Passport Photos

Biometric passport photos in Munich – tips & information

Some official documents can only be issued with a biometric passport photo or e-passport photo

Biometric passport photos and e-passport photos must meet numerous requirements. A frontal view, a certain position of the head in the picture and a special background are essential. This often results in real "convict photos" because laughing is also forbidden in these pictures. But that doesn't have to be the case. After all, you'll be carrying the passport photos around with you for years. We explain how to look friendly in biometric passport photos and what requirements there are.

How much does a biometric passport photo cost? And what can you expect from us in Munich?

Details & Answers

about our biometric passport photos

For which documents is an e-passport photo required?

E-passport photos have been mandatory for identity cards since mid-2025.

For which documents is a biometric passport photo required?

Biometric passport photos are mandatory for:

identity card
passport
new driver's licenses

Why photo booths for biometric photos are not a good idea?

Passport photo machines often advertise that they can produce biometric photos. If that goes wrong, you not only pay twice, but if your machine picture is rejected, you can go to the passport office or the office a second time. And that is not uncommon, because the machines often produce pixelated, blurred or even colored images. This contradicts the biometric guidelines.

It is also important that the people are well lit and that there are no reflections or shadows on the face or background. This can usually only be achieved with professional studio equipment.

By the way: you can get passport photos from Photogenika in Munich almost as quickly as from a machine. You can take the photos directly with you.

What styling and makeup is allowed?

If you want a nice passport photo of yourself, you should prepare something for it. Women can accentuate their eyes and cheeks with makeup. Men should pay attention to a fresh beard care.

Important is:

The hair should not cover the face too much
The eyes must remain free
For those wearing glasses, the following applies: The eyes must be clearly visible. Reflections on the lenses, tinted lenses, or sunglasses are not permitted. The edges of the lenses or the frame must not obscure the eyes.

Are there certain items of clothing that are prohibited?

A passport photo shows only the collar. It is therefore advisable to wear a relatively high-necked piece of clothing, such as a blouse or shirt. Because it is advantageous if some clothing can still be seen in order not to appear too "naked". Thick turtlenecks, on the other hand, can give the impression that the neck is very short and are therefore not recommended.

Not allowed are:

Headgear, except for religious reasons
Other clothing that prevents the face from being seen from the bottom of the chin to the forehead

What should the head posture and facial expressions be like on biometric photos?

"Don't laugh, just look neutral". That is the requirement that makes it difficult to create a likeable photo. What many people don't know: a gentle smile is allowed! With exercises to relax facial muscles and a few tips from the photographer, passport photos don't have to be scary photos.

But there are a few rules to keep in mind:

The head must not be turned or tilted
The mouth must be closed
The view must be frontal into the camera
The eyes must be open and clearly visible
Unfortunately, showing your teeth is not allowed. However, a friendly smile is perfectly acceptable.

What makes a good passport photo? What is the right format and background for biometric photos?

Here are just a few key points for the correct format of passport photos:

The portrait format image is 45 millimeters high and 35 millimeters wide
The entire head (including hair) must be visible
The face height must be between 27 and 40 millimeters
The face must be centered on the photo
You can dem Catalog of the Federal Printersi can be found.

A biometric photo or e-passport photo for babies? What should be considered?

Children and babies have different proportions - and it takes a certain amount of sensitivity to get the right facial expression and correct posture from them. If you are looking for baby passport photos or e-passport photos for babies in Munich, the experienced photographers at Photogenika are the best choice.

These are some of the requirements for biometric baby photos, e-passport photos for babies and child passport photos:

The height of the face in children up to 10 years old must occupy 50 – 80 % of the photo. This corresponds to a height of 22 - 36 mm from the tip of the chin to the top of the head (without hairstyle). Otherwise, the same rules apply as for adults.

There are only a few exceptions to this rule for babies and toddlers up to the age of 6. You must also face the camera head-on. However, small deviations in facial expressions and viewing direction are tolerated.

For an e-passport photo, the passport office staff decide which deviations from the specifications are acceptable. For example, a tilted head is not permitted in biometric images of babies.