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German Visa Photo Size and Requirements: Complete Guide for Applicants

Last Update: 16-08-2024

Man smiling in sunglasses and a jacket, with snowy mountains in the background.

Aditya Jain

German flags waving atop a historic building

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 German visa 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.

Table of Contents

  1. German Visa Photo Requirements
  2. German Visa Photo Size
  3. German Visa Photo Background
  4. German Visa Photo Quality
  5. Expression and Head Pose for Germany Visa Photo
  6. Germany Visa Photo Glasses and Head Cover Instructions
  7. German Visa Photo Requirements for Children and Infants
  8. German Visa Photo Attire Requirements
  9. Mistakes to Avoid in Germany Visa Photo
  10. Final thought
  11. FAQs

German Visa Photo Requirements

When applying for a German visa, it's crucial to adhere to the specific photo requirements to ensure your application is accepted without any delay.

German Visa Photo Size

The Germany visa photo needs to be exactly 35mm in width and 45mm in height. These specific dimensions are required for a Germany visa application. 


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 Pose 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.

Germany Visa 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 Requirements 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:

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

Ensuring these points can help avoid delays or rejections in your visa application.

Learn more about Germany visas

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Final thought

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 is the required German visa photo size?

The photo must be 35mm wide and 45mm tall to meet the visa requirements.

What are the German visa photo specifications?

The photo should be in colour, printed on high-quality paper, and show your face clearly, covering 70-80% of the photo.

What background is acceptable for a Germany visa photo?

The background must be plain and light-coloured, ideally light grey, with no shadows or objects visible.

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.

How should I pose for a German visa photo?

Your head should be straight, centred, and looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Can I use a black and white photo for a German visa?

No, the photo must be in colour to meet the requirements.

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.

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