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Germany vs France visa photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Germany and France 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 France publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm) and the same background requirement (Plain light) for this document. One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
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≠ differs | 71–80% (32–36 mm) | 70–80% |
| Background= same | Plain light background. | Plain light background per ISO/IEC and ICAO standards. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible. | No dark glasses or 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. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Full face, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, face and shoulders centred, no tilt. |
| 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 | France-Visas (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Ministry of the Interior) and the TLScontact centres |
| Last verified | 17 May 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Germany and France?
Germany and France publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm) and the same background requirement (Plain light) for this document. 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 France?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Germany and France require?
Both require the same background: Plain light.