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Germany vs Italy visa photo — full spec comparison
Side-by-side comparison of visa photo requirements for Germany and Italy, sourced from each issuing authority.
In short
Germany and Italy use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Usually not. Both documents use 35 × 45 mm, but the background requirements differ — Germany: Plain light; Italy: Ровный однотонный фон без теней. A photo prepared for one may be rejected by the other.
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 | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height | 71–80% (32–36 mm) | 70–80% |
| Background | Plain light background. | Ровный однотонный фон без теней. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible. | Глаза должны быть полностью видимы без сильных бликов. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Not specified by the issuing authority |
| Pose | Full face, no tilt or rotation. | Анфас, без заметного наклона; лицо направлено в объектив. |
| Lighting / shadows | No shadows or reflections. | Без резких теней и пересветов. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing. | Сохранять исходную одежду и видимую линию плеч. |
| Authority | Federal Foreign Office of Germany | Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale |
| Verification | Official — exact | Official — exact |
| Last verified | 2026-05-17 | 2026-07-27 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Germany and Italy?
Usually not. Both documents use 35 × 45 mm, but the background requirements differ — Germany: Plain light; Italy: Ровный однотонный фон без теней. A photo prepared for one may be rejected by the other.
Which photo is larger — Germany or Italy?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Germany and Italy require?
Germany requires: Plain light. Italy requires: Ровный однотонный фон без теней.