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Tip: for a physical application, print the 4×6″ sheet at a photo lab or pharmacy and cut along the lines. For online applications, use the digital file.
Select your country / document
Each country has its own size and head proportions — switching reloads the exact spec.
German Visa (Schengen / national) spec
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (biometric) |
| Head height | 32–36 mm (face takes up 70–80% of the photo) |
| Background | Light single-colour: white or off-white (or neutral grey) |
| Digital upload | Printed photos are submitted with the visa application (usually 1–2 identical). Some missions have self-service photo machines. Photos are commonly 'no older than three months' — check your mission. |
Source: German Embassy London (Federal Foreign Office) — visa FAQ; FFO sample photo sheet · verified 2026-10-09
German Visa (Schengen / national) photo — requirements & how to
German visa photos (Schengen and national) follow the same biometric standard as the German passport: 35×45 mm, face occupying 70–80% of the photo. Submit printed photos with your application — usually one or two. Some missions have self-service photo machines.
Key rules for Visa
- Same biometric standard as the German passport photo: 35×45 mm, face 32–36 mm (70–80%)
- Neutral expression, both eyes open; glasses only if frames don't cover the eyes
- No head covering obscuring the hairline (religious face coverings OK with the face fully visible)
- Photos copied or scanned from official documents are not accepted
- Recency: often 3 months — check your specific mission
How to make your Visa photo here
- Upload a straight-on photo (plain light background, even lighting, no glasses).
- Check the blue guide — chin to crown must fit the head guide. Use “Auto-fit head” first.
- Watch the live checks: head size, centering, resolution, background.
- Click Generate and download the digital size and/or the 4×6″ print sheet.
FAQ
What size photo does a German visa need?
35 × 45 mm, biometric: face 32–36 mm from chin to crown, light single-colour background.
How recent must a German visa photo be?
Missions commonly ask for photos no older than three months — check your specific mission.