Preparing Your Swiss Passport Photo
You need a clear and accurate photo for your Swiss passport application. Follow the official rules carefully to ensure your picture meets all standards[1][2].
Official Size and Submission Rules
The official photo size is 35 × 45 mm, or about 1.38 × 1.77 inches[3]. In some cantons, you can submit a digital photo; ask your cantonal office about its process[2].
The passport photo is generally captured by the cantonal authority or Swiss representation during biometric enrollment[1][2]. However, some cantons also accept an applicant-provided photo[1][2]. You can use the tool above to help check and crop your photo correctly before you apply.
A colour digital photo is required for a Swiss passport[2]. The photo criteria are set out by fedpol[3].
Head Height and Exact Measurements
Your head height must be 29 to 34 mm, measured from the chin to the crown[3].
For children under 11 years old, the head height must be at least 23 mm[3]. Infants and small children may have relaxed requirements for their gaze, expression, and head size[3].
Keep your head straight and centered in the frame. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to either side while taking the picture.
Background and Lighting Setup
Your photo must feature a plain, uniform, neutral background without shadows, and no official colour is specified by the authority[3]. Standing in front of a plain white or light wall is the easiest way to meet this requirement.
Good lighting helps you avoid dark shadows behind your head and on your face. Try facing a bright window to get even, natural light on your skin without harsh glares.
Avoid using overhead lights that cast dark shadows under your nose or chin. Keep the background clean and free of any objects or patterns.
Face, Expression, and Glasses
You must show a neutral expression in your photo[3]. Keep your mouth completely closed and do not smile, smirk, or frown[3].
Look directly into the camera lens with your eyes wide open. Your eyes must be clearly visible and not covered by hair, stray strands, or heavy frames.
Glasses are allowed if their frames do not cover your eyes and their lenses do not reflect light. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed, except that darkened lenses are permitted for people with visual impairments[3].
Head Coverings and Children
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[3].
Hats, caps, and fashion headbands are not allowed in official identity photos. Your hair should be brushed back so it does not cover your face or eyes.
Children and infants have special allowances because they are difficult to pose. While infants may have relaxed rules for gaze and expression, you should try to get them facing the camera with open eyes whenever possible[3].
Taking and Printing Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you while you stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens.
Upload your picture to the tool above to crop it to the correct dimensions. The tool formats your photo onto a standard 4×6-inch sheet so you can print it easily as an ordinary photo at a local kiosk.
Check your printed photo with a ruler to confirm the head height matches the official rules before you submit your application materials.
Frequently asked questions
Can I smile in my Swiss passport photo?
No, you must have a neutral expression with your mouth completely closed[3].
What background color do I need?
The background must be a plain, uniform, neutral background without shadows, and no official colour is specified[3].
Can I wear my glasses in the photo?
Glasses are conditional[3]. They are allowed only if the frames do not obscure your eyes and the lenses have no glare or reflections.
What are the exact size requirements?
The official size is 35×45 mm, with a head height of 29 to 34 mm measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[3].
Are there special rules for baby and child photos?
Yes, infants and small children may have relaxed requirements for gaze, expression, and head size, and children under 11 need a head height of at least 23 mm[3].