Germany Travel Visa Photo Requirements – Easy Guide to Get Schengen Visa Approved (2025)

Applying for a Germany travel visa can be challenging, especially if your photo does not meet the Schengen standards. The German Embassy follows strict biometric photo rules for all visa applicants. In this article, you’ll learn the complete Germany visa photo requirements and how to create a perfect visa photo using Toolerd’s free background remover and image compressor.

1. Photo Size and Dimensions

Your Germany visa photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. The head height (from top of hair to chin) should be between 32 mm and 36 mm. The face should be centered and take up 70–80% of the photo.

The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and clearly reflect your current appearance.

2. Background Color – Plain Light Grey or White

The background must be light grey or white, uniform, and shadow-free. If your photo has a different background, you can fix it instantly using Toolerd’s Background Remover Tool.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Go to Toolerd Background Remover.
2. Upload your photo.
3. Select a Light Grey or White background option.
4. Download your ready-to-use Germany visa photo instantly.

This tool helps ensure your photo fully meets the Schengen photo background standards.

3. Photo Quality and Format

Use a clear, well-lit, high-resolution image. Avoid overexposure, filters, or shadows. The accepted format is JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png).

If your image file size is too large, use Toolerd’s Image Compressor Tool to make it smaller without losing quality.

4. Expression and Lighting

• Keep a neutral facial expression (no smile or frown).
• Eyes must be open and visible.
• Do not wear glasses with tinted lenses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious purposes).
• Ensure the photo is evenly lit without shadows or glare.

FAQs – Germany Visa Photo Requirements

Q1. What is the size of a Germany visa photo?

The correct size is 35 mm x 45 mm.

Q2. What background color should I use?

Use a light grey or white background. You can easily adjust it using Toolerd Background Remover.

Q3. Can I take my Germany visa photo at home?

Yes, as long as you follow the official Schengen photo standards for size, background, and lighting.

Q4. How do I compress my photo for online submission?

Use Toolerd Image Compressor to reduce file size while keeping high quality.

Q5. Can I smile in my visa photo?

No, keep a neutral expression and face the camera directly.

Q6. How recent should my photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last six months.

Final Thoughts

Meeting the Germany visa photo requirements is easy when you use the right tools. Toolerd helps you prepare a compliant visa photo for your Germany or Schengen visa application in just minutes.

• 🖼️ Change your background instantly: Background Remover Tool
• 📦 Compress large image files: Image Compressor Tool

With Toolerd, you can create a Germany visa photo that meets embassy standards — fast, simple, and 100% free!