German Biometric Visa & Reisepass 35×45mm Photo Maker (Foto-Mustertafel)
Applying at a German Embassy / Consulate for an EU Blue Card, Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), Student Visa, or Schengen Visa? Germany's Bundesdruckerei Foto-Mustertafel strictly measures 32–36 mm chin-to-skull-crown height. Align yours offline and print 8 photos at dm, Rossmann, or CVS.
Germany Bundesdruckerei Foto-Mustertafel Specifications
| Kriterium (Criterion) | Official German Spec | Studio Calibration |
|---|---|---|
| Format (Width × Height) | 35 mm × 45 mm (without border) | 413 × 531 px @ 300 DPI |
| Gesichtshöhe (Chin to Crown) | 32 mm – 36 mm (71% – 80% of height) | Green Crown & Chin bands |
| Background (Hintergrund) | Uniform light grey or white, zero shadow gradients | White / Soft-Grey boost |
| Note on 2025+ Domestic Bürgeramt | In-Germany Reisepass uses certified E-Passfoto QR; Embassies abroad & Visas use 35×45mm! | Digital VIDEX + 8-up 10×15cm print |
| dm / Rossmann / CVS Print Cost | €0.27 at dm/Rossmann 10×15cm Sofortdruck ($0.39 US) | 8 biometric photos per sheet |
35×45mm 8-Up 4×6" Sheet Yield vs. Visa Booth & Pharmacy Pricing
| Print Option | Retail Visa Photo Service | Our 8-Up 4×6" Sheet (1800×1200 px) | Total Yield & Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFS Global / Consulate Kiosk | $15.00 – $22.00 / £12.00 (4 prints) | $0.39 CVS/Walgreens or £0.45 Boots 6×4" print | 8 exact 35×45mm prints · Save 96% |
| CVS / Walgreens Foreign Size | $16.99 (often lacks 35×45mm cutter!) | $0.39 standard 4×6" print + scissor trim ticks | Exact 413×531 px @ 300 DPI |
| Australia Post / NZ Pharmacy | A$21.95 / NZ$25.00 (4–6 prints) | A$0.25 Officeworks / Kmart 6×4" print | 8 prints · Save $20+ |
| Home A4 Glossy Sheet | N/A | 20–25 tiled 35×45mm photos on 2480×3508 px A4 | Ideal for family visa packets |
Prepare German Embassy Visa & Chancenkarte Photos in 2 Minutes
- Note on German domestic vs. consular channels: While Bürgerämter inside Germany transitioned domestic Personalausweis/Reisepass renewals to certified digital E-Passfoto transfers, German Embassies/Consulates worldwide (Blue Card, Chancenkarte, Student/Family Visa, overseas passport missions) and Ausländerbehörde paper forms still require physical 35×45 mm biometric photos + digital portal uploads!
- Shoot straight-on at eye level 1.5m away against a bright plain wall with neutral closed lips and zero eyeglasses glare.
- Open the 35×45mm Biometric Studio above and align chin and crown inside the 32–36 mm Foto-Mustertafel zone.
- Export the single digital PNG for the German Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de), and print the 8-up 10×15cm (4×6") sheet for €0.27 at dm-drogerie / Rossmann or $0.39 at CVS/Walgreens!
3 Classic German Foto-Mustertafel Rejections
- Head too small (< 32 mm): German mission clerks hold a transparent plastic Mustertafel stencil directly over your print — if your chin and crown don't reach the 32–36 mm tick marks, it's rejected on the spot.
- Slight head tilt or over-the-shoulder angle: Both ears/cheeks must be symmetrical ('Frontalaufnahme').
- Print scaling on dm/CEWE Sofortdrucker: Turn off 'Randlos-Zoom' if offered or verify the printed 25.4mm / 1-inch ruler bar before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still print my own 35x45mm photos for a German Visa, Blue Card, or Chancenkarte?
Yes! Germany's domestic Bürgeramt E-Passfoto rule applies to in-country ID offices; German Embassies, Consulates, TLScontact/VFS centers worldwide, and the digital.diplo.de visa portal continue to use standard 35x45mm Foto-Mustertafel portraits.
How much does printing an 8-up 10x15cm sheet cost at dm or Rossmann in Germany?
A single 10x15 cm (4x6 inch) CEWE/Kodak instant photo print at dm-drogerie markt or Rossmann costs around €0.27 to €0.35 and yields 8 exact 35x45mm Passbilder.
Are glasses permitted under the German Foto-Mustertafel?
Even though clear prescription glasses without reflection are technically allowed only if eyes and eyebrows are 100% unobstructed, German missions strongly recommend removing glasses to avoid frame-shadow rejections.