Switzerland ID Card Photo Specifications

Switzerland ID Card Photo Size Diagram

Detailed Switzerland ID Card Photo Requirements

The Swiss identity card (Identitätskarte / Carte d'identité) follows ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) biometric photo standards, the same as the Swiss passport. 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 sharp and in focus, with no blurriness, visible pixels, or printer dots
• No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
• Must reflect your current appearance
• Must show a full-face frontal view from the shoulders up

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Chin-to-crown distance: approximately 32–36 mm
• Minimum 3 mm space from the top of the hair to the top edge of the photo
• Face should occupy 70–80% of the photo height
• Head and top of shoulders must be fully visible

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted, turned, or rotated
• Maintain a neutral facial expression — mouth closed, no smiling, frowning, or showing teeth
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, with pupils and irises visible
• Keep your shoulders squared and visible in the frame
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
• No red-eye effect from flash

Background

• Use a plain white or light grey background
• No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are not allowed in Swiss ID card photos. You must remove your glasses before the photo is taken. This applies to all types of glasses, including those with clear lenses.

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious or medical reasons
• If worn for permitted 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 and Appearance

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• Do not wear uniforms, except religious attire worn daily
• Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the background
• Hair must not cover your eyebrows or facial features
• Both ears should be visible, or both edges of the face visible if hair covers ears

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
• Place baby on a white or light grey sheet facing the camera
• The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

About the Swiss Identity Card

• The Swiss identity card (Identitätskarte / Carte d'identité) is the primary identification document for Swiss citizens
• It is valid for travel within the Schengen Area and many European countries
• Includes a biometric chip with fingerprint and facial data
• Validity: 10 years for adults (18+), 5 years for children aged 8–17, 3 years for children under 8
• Issued by cantonal passport offices — you must apply in person at your local office
• Can be used instead of a passport for travel to many European countries

How to Take a Switzerland ID Card Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Swiss ID card 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 white or light grey. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the correct color.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white 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 eyebrows, eyes, or cast shadows on your face. Remember to remove your glasses.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) 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, with your shoulders also in the frame.

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 showing teeth is permitted for Swiss ID card photos.

Good and Bad Examples of Switzerland ID Card Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable Switzerland ID card photos

Frequently Asked Questions