Preparing Your German Schengen Visa Photo
You need a physical photo for your German Schengen visa application. Follow these official rules to get your picture right.
Official Size and Submission Requirements
For a German Schengen visa, the applicant supplies a current 35×45 mm photo[1]. Check the responsible mission’s instructions for submission details.
The German Foreign Office handbook sets the physical dimensions of the image clearly[1]. However, the authority does not set a specific rule for the head height in millimeters[1]. You should frame your face naturally within the given frame while keeping these basic dimensions in mind[1].
Background and Lighting Rules
Your photo background must meet the PassV Anlage 8 requirements[1]. This means you need a light, neutral background behind you[1]. The official handbook gives no specific color value for this background, so a plain white or off-white wall works well[1].
Good lighting helps you meet these background rules without harsh shadows. You can face a window with soft natural light to illuminate your face evenly. Ask someone else to take the picture for you rather than taking a selfie, and keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away.
Facial Expression and Mouth Rules
The photo must show a neutral expression with the mouth closed[1].
Keeping your facial muscles still helps you meet this strict official standard. Look directly into the camera lens with both eyes open. The tool above helps you crop your image to the correct dimensions before you print it out.
Glasses and Headwear Guidelines
You can wear glasses in your visa photo only conditionally[1]. If you wear spectacles, your eyes must be clearly visible without any glare or reflection on the lenses. Heavy frames that obscure your eyes can cause the application office to reject the picture[1].
Headwear is strictly restricted for German visa photos[1]. You can only wear head coverings for religious or medical reasons[1]. Even in those cases, your face must remain fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face[1].
Photo Rules for Children and Infants
If you are applying for a visa for a child, submit an individual photo for the child[1].
The responsible German mission may allow applicable child photo tolerances for babies and toddlers[1]. Because infants can be difficult to photograph, you can take multiple shots at home to catch the right moment with eyes open and mouth closed. The tool above lets you prepare the sheet easily.
Printing and Final Submission Steps
German authorities require you to submit a physical printed photo with your paperwork[1][2]. You can arrange your cropped 35 by 45 millimeter image onto a standard 4 by 6-inch template. Print this sheet at a local photo kiosk as an ordinary picture.
Bring the photo to your visa appointment, following the responsible mission’s instructions[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a German Schengen visa photo?
Do I need a printed photo or a digital file?
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
Glasses are allowed conditionally, provided your eyes are clearly visible without glare[1].
What are the rules for religious headwear?
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only, and your face must remain fully visible[1].
How do children's photo rules work?
You must submit an individual photo for a child applicant, and the responsible German mission may allow applicable child photo tolerances[1].