The photo must clearly show
the person's facial features from the bottom of the chin to the crown
(the top of the head, not the top of the hair) as well as the left and
right sides of the face.
The face must take up 70%- 80% of the German Passport picture. This
corresponds to a height of 32 - 36mm.
Because it is often difficult to determine where the top of the head
would be without hair, photos should be rejected only if the face measures
less than 27mm or more than 40mm. In the case of voluminous hairstyles,
the entire head (including hair) must be visible without reducing the
size of the face, if possible. The face must be centred in the photo.
The background must be one colour and bright (ideally a neutral grey colour) and in a contrasting colour to the face and hair. In the case of light-coloured hair, a medium-grey background is suitable whilst a light-grey background is suitable for dark hair.
The photo must be printed on high-quality paper with a print resolution of at least 600 dpi (especially when taken with a digital camera).
The head of the person photographed should be neither tilted nor turned (portrait style). The facial expression must be neutral with the mouth closed and looking directly at the camera.
The person in the photo must be looking directly at the camera. The eyes must be open and clearly visible and must not be covered by hair or eyeglass frames
Eyes must be clearly visible (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.
Hats or head coverings are not permitted; exceptions may be made, in particular for religious reasons. If a head covering is allowed, the face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the forehead. Shadows on the face are not acceptable.
For children aged 9 and under, the following requirements apply: The face should take up 50 �V 80% of the photo. This means that the face from the bottom of the chin to the crown (the top of the head, not the top of the hair) should measure between 22 and 36mm. Because it is often difficult to determine where the top of the head would be without hair, photos should be rejected only if the face measures less than 17mm or more than 40mm. See below for special requirements in the case of babies and very young children.
For children aged 5 and under, the same facial measurements apply as for children aged 9 and under. Children aged 5 and under do not need to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and their heads do not have to be centred in the photo. Babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open.f�
Click here for samples of good and bad passport photos for German Passport
Information is taken from theGermany Info website. We are not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the information. Please contact German Consulates for most currrent details about German Passport Photo size and Germany Passport Picture dimensions.