35mm x 45mm
The universal EU passport photo size, following the ICAO 9303 standard. Our Software crops with pixel-perfect precision for every member state.
Official Requirements
EU Passport Photo Specifications
The harmonized ICAO standard used by all 27 European Union member states. Our Software checks every rule automatically.
Face: 32mm–36mm
From the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown must measure between 32mm and 36mm. The face must be centred in the frame.
White/Light Grey Background
Plain white or light grey background with no shadows, patterns, or objects. Our Software delivers a perfect, uniform background.
No Glasses
Most EU countries do not permit glasses. Remove them before taking your photo to avoid rejection at any European passport office.
Neutral Expression
Mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible. No smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Look straight at the camera.
Taken Within 6 Months
The photo must reflect your current appearance. This is a strict requirement across all EU member states.
How It Works
Get Your EU Passport Photo in 3 Easy Steps
The quickest, easiest way to get a photo that meets ICAO standards for all European Union countries — entirely from home.
Take Your Photo
Stand against a plain white wall in good light. Use your phone's rear camera. Remove glasses and keep a neutral expression. A friend can help, or use a timer.
Upload & Software Checks
Upload to VisaID. Choose your EU country. Our Software removes the background, crops to 35x45mm, positions your face to 32-36mm, and verifies all ICAO rules.
Download or Print
Download your digital photo instantly for online applications. Or order professional prints on premium photo paper, delivered across Europe.
Make your photo
Upload Your Photo
💡 Pro Tip (Maximize Acceptance): Authorities can reject photos for minor issues. We highly recommend preparing up to 3 slightly different variations (e.g., one with a slight smile, one completely neutral). You pay once for all!
📐 Photo Requirements:
- Face clearly visible and centered
- Neutral expression, mouth closed (or very slight smile)
- Good lighting, no shadows on the face
Remove Background and Adjust Your Photo
🞎 ✂ Align & Crop: Drag the image to center your face. Use the vertical orange line to align your nose. Zoom so your head fits between the guidelines. When ready, click "Save this Variation".
Example
🔍︎ Zoom:
1.20x
Preview Your Variations
🗋 After payment you will receive 4 formats for EACH variation:
✓ Digital 300 DPI (Web) • 600 DPI (High Quality Print)
✓ Printable 4x6" Sheet 300 & 600 DPI (6 photos with cut lines)
✓ Digital 300 DPI (Web) • 600 DPI (High Quality Print)
✓ Printable 4x6" Sheet 300 & 600 DPI (6 photos with cut lines)
Why VisaID
The Smarter Way to Get a European Passport Photo
Join millions who skip the photo booth and get a guaranteed ICAO-compliant photo from home, valid across all EU countries.
Software ICAO Verification
Our Software checks 20+ ICAO 9303 rules, including the 35x45mm dimensions, face size, background colour, and country-specific tolerances.
Expert Human Review
Every photo is double-checked by a trained specialist who knows the specific requirements of each EU member state.
100% Acceptance Guarantee
If any EU passport authority rejects your photo for a technical reason, we'll correct it for free or give you a full refund.
Baby & Child Photos
The easiest way to get a compliant photo of your baby or child. No need to take them to a crowded photo booth.
Instant Digital Download
Get a perfect digital file formatted for online renewal portals in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.
Cheaper Than a Photo Booth
Photo booths charge €8-€12 and don't verify compliance. We do both, starting from just €9.99 for a digital file.
Frequently Asked Questions
EU Passport Photo FAQ
What are the EU passport photo requirements?
EU passport photos follow <strong>ICAO 9303 standards</strong> and must be 35mm wide by 45mm high. The face must measure between <strong>32mm and 36mm</strong> from chin to crown. The background must be <strong>plain white or light grey</strong>. Glasses are generally not allowed. Expression must be neutral with mouth closed. The photo must have been <strong>taken within the last 6 months</strong>.
Is the photo size the same for all EU countries?
Yes.</strong> All 27 European Union member states use the ICAO standard 35x45mm passport photo size. This applies to Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and all other EU countries. Some countries have minor variations in background colour preference or head size tolerance, which our AI handles automatically.
Can I take an EU passport photo with my phone?
Yes, you can.</strong> Use your smartphone's rear camera for best quality. Stand in front of a plain white wall in good, even lighting. Have someone else take the photo or use a timer. Remove your glasses. Upload the photo to PhotoPass, and our AI will instantly remove the background, crop it to 35x45mm, and verify it against all ICAO rules for your chosen country.
Is a digital photo accepted for EU passport applications?
Yes, most EU countries now accept digital photos.</strong> This includes Germany (online renewal), France (ANTS portal), the Netherlands, and many others. PhotoPass provides a perfectly formatted digital file that meets all technical specifications for European government portals.
Can I wear glasses in an EU passport photo?
Generally no.</strong> Most EU countries do not permit glasses in passport photos. Even in countries where they may be technically allowed, they must not cause reflections or obscure the eyes. PhotoPass recommends removing glasses entirely to avoid rejection.
What is the difference between an EU passport photo and a Schengen visa photo?
Both use the <strong>35x45mm format</strong> and follow ICAO standards. The key difference is purpose: a passport photo is for your national passport, while a Schengen visa photo is attached to a visa application. The specifications are largely identical, which is why PhotoPass covers both with the same high-quality AI verification process.
EU Passport Photo Guide & Resources
Get a 35x45mm European Passport Photo Online
Searching for " passport photo near me " in Europe? With VisaID, you can create a perfect, ICAO-compliant 35x45mm photo entirely online. No need to find a photo booth, queue up, or worry about whether the machine got the specs right for your specific country.
Whether you're renewing your German passport , applying for a French passport , or getting a photo for any other EU country, our Software creates a perfectly sized digital or printed photo that meets every single ICAO technical specification.
Common EU Passport Photo Searches
- EU passport photo online: The modern, convenient way to get your ICAO photo.
- 35x45mm photo maker: Auto-cropped to the exact dimensions for all European passports.
- German passport photo / French passport photo: Country-specific, but identical 35x45mm format.
- European passport photo near me: Skip the search — get a perfect photo from home.
- ICAO photo requirements: All rules checked by our Software automatically.
Official ICAO Passport Photo Requirements Checklist
A rejected photo is the number one cause of passport application delays across the EU. The ICAO 9303 standard is strict. Our Software checks all of these automatically:
- Dimensions: Exactly 35mm wide x 45mm high.
- Face Size: Chin to crown must be 32mm to 36mm.
- Background: Plain white or light grey. No shadows or patterns.
- Glasses: Generally not permitted. Remove before taking your photo.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and visible.
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months.
- Face Coverings: Nothing covering the face, including hair.
- Lighting: Even, no shadows on the face or background.
- Photo Quality: Sharp, clear, and in focus. No filters or digital alterations.
Are Passport Photos the Same for All EU Countries?
Yes — all 27 European Union member states follow the ICAO 9303 standard for passport photos. The core specifications are identical across Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and every other EU country. The photo size is universally 35x45mm , and the face size, background requirements, and other rules are harmonized.
However, there can be minor national variations in tolerance levels or background colour preference. For example, some countries strictly require white, while others accept light grey. VisaID knows each country's specific interpretation and applies the correct settings automatically when you select your destination country.
Why Use an Online Service Instead of a European Photo Booth?
Photo booths are common across Europe, but they have significant drawbacks. The biggest is that a photo booth does not check if your photo actually meets the rules . It simply takes a picture. If your head is the wrong size or the lighting is off, the passport office will reject it, costing you weeks of delay.
VisaID is different. Our Software and human experts verify your photo against every single ICAO requirement. If we spot a problem, we flag it before you submit. And if our photo is rejected, we offer a full refund. No photo booth in Europe can promise that.
VisaID vs. Photo Booth
- Cheaper: Digital photos from €9.99 vs €8-€12 in a booth.
- Faster: Ready in 3 minutes vs travelling and queuing.
- Guaranteed: Money-back acceptance guarantee.
- Easier for kids: No cramming a baby into a tiny booth.
- 🇪🇺 All EU countries: One service, all 27 member states.
Ready to Create Your Photo?
100% acceptance guarantee on every photo. Upload, App verify, download in 3 minutes.