Germany Visa Photo Size Requirement & Specification Guide

A Germany visa photo must be 35mm x 45mm in size. The background must be plain; the image must have been taken in the last 6 months. All these small details are essential for getting a German visa and making your European dreams come true. 

In this blog, we will cover all the essential details related to Germany visa photo size requirements and specifications to help you get your visa papers sorted.

Image Source

Specification	Germany Visa Photo Requirement
Size	35 mm × 45 mm (1.37 in × 1.77 in)
Face Proportion	Face should occupy 70–80% of the photo area
Expression & Orientation	Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, head straight, facing the camera
Background	Plain white or light-colored background; no shadows or patterns
Accessories & Headgear	No glasses with glare; head coverings only for religious reasons and must not obscure the face
Recency	Taken within the last 6 months
Digital Specifications	JPEG format; file size up to 1 MB; resolution of at least 600×800 pixels

Photo Size

According to Germany visa photo guidelines, the specific visa photo size are essential for a successful visa application:

Photo Size in MM	35 mm x 45 mm
Photo Size in CM	3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
Photo Size in Inches	1.37 inches x 1.77 inches

Photo Color & Recentness

• Age of the Photo: Not older than 6 months
• Colour: Coloured photo with accurate skin tones
• Photo Quality: Ensure your photo has good contrast, sharpness, and no visible pixels or blurriness. Use high-quality photo paper for prints, and ensure it’s free of creases, marks, or damage. 

Photo Background & Lighting

• Background: Plain light gray background without patterns, objects, or shadows
• Lighting: Uniform lighting without shadows, reflections, or red-eye effect

Face Visibility & Expressions

Your face should occupy about 70-80% of the total photo area. This means:

• The height of your face, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (excluding hair), should measure between 32 mm and 36 mm.
• Your face should be centered in the photo, with equal space on both sides.

Face Orientation 

• Keep your head straight and face the camera directly.
• Your face should be fully visible, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
• Avoid tilting your head or having an off-center alignment, as this can lead to visa photo rejection.

Facial Expression

Maintain a neutral facial expression in your Germany visa photo:

• Keep your mouth closed and avoid smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.
• Look directly at the camera with both eyes open.
• Ensure your eyes are clearly visible and not obscured by hair or eyewear frames.

Suggested Read: Germany Visa Extension for Indians

Attire & Accessories

Your attire and accessories play a significant role in meeting the Germany visa photo guidelines. Here’s what you need to know:

Attire

• Wear clothes in a color that contrasts with the light gray background, such as dark or bright shades.
• Choose neat, everyday attire that represents your normal appearance. Avoid overly formal or casual clothing.
• If you wear a tie or bow tie, ensure it doesn’t cover any part of your face.
• Refrain from wearing uniforms or clothing with prominent logos or designs.

Accessories

Germany visa photo specifications allow minimal accessories that don’t obstruct facial features. Keep these guidelines in mind:

Glasses/Spectacles

• If possible, remove your glasses for the photo.
• If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure the lenses are not tinted and don’t obscure your eyes.
• Avoid glare or reflections on the lenses.

Health Accessories

• Hearing aids or similar devices are permitted as long as they don’t cover any part of your face.

Jewelry

• Keep jewelry minimal and avoid large, distracting pieces that may obscure facial features.
• Remove facial piercings or ensure they don’t cast shadows or reflections.

Headwear

• Religious headwear, such as hijabs or turbans, is allowed if worn daily for religious reasons.
• Ensure your full facial features are visible from the bottom of your chin to your forehead.
• No shadows should be cast on your face by the headwear.

Makeup

• Makeup is allowed as long as it appears natural and doesn’t significantly alter your appearance. 
• Avoid heavy or exaggerated makeup that could make it difficult to recognize you. 
• False eyelashes, colored contact lenses, and excessive cosmetics should be avoided. 
• If you typically wear makeup, apply it as you would on a regular day, ensuring your natural skin tone is still visible. 
• Hair should be neatly styled, without any distracting colors or accessories.

Suggested Read: Germany Visa Appeal for Indians

Germany Visa Photo Requirements for Children

Visa photo requirements for children vary slightly based on age. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Babies under one year old can have their eyes closed in the photo.
2. Infants can be photographed lying on a white sheet or sitting in a car seat with a white cover.
3. No other objects or people should be visible in the photo.

Suggested Read: How to Check Germany Visa Status

Common Reasons for Germany Visa Photo Rejections

To ensure your Germany visa application goes smoothly, avoid these common reasons for photo rejections:

1. Incorrect photo size or dimensions not meeting the specified Germany visa passport photo size requirements.
2. Background color other than light gray or having shadows, patterns, or objects.
3. Facial features obscured by hair, accessories, or eyewear frames.
4. Head tilted or not facing the camera directly.
5. Facial expression not neutral, such as smiling or frowning.
6. Photo quality issues like blurriness, overexposure, or visible pixels.
7. Wearing uniforms or clothing with prominent text or logos.
8. Damaged or altered photos with creases, ink marks, or retouching.

Suggested Read: Germany Visa Rejection for Indians

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FAQs

1. What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens traveling to Germany?

The standard Germany visa photo size for Indian citizens is 35mm x 45mm. Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo area, with a height of 32-36mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

2. Can I use a photo with a colored background for my Germany visa application?

No, a photo required for a Germany visa must have a plain, light-colored background, typically white or light gray. 

3. Can I wear glasses in my Germany visa photo?

It’s best to remove your glasses for your Germany visa photo. However, if you must wear them for medical reasons, ensure the lenses are not tinted and do not obscure your eyes. There should be no glare or reflections on the lenses.

4. What facial expression should I have in my visa photo?

To meet the Germany visit visa photo requirements, you must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Avoid smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions, as these can result in rejection. Aim to look directly at the camera with a relaxed, natural appearance.

5. What should I do if my visa photo is rejected?

If your Germany visa photo is rejected, review the feedback given to identify any specific issues, such as incorrect size or background color. Correct the photo to align with all photo requirements, ensuring it meets guidelines on size, background, lighting, and facial expression, and resubmit.

6. Are there any specific requirements for baby photos in Germany visa applications?

Yes, babies under one year old can have their eyes closed in the photo and can be photographed lying on a white sheet or sitting in a car seat with a white cover. No other objects or people should be visible in the photo.

7. Can I wear a necklace or earrings in my Germany visa photo?

You can wear simple, small jewelry like a necklace or earrings in your Germany visa photo as long as they don’t obscure your facial features or create glare.

8. What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from meeting certain visa photo requirements?

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from meeting certain Germany visa photo requirements for Indian travelers, such as keeping your eyes open or maintaining a neutral facial expression, you may need to provide a doctor’s note or medical certificate explaining your condition.