May 28, 2026 · Austria
Austrian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – BMI Rules
Planning to apply for an Austrian passport or national ID card? This guide covers every official requirement from the Bundesministerium für Inneres (BMI), including dimensions, background, head size, expression, and whether online photos are accepted.
Quick reference
- Size: 35×45mm (width × height)
- Background: white or light grey, plain and uniform
- Head height: 32–36mm (chin to crown of head)
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- Glasses: not permitted (ICAO)
- Recency: taken within 6 months
Photo Dimensions and Format
Austrian passport photos must be 35mm wide and 45mm tall, the standard ICAO format used across the European Union and most of the world. The photo must be sharp, in colour, and printed or displayed at sufficient resolution — a minimum of 300 DPI is recommended for printed copies.
The head must occupy 32–36mm of the total 45mm height, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (not including hair). This means the head should fill approximately 70–80% of the photo height. A head that is too small or too large will result in rejection.
The face must be centred horizontally in the frame, with the eyes positioned roughly in the upper third of the photo. The photo must include the full head from chin to crown, plus a small portion of the neck and, ideally, the top of the shoulders.
Background Requirements
The background must be white or light grey, plain and uniform. There must be no patterns, objects, or other people visible in the background. The background must contrast clearly with the applicant's hair and face — very light hair against a pure white background can cause issues; in such cases a very slightly off-white or light grey background is preferable.
Shadows on the background are not permitted. The lighting should be even and diffuse, without creating shadows behind the head or on one side of the face.
Expression, Eyes, and Appearance
The BMI requires a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, or any strong expression is not permitted. Both eyes must be open, clearly visible, and looking directly at the camera. Squinting or partially closed eyes will cause rejection.
Glasses are not permitted in Austrian passport or ID card photos. Austria follows ICAO Doc 9303, which prohibits eyewear in biometric document photos due to the interference glasses cause with automated facial recognition at border control.
Head coverings are not permitted unless worn for verified religious or documented medical reasons. In those cases, the full face must remain visible from forehead to chin and ear to ear.
Same Rules Apply to the Austrian Personalausweis
The Austrian national identity card — the Personalausweis — uses exactly the same photo requirements as the passport. Whether you are applying for a Reisepass or a Personalausweis, submit a 35×45mm photo with white or light grey background, head 32–36mm, no glasses, neutral expression.
Both documents use the same biometric chip and facial recognition infrastructure, which is why both require ICAO-compliant photos.
Are Online Passport Photos Legal in Austria?
Yes — Austria does not restrict online passport photo tools. Unlike Germany, where the BSI PointID regulation requires passport and Personalausweis photos to be taken at an accredited in-person station, Austria has no equivalent restriction.
A photo produced using an online biometric tool — such as ID Wizard — is fully accepted by Austrian authorities, provided it meets all the technical requirements (dimensions, resolution, background, head size). This means you can take your photo at home with a smartphone and submit the processed result directly.
Authorities will check the photo visually and may reject it if it is blurry, incorrectly cropped, or otherwise non-compliant — regardless of how it was produced.
AT / CH / DE / IT Comparison
| Country | Size | Background | Head | Online photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Allowed |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Allowed |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Restricted (BSI PointID for Reisepass/PA) |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 35×45mm | White / light grey | 32–36mm | Allowed |
Common Reasons for Rejection
Glasses worn in the photo
Remove glasses before taking the photo. Transparent contact lenses are fine.
Head too small or too large
Head must measure 32–36mm in the 45mm frame. Use an online tool to crop correctly.
Coloured or patterned background
Use a plain white or light grey wall with no shadows.
Shadows on the face or background
Use even diffuse lighting. Natural daylight from a window works well.
Non-neutral expression or mouth open
Relax your face, close your mouth, and look directly at the camera.
Photo older than 6 months
Take a new photo before applying. Authorities compare the photo to your current appearance.
Low resolution or blurry
Use a recent smartphone or digital camera. Minimum 300 DPI for print.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many photos do I need for an Austrian passport application?
Typically two identical photos are required for a physical submission. For online/digital submission the authority may accept a single digital file. Check with your local Gemeindeamt or Magistrat before applying.
Do children need their own passport photo?
Yes. Children of all ages, including infants, require their own passport photo. The same 35×45mm ICAO requirements apply. Eyes must be open and visible.
Can I submit a digital passport photo for the Austrian passport?
Some Austrian municipalities accept digital photo submissions when applying online. Check the specific portal or office you are using, as procedures vary by Gemeinde.
Create Your Austrian Passport Photo Online
ICAO-compliant biometric photo for Austrian passport and Personalausweis. Upload your photo, get a correctly formatted 35×45mm result in seconds. Free preview — pay only when satisfied. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
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