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Germany vs France passport photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Germany and France both ask for 35 × 45 mm. Head height, background and glasses, side by side.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Partially. Germany and France publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — Germany: Plain light; France: Light grey or light blue. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
In short
Germany and France use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | Germany | France |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height= same | 71–80% (32–36 mm) | 71–80% (32–36 mm) |
| Background | Plain light background. | The background must be plain and light — light grey or light blue; a white background is not allowed. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinting or reflections. | Clear lenses without reflections; eyes must be fully visible. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | The head must be bare (La tête doit être nue): hats, headscarves, and headbands are prohibited; there are no exceptions. |
| Pose | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | No shadows or uneven lighting. | No shadows, creases, or marks on the photo. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing; face and shoulder line must be distinguishable from the background. | Face must be fully open, hair must not cover the eyes; ears must be visible. |
| Authority | Federal Foreign Office of Germany | Service-Public.fr / Ministère de l’Intérieur |
| Last verified | 21 May 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Germany and France?
Partially. Germany and France publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — Germany: Plain light; France: Light grey or light blue. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
Which photo is larger — Germany or France?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Germany and France require?
Germany requires: Plain light. France requires: Light grey or light blue.