When applying for a Germany visa, one of the most significant elements of the visa application is ensuring that the German visa biometric photo size and specifications meet the guidelines outlined by the German Immigration authorities. German and European Union immigration authorities have jointly established stringent standards to ensure the smooth processing and acceptance of visa applications. Failure to comply with the German visa photo specifications can lead to potential delays or outright rejection of your visa application. Let’s take you through a holistic guide on meeting the German biometric photo size and specifications to comply with the guidelines set by German immigration authorities.
German Visa Biometric Photo Size and Dimensions
The Germany visa biometric photo size should be exactly 1.38 x 1.77 inches (35 mm in width and 45 mm in height). A standard size outlined by immigration authorities, which also serves as an international standard for any Schengen visa requirement.
Additional requirements that must be taken into consideration:
- The photo should not have any frames or borders
- Face coverage should cover approximately 70-80% of the photo frame, which is roughly 32-36 mm from the chin to the top of the head.
- The full head, including the forehead and hair, should be visible and cantered in the photo frame.
Face and Head Positioning
A biometric photo requires a full-frontal face view, where the applicant must face the camera with a neutral expression.
- The eyes must be open and clearly visible and looking straight
- The mouth should be closed, with no smiling or exaggerated facial expressions
- The head position should be upright and not inclined toward any direction
- Both sides of the face should be visible in the photo frame, with shoulders being partially visible.
It is advisable that if the applicant is wearing glasses, it should not create any shadows or reflections on the lenses, and the eye coverage should be very clear. Tinted glasses or sunglasses should be avoided.
Background Requirements
One of the key requirements of the Germany biometric photo size is the photo background. The photo background should be plain, preferably white, for easy automatic facial recognition.
- A light background, preferably white, is always recommended. The background should not have any shadows, reflections, patterns, or objections visible behind the applicant.
- The background should be in stark contrast to the applicant’s hair and clothing for easy distinction.
- No pictures, furniture, or other items should be part of the photo background.
Photo Quality and Printing Standards
The photo must be of high quality to meet the German biometric photo size and specification standards.
- The photo quality should be sharp, clear, in focus, and an ideal contrast and brightness.
- Avoid overexposure or underexposure, where the face must be evenly illuminated and without any shadows or reflections.
- The photo should be colored as black and white photos are not accepted for German visa applications.
- The photo print resolution should be a minimum of 600 dpi to ensure clarity and detail standards.
- Use high-quality photo paper for printing the photo, which is either glossy or matte, without any creases, marks, or physical damage.
The Recency of the Photo
The passport-size photo must accurately represent the applicant’s current appearance.
- It should be captured in the last six months
- The photo should exactly match the current facial features of the applicant, which is essential for the automatic identification of applicants at the German border controls.
Number of Photos Required
The German immigration authorities require that the applicant provide two identical biometric photos that meet the photo specifications.
Additional Considerations
- German immigration does not accept head coverings unless it is used for religious or medical reasons. However, the face should be fully visible from the chin to the forehead, with a clear visibility of both sides of the face.
- For children, simplified photo requirements can be considered, but they must still meet the size and quality standards.
- Avoid any photo editing or retouching that alters the applicant’s natural appearance. In short, the photo should be an ideal representation of your current appearance.
Meeting the Compliance of the German Biometric Photo Size and Specifications
The applicant must take note of the following to meet the compliance standards set by the German immigration authorities.
- The professional photo studio should be familiar with the German biometric photo size and standards.
- Use a plain and light background, preferably white, which contrasts starkly with the applicant’s face and clothing.
- Ensure the lighting is adequate to avoid any shadows, patterns, or reflections on the face or background.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression with mouth closed and eyes visible.
- Applicants can remove their glasses to ensure that no reflections are created while they are wearing them.
- The photo should be captured on high-quality paper with a minimum resolution of 600 dpi.
- The photo size should be exactly 35 mm x 45 mm without any frames and borders.
- Ensure that the face coverage covers 70-80% of your face in the photo frame.
- The photo should be captured within six months of submitting your visa application.
Many German immigration authorities provide photo samples that meet the expected standard, which the applicants can download and print for their reference and to ensure compliance with these standards.
The Importance of the Requirements
All biometric photos are designed to enable automatic facial recognition by border control systems, ensuring that the applicant in the photo matches the visa holder. The German Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Foreign Office, in collaboration with the European Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), have set these standards for maintaining security and streamlining the identification processes.
Any submission of photographs that do not meet the photo specifications outlined as part of the German visa requirements will result in delays or, in extreme cases, may lead to visa rejection. Hence, it is recommended that professional photo services or trusted visa photo tools automatically adjust photo specifications outlined by German immigration.
Germany Visa Biometric Photo Guidelines
The German visa biometric photo guidelines state that the photo should be captured using specialized online tools to create a compliant photo at home. The tools must typically have the following:
- The photo size should be 35 mm x 45 mm. Hence, cropping the photo to the photo size outlined is the most crucial step for the biometric photo.
- The photo should be captured against a light background, preferably white
- The applicant’s head size and positioning should be correct as per the German photo size specifications.
- Check for lighting shadows and ensure the facial expression captured meets compliance.
The professional services reduce the risk of photo rejection and save time during the entire German visa application process.
Conclusion
The German visa biometric photo size and quality requirements are a crucial step in the German visa application milestones. The photo specification states that the photo size must be 35 x 45 mm, with 70-80% face coverage of the image set captured against a white background, and must resemble the applicant’s current appearance with a neutral expression. Using the professional help of a trusted and reliable visa consultant who can guide and mentor you to meet the compliance defined by the German immigration authorities, significantly reducing any form of potential delays or visa rejection. All applicants can enhance their chances of a smooth and successful German visa application by religiously following the guidelines outlined by the German immigration authorities.