Germany Health card 35x45 mm Photo Size Requirements for DE (2025 Update)
In Germany, securing the perfect 35 × 45 mm photo for your health insurance card is more than just a formality—it’s the gateway to hassle-free access to medical care nationwide. The German Health Card (Gesundheitskarte) demands a precise biometric image: a clear, front-facing shot with neutral expression, consistent lighting, and a plain, light-colored background. Stray from these tight specifications—whether through shadows, glare, head tilts, or improper dimensions—and you risk photo rejection, delayed card issuance, and setbacks in receiving essential treatment. By mastering these exact requirements, you’ll ensure your card is approved on the first try, unlocking Germany’s robust healthcare system without a single hiccup.
Requirements
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Step-by-Step Process
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Tips and Best Practices
- Exact Photo Size: crop the printout to exactly 35×45 mm with no distortion – common mistake is under- or oversizing, so use certified biometric croppers or photo apps to avoid costly reshoots
- Head Positioning: ensure your head height is 32–36 mm and centered vertically – many applicants submit off-center shots, so place a printed guide behind your photo or use a passport‐photo template to prevent misalignment
- Background Consistency: choose a plain light-grey or off-white backdrop free of shadows – uneven backgrounds are often rejected, so shoot in a studio setting or under diffused lighting to guarantee compliance
- Expression Guidelines: maintain a neutral face, no smile, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight – head tilts and grins violate ISO rules, so practice your pose in front of a mirror to ensure an approved expression
- No Accessories or Glare: remove glasses, hats, jewelry and ensure even lighting to eliminate shadows – reflections and obstructions trigger automatic refusals, so shoot without reflective items and adjust light sources for a clear view of your face
Conclusion
Ensuring your Germany Health Card photo meets the strict 35 × 45 mm specifications is vital to avoid delays or rejections. By adhering to standardized dimensions, precise head measurements, neutral expression, uniform background, and quality printing, you guarantee a seamless application process and timely receipt of your health card.
- Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm
- Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown
- Background: uniform light grey or off-white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- Lighting: even, without shadows, reflections, or glare
- Glasses: permitted only if non-reflective; eyes fully visible
- Head coverings: allowed for religious reasons only, without obscuring facial features
- Photo age: taken within the last six months
- Print quality: high-resolution color on matte, premium photo paper
- Retouching: none—natural skin tone and texture preserved
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