Worried your German visa photo might get rejected? You're not alone.
Many travelers encounter issues because of simple photo errors, such as the wrong background color, face size, or poor lighting. These small mistakes can lead to delays or even visa rejections.
If you're applying for a German visa, ensuring your photo meets the embassy guidelines is crucial. That’s why Atlys developed the Germany Visa Photo Maker Tool to take the guesswork out of the process. The tool automatically adjusts your photo to meet official requirements, saving time and preventing avoidable setbacks.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to use the tool and walk you through the full list of photo specifications for your German visa application.
How do you take a German visa-compliant photo at home?
You can take your German visa photo from the comfort of your home using the Atlys Germany Visa Photo Maker Tool. Here’s how:
Take or Upload Your Photo: You can start by uploading a photo in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format, or you can take a new one using your phone or webcam.
Click "Transform": Once uploaded, click the “Transform” button. Based on German visa requirements, the tool will automatically adjust the photo's background, size, lighting, and alignment.
Download Your Photo: After processing, download the final version and attach it digitally or as a printed copy to your visa application.
Now that your photo is done correctly, you can confidently move forward with your German visa application. Atlys makes that part easy, too.
Germany Visa Photo Requirements
Here are the official passport photo specifications for a German visa:
Size: 35 Ă— 45 mm
Format: JPEG/JPG; high-quality print (matte or glossy)
Background: Plain, light (white or light grey)
Face Size: 32–36 mm (70–80% of photo height)
Borders: No borders
Recency: Taken within 6 months
Orientation: Full-frontal, head centered
Quality: Sharp, well-lit, no shadows or red-eye
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, no smile
The Atlys visa photo tool handles all these specifications automatically.
German Visa Photo Size
The photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Your full head and upper shoulders must be visible. The head should measure 32 mm to 36 mm, about 70–80% of the height. Your face must be centered and vertically aligned.
Germany Visa Photo File Size & Format
For online applications, the photo must be in high-resolution JPEG or JPG format. For physical submissions, it should be printed on matte or glossy photo paper and free from damage or distortion.
German visa Photo Background
The background must be plain and light-colored, preferably white or light grey, with no visible shadows, patterns, or objects.
Face Size & Positioning
Your head must be straight and centered. The face should measure 32 mm to 36 mm from chin to crown. The shoulders should also be partially visible in the frame.
No Borders Allowed
Your photo must not include borders, frames, or edge lines. Only your face should be the focus.
Recent Photos
Photos must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
Orientation & Head Position
Look directly into the camera. Do not tilt or turn. Your face must be centered, and your eyes must be visible.
Quality
Photos must be clear, in focus, and well-lit. No shadows, blurriness, or uneven lighting.
Facial Expression
Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed, eyes open, and no smile.
Eyewear & Headgear
Glasses: Allowed only if lenses are clear with no glare or reflections.
Headgear: Permitted only for religious reasons and must not cover any part of your face. The full face from the forehead to the chin must remain visible.
Germany Visa Photo Requirements for Minors
Babies under one year old don’t need open eyes.
The child must be alone in the photo with a neutral expression.
No toys or other people should appear in the background.
The photo must be high quality and front-facing.
Do's and Don’ts for German Visa Photos
Do’s
Use even lighting with no shadows.
Make sure the photo is recent (within 6 months).
Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
Ensure your shoulders and hair are visible.
Use a plain white or light grey background.
Wear dark-colored headwear only for religious reasons, and ensure the face is fully visible.
If wearing glasses, ensure your eyes are fully visible with no reflections.
Don’ts
Don’t submit damaged or creased photos.
Don’t let hair cover your eyes or face.
Avoid red-eye, colored lenses, or tinted glasses.
Don’t wear sunglasses.
Don’t tilt your head; keep it straight and centered.
Can I take my Germany visa photo at home?
Yes. You can take or upload a photo using the Atlys Germany Visa Photo Maker Tool. The tool automatically adjusts background, size, and alignment to meet the German embassy's requirements.
Can I wear glasses in my Germany visa photo?
Yes, but only if the lenses are clear, with no glare or reflections, and your eyes are fully visible. Tinted or colored lenses are not allowed.
Are head coverings allowed in the photo?
Yes, but only for religious reasons. Headgear must not cast shadows or hide facial features. Your full face, from forehead to chin, must be visible.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
Common mistakes include smiling, poor lighting, shadows, the wrong background, head tilting, and using old or damaged photos. The Atlys photo tool helps avoid all of these.
How we reviewed this tool:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
16 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt
16 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt