German passport photo rejected — Bürgeramt fix in 60 seconds

Germany's new AI-photo ban (May 2025)

From May 2025, Germany requires passport photos to either come from a registered photographer who uploads directly to the federal photo database, OR be taken at the Bürgeramt's biometric kiosk. The reason: a wave of AI-generated photos that passed the visual check but mismatched biometric border scans.

Important: complypic's photos are designed to be visually realistic and biometric-compliant — but for the new federal upload route, only registered photographers can submit directly. complypic's 35×45 mm output is best used for: (a) Germans living abroad submitting at consulates which still accept user-submitted photos, (b) the paper application route in cities where the kiosk option is unavailable, or (c) preview/review before booking a registered photographer.

Schengen spec — 35×45 mm, light grey

Germany follows the standard Schengen 35×45 mm with off-white or light grey background. Head 32-36 mm chin to crown. complypic generates the correct dimensions and tone.

Glasses, expression, head covering

Glasses banned since 2007 (Germany was one of the earliest to ban). Smile must be absent — Germany is one of the stricter countries on expression. Mouth closed, neutral expression mandatory.

Religious head covering accepted if face from chin to forehead is fully visible.

Children: separate rules

Children under 10 have looser rules for eye direction and expression, but the 35×45 mm size still applies. complypic generates children's photos at the same spec; the looser rules apply at submission, not at photo creation.

FAQ