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UK vs Germany passport photo: both 35 × 45 mm
UK and Germany both ask for 35 × 45 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the passport photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Partially. UK and Germany publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — UK: Cream or light grey; Germany: Plain light. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
In short
UK and Germany 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 | UK | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 750 px | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Head height≠ differs | 64–76% (29–34 mm) | 71–80% (32–36 mm) |
| Background | Plain light background in cream or grey tone without patterns. | Plain light background. |
| Glasses | No reflections or tinting; remove glasses if there is a risk of reflections. | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinting or reflections. |
| Expression | Neutral expression; the applicant must be recognisable. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious or medical reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Full face, filling as much of the frame as possible without cropping. | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | No digital enhancements, shadows, or print artefacts. | No shadows or uneven lighting. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing without uniform or distracting accessories. | Neutral clothing; face and shoulder line must be distinguishable from the background. |
| Authority | HM Passport Office (Home Office), GOV.UK | Federal Foreign Office of Germany |
| Last verified | 1 Oct 2026 | 21 May 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for UK and Germany?
Partially. UK and Germany publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — UK: Cream or light grey; Germany: Plain light. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
Which photo is larger — UK or Germany?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do UK and Germany require?
UK requires: Cream or light grey. Germany requires: Plain light.