GermanyPhotos for a German National Visa D, Blue Card and Residence Permit: 2026 Requirements
For a national visa D, a Blue Card and a residence permit in Germany you need a biometric photo measuring 35×45 mm with a light background, a neutral expression and no glasses; the head (from chin to crown) is 32–36 mm, the face takes up 70–80% of the frame height, and the photo must be taken no more than 6 months ago.
Key points
5 points- The photo size is 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm), colour, no older than 6 months.
- The head height from chin to crown is 32–36 mm; the face takes up 70–80% of the frame height.
- The expression is neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses, the background light (preferably light grey).
- A visa D and a Blue Card are applied for at the German consulate or at a VFS Global centre; 10 fingerprints are also taken there.
- For the electronic residence permit (eAT), from 1 May 2025 the photo must be digital — with a QR/Data Matrix code from a certified studio or from a terminal at the authority.
For a German national visa D, a Blue Card and a residence permit you need a biometric photo measuring 35×45 mm according to the BSI/ICAO standard. It must be colour, taken no more than 6 months ago, with a light, plain background, a neutral facial expression and no glasses. This is the same standard as for a German foreign passport.
Photo requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) |
| Head height (chin–crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Share of the face in the frame | 70–80% of the height |
| Colour | colour only |
| Age of the photo | up to 6 months |
| Background | light plain, preferably light grey |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | open, clearly visible, looking straight ahead |
| Glasses | not recommended; the eyes must be fully visible |
| Headwear | only for religious reasons, not covering the oval of the face |
GermanyNational Visa (Type D) · requirements
GermanyEU Blue Card · requirements
GermanySchengen Visa · requirements
Hold your head straight, without tilting or turning (full face). The lighting is even, with no shadows or glare on the face or the background.
Where to apply
- National visa D (work, studies, family reunification, more than 90 days): submitted in person at the German embassy/consulate or at a VFS Global centre. At the appointment, 10 fingerprints and a biometric photo are taken.
- EU Blue Card: first a national visa D is issued for entry, then after arrival — a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office).
- Residence permit (eAT): issued at the Ausländerbehörde. From 1 May 2025 the photo for the electronic permit must be digital: with a QR/Data Matrix code from a certified photo studio or taken at a self-service terminal at the authority (on site usually €6.00).
Why photos get rejected
- A white or coloured background instead of a light/light-grey one.
- Glasses, glare on the lenses, dark lenses.
- A smile, an open mouth, visible teeth — a neutral expression is required.
- Shadows on the face or background, uneven lighting.
- The head too large or too small (outside the 32–36 mm range).
- A photo older than 6 months or black-and-white.
- For the eAT — a paper photo without a digital code.
How to prepare the photo
- Take a full-face shot in even daylight against a light-coloured wall.
- Remove your glasses, keep hair away from the face, hold a neutral expression.
- Check the cropping: head 32–36 mm, face 70–80% of the height.
- Prepare the file in the 35×45 mm format.
- For the eAT, check with your Ausländerbehörde whether a digital code is required, and obtain it at a certified studio or at a terminal.
05Questions
4 answers01What is the photo size for a German visa D?
35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm), colour, with a light plain background. The head height from chin to crown is 32–36 mm, and the face takes up 70–80% of the frame height.
02Can you wear glasses in the photo?
Glasses are not recommended. The eyes must be fully and clearly visible, with no glare on the lenses and no tinted lenses. The safest option is to remove the glasses.
03Are the photo requirements the same for a visa D and a Blue Card?
Yes. A Blue Card is obtained via a national visa D, so the photo is the same: 35×45 mm, biometric, light background, neutral expression, no glasses.
04Is a digital photo required for the residence permit?
Yes. From 1 May 2025, for the electronic permit (eAT) the photo is submitted digitally — with a QR/Data Matrix code from a certified studio or taken at a terminal in the Ausländerbehörde. Check the exact rules with your authority.
06Official sources
- BMI — Fotomustertafel (official biometric photo requirements)
bmi.bund.de - BSI — біометрія в офіційних документах (TR-03121)
bsi.bund.de - Auswärtiges Amt — національна віза (тип D)
auswaertiges-amt.de - German Missions — процедура національної візи (біометрія, 10 відбитків)
germany.info - City of Stuttgart — digital photo for eAT from 1 May 2025
stuttgart.de
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
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