German travel document for foreigners photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Document Basics

The Reiseausweis für Ausländer is a travel document for foreigners. Related travel documents are issued to refugees and stateless persons^[1]. The local foreigners authority handles applications; German diplomatic missions can issue provisional documents abroad^[1].

For pass-replacement documents where a photo is affixed, the specified photo size is 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches)^[2]. Electronic documents use a digital image^[1].

The authority may request a current photo or have you participate directly in the capture process^[1]. Depending on the application, the submission can be in print or digital format^[2][1].

Background and Lighting Rules

The photo must meet PassV Anlage 8 requirements, including a uniform, light, neutral background^[2].

Stand a short distance away from the background to prevent shadows. Make sure the lighting on your face is even and bright. Natural light from a front-facing window works well, as long as it does not cause you to squint.

Expression, Eyes, and Face Rules

The photo must meet the applicable biometric photo requirements^[2].

Glasses are allowed conditionally under the applicable photo requirements^[2].

Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only under the applicable photo requirements^[2].

Rules for Children and Infants

Children and infants who need a travel document must have their own individual photo^[1]. The application cannot use a photo that includes a parent or sibling.

Applicable child allowances follow the incorporated biometric photo rules^[1]. For very small babies, you can lay them flat on a plain light cloth or seat them in a simple car seat covered with a neutral sheet. Ensure the baby looks toward the camera with eyes open and mouth closed, keeping in mind that authorities apply leniency for newborns when appropriate.

Taking 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 so you do not distort your facial features with a self-portrait angle. Keep the camera at your exact eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.

Take multiple pictures in bright daylight so you can choose the best one. Check that your shoulders are square and your head is straight. Once you have a clear picture, the tool above helps you crop it to the correct 35 by 45 millimeter dimensions.

Printing and Submitting Your Photo

The application allows for both printed and digital submission depending on the office instructions^[2][1]. Electronic documents use a digital image, while pass-replacement documents require a physical photo to be affixed^[1].

If you need a physical copy for a paper application, arrange your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch photo sheet layout. You can print this sheet at any local photo kiosk as an ordinary print and cut it out carefully using scissors or a paper cutter to match the 35 by 45 millimeter size.