Visa · Germany
Germany Schengen Visa Photo Size
A German Schengen visa photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the head between 32 and 36 mm from chin to crown and on a plain, light-coloured background. This is the rule published by German Embassy Warsaw (Federal Foreign Office), last checked by Maru on 10 October 2026. Maru resizes and checks your photo to match, in your browser.
RequirementGermany Schengen Visa Photo Size
Drop a photo here, or take one.
JPG, PNG, WebP or HEIC · stays on this device
3 rules to meet
- Print size35 × 45 mm
- BackgroundPlain, light-coloured
- Head size (guide)32–36 mm
Processed on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
02 — Requirement
The rule, from the source
| Rule | Official value and source |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 mm × 45 mm ≈ 1.38 × 1.77 in · 827 × 1063 px at 600 dpi (conversion) “45 mm … 35 mm” German Embassy Warsaw (Federal Foreign Office): Visa photo sample sheet (PDF), dimension labels on the sample-photo diagram |
| Print resolution | at least 600 dpi “print resolution of at least 600 dpi” German Embassy Warsaw (Federal Foreign Office): Visa photo sample sheet (PDF) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32 mm–36 mm “The face must take up 70 - 80% of the photo. This corresponds to a height of 32 - 36mm.” German Embassy Warsaw (Federal Foreign Office): Visa photo sample sheet (PDF) |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured “The background should be one colour and bright (ideally a neutral grey colour)” German Embassy Warsaw (Federal Foreign Office): Visa photo sample sheet (PDF) |
03 — How to
Get it right the first time
- 01Take a photo facing the camera against a plain, light wall, or choose one you already have.
- 02Drop it into the tool above. Nothing is uploaded; it stays on your device.
- 03Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guide.
- 04Press Fix & check. Maru resizes and compresses it, then grades every rule.
- 05Download the file and upload it to your application.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- The photo is not 35 mm wide by 45 mm high.
- The face, chin to crown, is smaller than 32 mm or larger than 36 mm, so it doesn't take up 70–80% of the photo.
- The face isn't centred, or the head is tilted or turned.
- The background has a pattern, shadows, or not enough contrast with your face and hair.
- Glasses reflect light, are tinted, or their frames cover your eyes.
- The print is low resolution. The German Foreign Office asks for at least 600 dpi.
04 — Questions
Germany Schengen Visa Photo Size: questions
What size is a German Schengen visa photo?
35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the face taking up 70–80% of the photo, which is 32–36 mm from chin to crown, according to the German Foreign Office's photo sample sheet.
What background colour is best?
One colour and bright, ideally neutral grey, contrasting with your face and hair. A medium grey suits light hair and a light grey suits dark hair.
What print resolution do I need?
At least 600 dpi. Maru exports the photo at 827 × 1063 pixels, which is 35 × 45 mm at 600 dpi.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible: no reflections, no tinted lenses, and frames that don't cover the eyes.
Can I wear a head covering?
Generally no. Exceptions are possible, especially for religious reasons, as long as your face is visible from chin to forehead.
Does Maru upload my photo?
No. It stays on your device.
05 — Related
Other requirements
Not listed? Use your own rules →