Photos for a German National Visa D, Blue Card and Residence Permit: 2026 Requirements
Source: BMI — Fotomustertafel (офіційні вимоги до біометричного фото)
Verified Jun 16, 2026
Affects: 
Germany
Germany
In short. 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.
- 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 |
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.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- What 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.
- Can 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.
- Are 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.
- Is 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.