Germany Schengen visa photo requirements
Germany uses the shared Schengen photo standard — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric framing, plain light background. This page covers the photo standard plus how Germany consulates handle Schengen visa applications: where to apply, processing times, fees and consulate-level handling.
Photo format
35 × 45 mm
In this article · 7 sections
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · VFS Global in most markets; TLScontact in selected countries · €90
Prepare a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo on a plain light background. Apply through German Federal Foreign Office + VFS Global / TLScontact by market. Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Processing time 15 calendar days standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Issuing authority | German Federal Foreign Office + VFS Global / TLScontact by market |
|---|---|
| Visa application centre | VFS Global in most markets; TLScontact in selected countries |
| Processing time | 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review |
| Standard fee | €90 |
| Reduced fee | €45 for children 6–12 |
| Application languages | German, English |
| Official portal | Germany short-stay visa portal ↗ |
Photo specification
Schengen 35 × 45 mm. The German Federal Foreign Office links to a Passbildschablone (photo template) used for both passports and Schengen visa photos.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of frame height (32–36 mm chin-to-crown) |
| Background | plain light grey or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Glasses | Strongly discouraged; remove for the shot. See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Checked against primary sources. Updated . | |
Germany consulate handling
German consulates are known for strict background and head-ratio checks. A photo that passes at France-Visas can fail at a German consulate desk because the head-height interpretation is stricter.
Germany national document photos
Frequently asked questions about Germany Schengen visa photos
01What size is the Germany Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. Germany uses the shared Schengen biometric photo standard — the same as every other Schengen state. The head must occupy 70–80% of the frame height with a plain light background.
02Where do I apply for a Germany Schengen visa?
Apply through the German Federal Foreign Office + VFS Global / TLScontact by market. German consulates are known for strict background and head-ratio checks. A photo that passes at France-Visas can fail at a German consulate desk because the head-height interpretation is stricter.
03How long does Germany take to process a Schengen visa?
For Germany, 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review. First-time applicants and applications submitted during peak travel seasons tend to fall toward the upper end of this window.
04What does the Germany Schengen visa cost?
Germany's standard fee is €90, €45 for children 6–12. Some markets add a VAC service fee on top of the consular fee paid to VFS Global in most markets; TLScontact in selected countries.
05Can I wear glasses in a Germany Schengen visa photo?
Germany follows the shared Schengen baseline: glasses are strongly discouraged because of glare and frame-related rejection risk. The safest choice at every consulate is to remove glasses before the shot.
Compare other Schengen countries
Prepare your Germany Schengen visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to the 35 × 45 mm Schengen biometric frame and checks the background automatically.