Germany Health card 35x45 mm Photo Size Requirements for DE (2025 Update)

Requirements

• Dimensions: photo must be exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high after trimming to fit the German health card template
• Head position: top of the head to chin must occupy 70–80% of the image height (approx. 31–36 mm) and be centered horizontally
• Eye level: eyes must sit 50–60% down from the top edge (approx. 23–28 mm) to align with the card’s viewing window
• Background: uniform light gray (5–15% reflectance) with no shadows, gradients, patterns or objects visible
• Facial expression: neutral expression with closed mouth, relaxed face, eyes open and looking directly at the camera (no smile or frown)
• Lighting: even, diffused illumination with no shadows or hotspots on face or background and no red-eye or reflections
• Glasses: allowed only if frames are thin and dark, lenses clear with no reflections or tint, and eyes fully visible (no sunglasses)
• Head coverings: permitted solely for religious reasons, must not obscure hairline, forehead, cheeks or chin, and facial features must be clearly visible
• Clothing: everyday attire without uniforms, logos, or camouflage patterns; collar should contrast slightly with background
• Print quality: high-resolution color print on matte or semi-matte paper, free of creases, smudges, ink marks or digital artifacts
• Recency: photo must be taken within the last six months to accurately represent current appearance

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Germany Health card 35x45 mm Photo Size Requirements for DE - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Perfect Crop and Size: Always crop to exactly 35 × 45 mm with the face height at 32–36 mm and a 3–5 mm top margin—labs reject photos outside these tight tolerances.
• Uniform Background: Use a plain, light-neutral (white or light-grey) backdrop with no shadows or textures—uneven backgrounds often trigger automatic digital rejections.
• Even Lighting and Natural Skin Tone: Illuminate the face evenly from both sides to avoid shadows or color casts—poor lighting can distort features and lead to refusal.
• Neutral Expression and Straight Posture: Keep a relaxed, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully visible, and head centered—smiles, head tilts or raised brows violate biometric standards.
• Clear Visibility of Face: Remove tinted glasses, push hair away from eyebrows and refrain from wearing accessories—obscured features can prevent accurate face recognition and cause your photo to be rejected.

Conclusion

In summary, the 35 × 45 mm photo for Germany’s health card must meet the following key requirements:

• Size: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high, no trimming beyond these dimensions
• Head dimensions: 32 – 36 mm from chin to crown, with 3 mm top margin above hair
• Background: uniform white or light gray, no shadows, patterns, or objects visible
• Expression & posture: neutral expression, closed mouth, direct gaze, shoulders square to camera
• Image quality: sharp focus, natural skin tones, no reflections or red-eye, high print resolution
• Accessories: no hats or headgear (religious exceptions allowed), no tinted glasses, eyes fully visible
• Currency: taken within the last 6 months, printed on quality photo paper, compliant with ICAO/DIN 53304 standards

Ensuring each of these points will help you avoid delays or rejections when applying for your German health card.