Germany Visa Photo: Size, Requirements & Free Maker
Germany
Brandenburg Gate · Neuschwanstein Castle · Cologne Cathedral
⚡ Quick Requirements Summary
✓ Consular VerifiedOfficial visa photo requirements for Germany require a printed physical size of 1.38 × 1.77 inches (35 × 45 mm) or a digital resolution of 413×531 to 1200×1542 px in JPEG format under 2 MB (2048 KB). The background must be plain light grey or neutral light. VizaPics crops and formats your image directly in your browser with zero server uploads.
| Printed Size | Digital Resolution | Max File Size | Format | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.38 × 1.77 inches (35 × 45 mm) | 413×531 to 1200×1542 px | 2 MB (2048 KB) | JPEG | plain light grey or neutral light |
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Position yourself in front of a plain background with even lighting. Your photo stays in your browser.
📋 Official Biometric Requirements Table
| Requirement | Specification | Details & Consular Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Printed Dimensions | 1.38 × 1.77 inches (35 × 45 mm) | Official physical photo size for consular submissions. |
| Digital Resolution | 413×531 to 1200×1542 px | Required pixel resolution for online application portals. |
| File Format | JPEG | Standard digital file format. |
| Maximum File Size | 2 MB (2048 KB) | Upload limit for official portal submissions. |
| Background Color | plain light grey or neutral light | Plain and shadow-free background. |
| Head Proportion | 32–36 mm (chin to crown (70–80% of photo height)) | Head centered vertically within biometric guidelines. |
| Eyeglasses Policy | No eyeglasses allowed | Glasses prohibited to eliminate reflections and glare. |
| Photo Recency | Within the last 6 months | Must represent current physical appearance. |
📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home
1. Plain Light Background
Stand in front of a flat, shadow-free wall. Avoid patterns, wallpaper textures, or objects.
2. Even Lighting
Use natural daylight or diffuse front lights. Ensure zero harsh shadows under chin, nose, or eyes.
3. Face Straight Ahead
Look directly into the camera lens with your head and shoulders square to the frame.
4. Level Chin & Open Eyes
Keep your chin natural and level. Do not tilt your head up, down, or sideways.
5. Neutral Expression
Maintain a relaxed, neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and teeth covered.
6. No Filters or Edits
Do not use beauty filters, skin smoothing, or retouching software. Let VizaPics crop the exact geometry.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them
- ⚠️ head proportion smaller than 32 mm or larger than 36 mm
- ⚠️ shadows beneath chin or cast onto background wall
- ⚠️ tilted head pose or unlevel eye horizon
- ⚠️ smiling, frowning or visible teeth
- ⚠️ dark, reflective, or patterned background
🖨️ Printing on a Standard 4×6" Photo Sheet
Embassies require original photographic paper prints rather than inkjet home paper. VizaPics generates a calibrated 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) printable photo collage with clean cut guidelines.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
What size is required for a German Schengen visa photo?
A German visa photo must measure exactly 35×45 mm. The face height from chin to top of head must cover 70% to 80% of the vertical frame (between 32 mm and 36 mm).
What background color is accepted for German visa photos?
A plain light grey background is recommended by German consular authorities. Neutral off-white is also accepted, but pure brilliant white can cause contrast issues.
Can I smile in my German visa photo?
No. The ICAO biometric standard enforced by Germany requires a completely neutral facial expression with lips closed and teeth concealed.
Are religious head coverings allowed for German visa applications?
Yes, religious headwear is allowed provided the entire face from chin to hairline and both cheek edges remain clearly uncovered.
What resolution is needed for German visa digital uploads?
When submitting photos digitally via consular portals, provide a minimum resolution of 413×531 pixels (300 DPI equivalent) in JPEG format, up to 2 MB.
🏛️ Official Government Sources
The data on this page is verified directly against government and consular portals.