Swiss National Identity Card Photo Requirements
You need a clear and exact photo for your Swiss national identity card. Follow these official rules to prepare your picture correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
The official photo size is 35 × 45 mm, or about 1.38 × 1.77 inches[1].
The proportion of your head within the frame is equally strict. The head height, measured strictly from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, must measure between 29 and 34 mm[1]. You must check these measurements carefully before submitting your application.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The background behind you must follow specific official standards. It must be a plain, uniform, and neutral background without any shadows[1]. The guidelines note that no official colour is specified, but a solid light grey or off-white wall usually works best[1]. Avoid patterned wallpaper, textured surfaces, or objects in the background.
Proper lighting helps you meet the neutral background rule. Face a window with natural daylight to illuminate your face evenly. Ask someone else to take the picture rather than trying a selfie, and keep the camera at your eye level about one to one and a half meters away to avoid distortion.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed, and look straight at the camera[1].
Glasses are allowed if their frames do not cover your eyes and their lenses do not reflect light[1]. Head coverings are allowed only for proven medical or religious reasons. If you wear one, your face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to your hairline, with no shadows[1].
Special Rules for Children and Infants
Photographing babies and young children for official documents involves specific adjustments. For children under the age of eleven, the required head height must be at least 23 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1]. This lower minimum accommodates smaller proportions while maintaining clarity.
Infants and very small children may have relaxed requirements for gaze, expression, and head size[1]. If you are taking a photo of a baby, lay them on a plain neutral sheet on the floor or support them safely while keeping shadows away from their face.
Where Photos Are Taken and Submission Rules
The process for capturing your photo depends on where you submit your application. The identity card is issued by the Federal Office of Police, known as fedpol, through cantonal passport offices, communes, and Swiss representations abroad[2].
Photos are generally captured by the cantonal authority or Swiss representation during your biometric enrollment, though some cantons allow you to supply your own photo[2][1]. At commune applications, a paper photo is required unless the commune accepts digital photos or takes one onsite[2][1]. Both colour and black-and-white photos are accepted by the authorities[1].
Preparing and Printing Your Photo at Home
If your local office permits you to supply a printed photograph, you can prepare it easily on your own device. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera at eye level, and take a clear picture following the official lighting and background rules.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions and arrange it on a standard 4×6-inch sheet. Take that digital file to a local photo kiosk and print it out as an ordinary 4×6-inch photo to cut out at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Swiss ID photo?
Glasses rules are conditional[1]. If you wear spectacles, your eyes must be clearly visible without heavy frames or glare on the lenses.
What background colour is required?
The background must be a plain, uniform, and neutral background without shadows, and no official colour is specified[1].
What are the exact dimensions for the photo?
The official size is 35 × 45 mm, with a head height of 29 to 34 mm measured from the chin to the crown[1].
Are black-and-white photos accepted?
Yes, both colour and black-and-white photographs are accepted[1].
Are there different rules for children?
For children under 11, the head height must be at least 23 mm, and infants may have relaxed requirements for gaze and expression[1].