Germany Passport Photo – Free Online Maker (Passfoto)
Create a compliant German passport photo (Passfoto) entirely in your browser — free, no account required, nothing uploaded to any server. This tool crops and resizes your photo to the official 35×45 mm biometric format required by the Bundespolizei. All processing happens locally on your device.
Official German Passport Photo Requirements
- Size: 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Face height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown
- Background: Plain light grey — NOT white (key difference from US passport photos)
- Focus: Sharp focus with even lighting, no shadows on face or background
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes fully visible and open
- Glasses: Strictly prohibited since 2024 (no exceptions)
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for religious reasons — full face from forehead to chin must be visible
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Standard: Biometric per Bundespolizei requirements
How to Make Your German Passport Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain light grey wall in good, even lighting. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Remove glasses before taking the photo. Upload the photo using the tool above.
- Adjust the crop. The tool automatically detects your face and sets the crop to the 35×45 mm ratio. Drag the frame if needed so your face height (chin to crown) is between 32–36 mm in the final photo.
- Download and print. Click Download to save your 35×45 mm biometric photo. Print it at any photo shop, pharmacy, or Bürgeramt (citizen office), or submit it digitally through the German passport application portal.
German Biometric Photo Standards
Germany enforces some of the strictest biometric photo standards in Europe. Unlike many countries, Germany does not allow any exceptions to the glasses ban (introduced in 2024) and requires a very specific face-to-photo ratio. The Bundespolizei uses automated facial recognition software to verify biometric compliance, meaning even minor deviations in face position, lighting, or background can result in rejection.
| Feature | Germany (Passfoto) | UK Passport | US Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm | 35×45 mm | 51×51 mm (2×2 in) |
| Background | Light grey | Light grey or cream | Plain white |
| Face height | 32–36 mm | 29–34 mm | 25–35 mm |
| Glasses ban | Since 2024 (strict) | Since 2016 | Since 2016 |
| Photo validity | 6 months | 1 month | 6 months |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Tilted head. Your head must be straight and upright, facing directly at the camera. Even a slight tilt can cause automated biometric rejection.
- Shadows on face or background. German biometric standards require even, shadow-free lighting. Stand a few feet away from the wall and use diffuse light sources.
- Wearing glasses. Since 2024, glasses are strictly banned in German passport photos. There are no exceptions, even for prescription lenses.
- Non-biometric pose. You must look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Smiling, open mouth, or looking to the side will result in rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a German passport photo?
A German passport photo (Passfoto) must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall (35×45 mm). The face height from chin to crown must be between 32 mm and 36 mm. This biometric standard is set by the Bundespolizei (Federal Police) and applies to all German passports.
What is the Passfoto size in cm?
The German Passfoto is 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm tall (3.5×4.5 cm). The face must occupy most of the photo, with a head height of 3.2–3.6 cm from chin to crown. This is the same physical size as UK and Australian passport photos.
Can I take a biometric photo at home for a German passport?
Yes. You can take your own German passport photo at home with a smartphone or camera. Use this free tool to crop and resize it to the correct 35×45 mm biometric format. Make sure you use a plain light grey background with even, shadow-free lighting and meet all Bundespolizei requirements.
Are glasses allowed in German passport photos?
No. Since 2024, glasses are strictly prohibited in German passport photos (Passfotos). This applies to all types of glasses including clear lenses. Your application will be rejected if you are wearing glasses in the photo.
What background color is required for a German passport photo?
The background must be plain light grey. Unlike US passport photos, a white background is not acceptable for German passports. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or objects. This is the same requirement as UK passport photos.
Can I use this photo for a Personalausweis (German ID card)?
Yes. The Personalausweis (German national identity card) uses the same 35×45 mm biometric photo format with identical requirements as the German passport photo. One photo taken to the correct standard can be used for both documents.
How recent must my German passport photo be?
Your German passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. While this is less strict than the UK 1-month rule, the photo must still accurately represent your current appearance. German authorities may reject photos that do not match your current look.