Biometric specifications for passport photos
Since the beginning of the year 2006 the German Embassy is required to integrate passport pictures according to biometric specifications into German visa. It is, therefore, mandatory for each applicant to provide such photos together with his/her application documents.
According to biometric specifications the photo needs to display a full frontal view of the face. The size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 28 mm and 35 mm. Please do NOT ask your photographer to enlarge, stretch or widen your face digitally to make it fit the above mentioned size requirements. All face sizes in-between the above mentioned size limits are fine. Variations in face sizes are acceptable for children under 10 years of age.
Please look directly into the camera with a neutral expression and without smiling. The facial image must be sharp, clear, and with sufficient contrast. Please do not submit photos with reflections / shadows on the face or with red eyes. The background should be a neutral grey and light, providing sufficient contrast to the face and hair. Reflections from glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses are not permitted. The eyes may not be hidden by the glass frames.
The photo needs to be printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution; the colours must present a natural appearance and skin tone. The photo may not have kinks, scratches, stains or stapler marks.
If you are in doubt about the suitability of your passport pictures, please do not hesitate to contact the staff of the German Embassy or have a look at the sample photos using the following link.
Note: Located in the vicinity of the German Embassy is the Fotostudio Soo Kee Color (#01-01/02 Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place). This studio is familiar with the requirements for passport photos.
