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Germany vs Austria visa photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Germany and Austria both ask for 35 × 45 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the visa photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Germany and Austria publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Germany: Plain light; Austria: Plain, one colour). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
Germany and Austria 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 | Austria |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Plain background without shadows per official Austrian Passbildkriterien. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible. | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Full face, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, no tilt or rotation, face must be unambiguously identifiable. |
| Lighting / shadows | No shadows or reflections. | Shadows, overexposure, and reflections not permitted. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing. | Neutral clothing without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| Authority | Federal Foreign Office of Germany | oesterreich.gv.at / BMI |
| Last verified | 17 May 2026 | 17 May 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Germany and Austria?
Germany and Austria publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Germany: Plain light; Austria: Plain, one colour). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
Which photo is larger — Germany or Austria?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Germany and Austria require?
Germany requires: Plain light. Austria requires: Plain, one colour. A plain white background satisfies both.