Passport Photo Requirements for 2026
– An Overview of All Rules and Criteria
The 2026 biometric passport photo requirements are crucial to ensure that your passport photo is accepted by government agencies. Starting in 2025, new legal requirements will take effect in Germany: Passport photos may only be taken by registered providers and submitted digitally (or taken directly at the government office). With alfo.Passbild, you can quickly find a registered photographer near you and have your passport photo taken digitally in compliance with the law.
What is a biometric passport photo?
A biometric passport photo is a standardized photograph used for official documents such as passports, ID cards, or residence permits. It must meet specific requirements regarding size, background, facial expression, and image quality.
For more information, visit our page: What is a biometric passport photo?
To ensure that your biometric passport photo meets official requirements, you must strictly adhere to specifications regarding size and format, background, facial expression, and lighting, among other things. Even minor deviations can result in your passport photo being rejected.
In this overview, you’ll learn all the important passport photo requirements for 2026—explained simply and summarized clearly. We’ll also point out common mistakes and offer practical tips on how to get a passport photo that’s correct and will be accepted. For example, the right attire for passport photos.
Examples of correct and incorrect biometric passport photos:
Avoid typical mistakes with passport photos
These examples show typical requirements and errors in biometric passport photos.
You can find more examples here: Common mistakes with passport photos
Tilted head position – not permitted
The head must be straight and facing the camera. A tilted or turned head position will result in the passport photo being rejected.
Too much light can wash out facial details and contrasts. Biometric passport photos require even exposure without overexposed areas.
Under-exposure – face not sufficiently recognizable
Excessively dark lighting makes important facial features difficult to recognize. The passport photo is usually not accepted.
Smile with visible teeth – not permitted
A neutral facial expression is required for biometric passport photos. Smiling can lead to rejection.
| Requirements | Specifications for biometric passport photos |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 x 45 mm (width x height) |
| Head Position | Facing the camera head-on, with your head held straight |
| Facial Expression | Neutral facial expression, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open and clearly visible, looking directly into the camera |
| Background | Solid color, light-colored, and without a pattern |
| Lighting | Even, no shadows or reflections |
| Glasses | Permitted, provided there is no glare and the eyes remain fully visible |
| Clothing | Neutral clothing without eye-catching patterns is recommended |
| Image Quality | Sharp, high-contrast, and unchanged |
| Timeliness | Should be as up-to-date as possible and reflect the current look and feel |
Why are these requirements important?
Importance for biometric recognition
The requirements for biometric passport photos ensure that the image is suitable for facial recognition software.
Even small deviations can lead to your photo being rejected by the authorities.
The biometric requirements apply to passports, national ID cards, and other identification documents. You can find a complete overview on our Biometric Passport Photo page .
Avoid common mistakes with passport photos
Many passport photos are rejected because basic mistakes are made – for example in lighting, facial expression or clothing.
👉 The most common mistakes with passport photos and how to avoid them
You can find tips on the right clothing here: Passport photo clothing – the best tips
The best way to avoid mistakes is to have your passport photo taken by a professional photographer.
Use our photographer search to find a registered photographer near you.
Special requirements for children
What should I bear in mind when taking passport photos for children?
Passport photos for children are subject to special requirements as their facial features are still developing:
- Neutral expression: A neutral facial expression is also required for children. Smiles or grimaces are not permitted.
- Correct position: The face must be fully visible and centered. Make sure that there are no toys or hands in the picture.
- Lighting: Ensure even lighting without shadows in order to clearly recognize facial features.
As it is often difficult to meet these requirements for babies and small children, we recommend that you consult an experienced photographer who is familiar with creating passport photos for children. Everything You Need to Know About Passport Photos for Children and Babies
Further advice on biometric passport photo requirements
You can also read our other tips on biometric passport photos:
Frequently asked questions about biometric passport photos
What are the requirements for biometric passport photos?
Biometric passport photos must meet certain requirements, e.g. neutral facial expression, light background, correct size and even lighting.
How big does a passport photo have to be?
The passport photo size for Germany is: 35 mm x 45 mm (width x height). All dimensions, including face height and pixel sizes, can be found under “Passport Photo Size & Format.”
For passports, ID cards, and other official documents, only digital biometric passport photos are now permitted.
Is smiling allowed in passport photos?
No, a neutral facial expression is required for biometric passport photos. Smiling with visible teeth is not permitted. To find out exactly where the line is between a slight smile and a full smile, and what exceptions apply to babies, see “ Passport Photos and Smiling.”
What happens if my passport photo does not meet the requirements?
If your passport photo does not meet the biometric requirements, it will be rejected by the authorities. In this case, you will have to have a new passport photo taken, which can take time and incur additional costs.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
Yes, but the eyes must be clearly visible. Tinted lenses or reflections are not permitted.
You can find out more about the secure creation and transmission of biometric passport photos on our Digital passport photo page.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQ passport photos section.
Legal change 2025: Digital passport photos are now mandatory
Starting in May 2025, biometric passport photos must be taken digitally by a certified photographer and submitted directly to the relevant authority—passport photos taken by the applicant or printed out will no longer be accepted. You can find all the details about the new legal requirements and the process on our page “Passport Photo Law Change 2026.”
