German Residence Permit Photo (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel, eAT): size and requirements
The German Residence Permit Photo size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches). Schattenfreier Hintergrund, einfarbig, deutlicher Kontrast zu Gesicht und Haaren (plain, shadow-free, clear contrast); head 70 to 80 percent of the photo height. Last verified 2026-10-07 against Bundesministerium des Innern (BMI).
For the electronic residence permit card (eAT) issued by an Ausländerbehörde inside Germany, where since May 2025 only digital photos from a registered photographer or the authority's terminal are accepted. Not for the visa applied for at a German mission abroad.
For an eAT, use a registered photographer who uploads to the Lichtbild cloud, or the authority's own terminal. See the Germany documents we can prepare.
Requirements at a glance
- Size
- 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches)
- Head height
- Head 70 to 80 percent of the photo height (Das Gesicht nimmt 70 bis 80 % der Höhe des Fotos ein (face from the tip of the chin to the top of the head))
- Background
- schattenfreier Hintergrund, einfarbig, deutlicher Kontrast zu Gesicht und Haaren (plain, shadow-free, clear contrast)
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera
- Glasses
- Allowed without glare or tint
- Head covering
- Only for religious or medical reasons; full face visible
- We deliver
- 827 x 1063 px (600 DPI), plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet
What trips people up
- CheckThe eAT is named alongside Reisepass and Personalausweis in the May 2025 digital-photo rule: the photographer must upload the photo to the secure cloud and you hand the Ausländerbehörde the data-matrix code print-out.
- CheckThe rule leaves no route for a photo you already have, such as the paper print from your visa application: the BMI FAQ says only photos taken in the authority or uploaded by the photographer to the secure cloud may be used for Ausweisanträge.
- CheckIf the office has a PointID terminal the capture costs 6 euro; other systems may charge differently, so check the Ausländerbehörde's website before the appointment.
Source and verification
Read from the official page and translated by us. Last checked 2026-10-07 at Bundesministerium des Innern (BMI).
Das Foto zeigt das Gesicht von der Kinnspitze bis zum oberen Kopfende. Beide Gesichtshälften sind deutlich erkennbar. Das Gesicht nimmt 70 bis 80 % der Höhe des Fotos ein.
Soll das Lichtbild für ein Ausweisdokument (Reisepass, Personalausweis, elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel) verwendet werden, muss der Fotograf ab dem 1. Mai 2025 das angefertigte Lichtbild in eine gesicherte Cloud hochladen.
Wird für ein Ausweisdokument (Reisepass, Personalausweis, elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel) das Lichtbild in der Behörde angefertigt, kostet das ab dem 1. Mai 2025 bundeseinheitlich 6,00 €, wenn die Behörde PointID®-Systeme der Bundesdruckerei einsetzt.
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.
Frequently asked questions
