Austrian Child Passport Photo Requirements and Guide
Get your child ready for their Austrian passport application with the correct photo size, background, and rules. Use the tool above to help prepare your printed photo.
Official Size and Application Rules
The photo must be a colour EU passport photo that meets the applicable ICAO rules[1]. Austrian child passports are valid for two years for children under two; validity periods increase with age[1].
The passport authorities check that the photo meets the applicable photo criteria[2][1].
Background and Lighting Setup
Use a plain, light background, preferably grey, with no pattern and enough contrast with the child’s face and hair[3].
To achieve the right light, try placing your child in a room with soft, indirect daylight coming from a large window. Position the camera about one to one and a half meters away from the child, holding it steady at their exact eye level. Good lighting helps to make sure that the light background contrasts nicely with your child's hair and skin.
Rules for Infants and Babies
Photographing a baby or a young child can be tricky, but official rules still apply with some flexibility. The child must be alone in the picture, with their face fully visible and their eyes open[3]. However, the rules note that some expression or positioning deviations may be accepted where developmental stage or physical circumstances require[3].
For very young babies who cannot sit up yet, you can lay them down on a plain light grey blanket on the floor. Stand directly above them to take the shot, making sure no hands or other objects appear in the frame.
Expression, Mouth, and Pose
Official standards require specific facial behavior for all applicants, including young children. The photograph must show the child with a neutral expression[3]. Furthermore, the child's mouth must be closed[3].
While babies naturally want to smile, cry, or babble, you should wait for a quiet moment when their face is relaxed. Do not try to force an unnatural expression, but aim for a calm look where the lips are gently pressed together. Keeping the head straight and facing forward is also important for official document photos.
Glasses and Headwear Regulations
Many children wear prescription glasses or specific head coverings for daily life. Glasses are allowed under conditional rules[3]. If your child wears glasses, make sure the frames do not obscure their eyes and check that there is no bright glare on the glass lenses.
The cited criteria allow head coverings for religious reasons and say the face must remain visible from the chin to the forehead, without shadows[3].
Preparing Your Photo with the Tool
Getting your file ready before you print is simple and keeps your personal data private. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions right inside your web browser.
The tool helps you center the face properly and helps the final output match the required paper format. Because your photo never leaves your device, you maintain full control over your privacy while preparing the file for print.
Printing and Final Checks
Once your photo is cropped, you can save the file onto your smartphone or a USB drive. Take your file to a local photo kiosk and print it out on standard 4×6-inch photo paper.
Bring the EU passport photo with your application. The application form says not to cut or glue the photo[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for an Austrian child passport photo?
The official size is 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in)[1].
What are the background requirements for the photo?
The background must be plain, light, preferably grey; no pattern and sufficient contrast with face and hair[3].
What facial expression does the child need to have?
The photograph must show the child with a neutral expression and the mouth must be closed[3].
Are babies allowed to move or have a different expression?
The child must be alone, face fully visible and eyes open, but some expression or positioning deviations may be accepted where developmental stage or physical circumstances require[3].
Can the child wear glasses or headwear?
Glasses are allowed under conditional rules, and headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons[3].