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Germany vs Poland visa photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Germany and Poland 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 Poland publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Germany: Plain light; Poland: Plain white). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
Germany and Poland 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 | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height≠ differs | 71–80% (32–36 mm) | 70–80% |
| Background | Plain light background. | Strictly white background; one colour photo 35 × 45 mm, not older than 6 months. |
| 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. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Pose | Full face, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | No shadows or reflections. | No retouching or digital enhancement. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Authority | Federal Foreign Office of Germany | Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — embassies and consulates of Poland (gov.pl) |
| 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 Poland?
Germany and Poland publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Germany: Plain light; Poland: Plain white). 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 Poland?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Germany and Poland require?
Germany requires: Plain light. Poland requires: Plain white. A plain white background satisfies both.