Austria Passport Photo Specifications

Austria Passport Photo Size Diagram

Detailed Austria Passport Photo Requirements

The Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior has strict requirements for passport photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

• Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
• Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
• The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
• No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
• Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm
• At 600 DPI: 827 × 1063 pixels
• Head height (chin to top of head): maximum 36 mm
• Head should occupy approximately 2/3 of the photo
• Minimum distance between pupils: 8 mm
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
• Maintain a neutral facial expression — no smiling or frowning
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Keep your mouth closed
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear

Background

• Use a plain light gray background (ideally)
• The background must be uniform with no patterns, textures, or objects
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are permitted in Austrian passport photos as long as your eyes are clearly visible with no reflections. However, removing glasses is recommended to avoid any potential issues.

• Eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses
• No tinted lenses or sunglasses
• No reflections from the lenses or frames
• The frames must not cover your eyes or eyebrows

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious reasons
• If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
• No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
• Avoid wearing tops that blend with the light gray background

Children and Baby Photos

• The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
• The child's eyes must be open and visible
• No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
• A plain background may be used for babies
• The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior — Photo Criteria

How to Take an Austria Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Austrian passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly light gray. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required color.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.

Good and Bad Examples of Austria Passport Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions