaller than 17mm or bigger than 40mm. See below for special rules for babies and very young children.

For Infants and Very Young Children

For kids aged 5 and under, use the same face measurements as for kids aged 9 and under. However, children aged 5 and under don't need to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and their heads don’t need to be centred. Babies under one year old don't need to have their eyes open.

German Visa Photo Attire Requirements

No parts of a uniform should be visible in the photo.
No head coverings, unless for religious reasons as allowed by the passport authority.
If you wear glasses, ensure your eyes are fully visible, and the glasses are clear with no reflections.

Mistakes to Avoid in Germany Visa Photo

Here are common mistakes to avoid when taking a German visa photo:

Incorrect Size: Ensure the photo is exactly 35mm wide and 45mm tall.
Poor Quality: Avoid low resolution; use high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi.
Improper Background: The background should be plain, light-coloured, and free of shadows.
Face and Head Position: Keep your head straight, not tilted, and ensure your face is centred.
Glasses Issues: Avoid glare, reflections, or tinted lenses; eyes must be fully visible.
Expression: Maintain a neutral expression with a closed mouth.

Summing it up

Making sure your German visa photo meets all the rules is really important for a smooth Germany visa for Indians application. By following the German visa photo requirements and ensuring your photo meets the German visa photo specifications, you can avoid delays or rejections. Remember, a proper Germany visa photo reflects your attention to detail and readiness for your trip. Good luck with your Germany visa appointment and application, and enjoy your travels!

FAQs

What size photo is required for a German visa?

The photo size for a German visa is 35x45mm with 70-80% face coverage on a white background.

How many photos do you need for a German visa?

You need two identical photos for your German visa application.

Is a German visa photo glossy or matte?

The photo for a German visa must be matte or semi-matte, not glossy.

Can I wear glasses in my Germany visa photo?

Yes, but your eyes must be fully visible without any glare or reflections on the lenses.

What is a biometric photo for a German visa?

A biometric photo meets specific standards: 35x45mm, white background, neutral facial expression, and no head coverings (except for religious reasons). It ensures compatibility with facial recognition systems.

Can children’s photos have different specifications for a German visa?

Yes, for children under 9, their face should fill 50-80% of the photo, and babies under 1 year don’t need their eyes open.