Germany visa photo requirements: Explained

Submitting a correctly formatted photo is one of the most crucial steps in your Schengen visa application for Germany. Even if all other documents are perfect, a non-compliant photo can delay processing or even lead to rejection.

This guide covers everything you need to know to get your visa photo right, including:

• Technical specifications: size, head position, background and quality
• Rules for facial expression, glasses and head coverings
• How to take or obtain compliant photos locally or online
• Differences between Schengen visa photos and other visa or ID photos
• A step-by-step checklist to ensure your photo meets all requirements.

Schengen visa application photos

Your visa application photo is hugely important to get right because it will be used for all identity verification and security checks. Consulates and border authorities rely on a clear, standardised image to confirm your identity quickly and accurately. A photo that doesn’t meet requirements can hold up your visa processing, sometimes for weeks.

Having a proper, Schengen visa-compliant photograph goes a long way towards a smooth and successful travel experience.

Visa photos are also stored digitally in immigration databases, meaning that poor-quality photos or non-compliant images can cause problems if you ever need to extend your visa or apply for future permits.

Germany’s Schengen visa photo requirements

Getting the details right is essential. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your photo meets official standards:

• Size: 35mm wide x 45mm high. Your photo must adhere strictly to these dimensions
• Head position: Your head should be centred and the face should occupy 70-80% of the photo height
• Background: Use a plain light-colored background, typically white or light grey. No patterns, shadows or objects should appear behind you.
• Facial expression: Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Avoid smiling, frowning or raising your eyebrows.
• Glasses: These are allowed, but frames must not cover your eyes and lenses must not reflect the light. Tinted glasses are prohibited.
• Head coverings: These are only permitted for religious reasons. Your face must remain fully visible from chin to forehead.
• Quality: The photo must be in colour, sharp and well-lit with no overexposure or underexposure. Be sure to avoid red-eye and pixelation.

How to take or obtain visa-compliant photos

There are several options for obtaining a photo that meets Schengen visa standards:

1. Professional photo studios: Many studios are familiar with Schengen visa requirements. They can ensure proper lighting, background and positioning for you.
2. Local photo booths: Some modern booths are programmed specifically for passport and visa photos and provide printed copies in the correct size.
3. Online services and apps: Certain reputable websites allow you to upload a photo and adjust it to meet Schengen specifications. Some even provide verification and printing services. Always do your research first.

Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to double-check your photo against the official requirements before submission. Keeping several copies of your passport photographs can also be useful, as consulates often request extras for processing and records.

Schengen visa photos vs other ID photos

It’s important to understand that Schengen visa photos are not always interchangeable with other types of ID photos.

Key differences include:

• Exact dimensions: Schengen visa photos must be precisely 35x45mm, while passport or driver’s license photos sometimes allow slight variations
• Strict composition rules: The position of the head, background colour and lighting must adhere closely to Schengen visa regulations
• Recent photo requirement: The photo must have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
• Digital specifications: If submitting a digital version, check the file size, resolution and format requirements specified by the embassy or visa centre. Low-quality or pixelated images, including poorly scanned photos, will not be accepted.

Reusing a photo from another passport, ID or visa application is to be avoided: it may cause delays or outright refusal. To make sure there are no complications, always submit a photo taken specifically for your Schengen visa application.

Step-by-step checklist for a compliant Germany visa photo

Additional tips for visa photography success

• Bring multiple copies of your photo; consulates often require extras
• Keep digital versions of your photo in case you need to submit online or make replacements
• Consider having a professional review your photo if you’re using an online service
• Make sure your attire in the photo contrasts with the background but remains professional.

Get your visa photo right and you’ll be taken a small but essential step that can save weeks of potential delays and frustration. Alongside valid health insurance, photography plays an important role in getting you one step closer to your new adventure in Germany.

Take the time to prepare a high-quality, compliant image, and your Schengen visa application will be one step closer to approval.

Ideal for non-eligible students: Expat health insurance

If you’re not eligible for any of the options above, you can choose expat health insurance. Some providers also call it incoming insurance.

It is the most affordable insurance in Germany, starting at €72 monthly, but provides limited coverage compared to public insurance. Rest assured, it meets all the legal requirements to stay in Germany as a student for up to 5 years. 
Remember that your university will still request a notice of exemption from public insurance.

How much is health insurance for students in Germany?

Health insurance for students in Germany can cost between €72 and €400 per month, depending on the type of insurance plan chosen. 

Let’s look at this in more detail…

Public health insurance cost for students

In 2025, your monthly contribution is about €130. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Student Health Insurance: Students’ general contribution rate is 10.22% instead of 14.6% for employees. Since students don’t usually earn a salary, the government assumes their monthly income is €855, totaling €87.38.
2. Statutory Nursing Care Insurance: For parents and childless students under 23 years old, the rate is 3.4%, or €29.07. The rate for childless students over 23 years old is 4.0%, or €34.20.
3. Additional Contributions: Each health insurance company charges extra contributions beyond the standard rates. In 2025, the average between all insurers was 1.7%, or €13.68.

These costs are standardized across health insurance companies, except for additional contributions specific to each company. TK has one of the lowest contributions, with 2.45% (€10.26).

Private health insurance cost for students

Students pay less for private health insurance than employees or self-employed individuals due to special student rates.

However, the actual cost depends on:

• Your coverage
• If you have a deductible and its amount
• Your age
• Your health condition when signing up

Private health insurance can cost as little as €130 monthly, but a high deductible can reduce monthly premiums to about €90. Plus, you may get a cashback bonus if you don’t make any claims in a year. 

Expat health insurance cost for students

At Feather, expat health insurance costs €72 for the basic plan or €134 for the premium plan. 

What is covered by German student health insurance?

Yet again, this varies depending on what insurance type you picked. However, the law dictates that insurance companies in Germany must cover the following:

• Doctor visits (Outpatient medical treatment)
• Hospitalization (Inpatient treatment)
• Prescription drugs
• Medical coverage in the EU & Schengen
• Basic dental treatments
• Psychological counseling

If you opt for private or expat insurance, you could also enjoy these benefits:

• Visual aids
• Fitness/health apps
• Private hospital rooms
• Physiotherapy

While these treatments and therapies are generally covered by insurance, it’s important to check the terms and conditions of your preferred plan to understand exactly what your provider offers. 

How to get health insurance as a student in Germany

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting student health insurance in Germany:

1. Check eligibility: First, determine if you qualify for public or private health insurance in Germany. Our health insurance recommendation tool will give you the answer in less than 2 minutes.
2. Choose a provider: Research and pick a health insurance company. Look for one that matches your needs regarding benefits, coverage, and costs. Most importantly, look for providers like Feather, which is known for great reviews and English-speaking support.
3. Apply: Get the health insurance application form from the provider’s website or apply online.
4. Receive certificate: Once your application is approved, you’ll get a health insurance certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung). You need this to obtain your visa.
5. Provide address and IBAN: Once in Germany, finalize your public insurance application by giving a local address and IBAN. This step isn’t required before arrival but is necessary for processing.
6. Obtain a residence permit: Use your valid public insurance to apply for a residence permit in Germany.
7. Pay your premiums: After receiving your insurance certificate, pay the premiums promptly according to your chosen provider’s terms and payment schedule (usually monthly).


Student Health Insurance FAQ

Do students need accident insurance? 

International students are automatically covered by accident insurance provided by their school. This insurance protects them if they get injured on campus or during school activities. However, it’s important to know that this insurance only covers accidents. It doesn’t replace personal health insurance, which is still required by law.

How do I cancel my student health insurance?

To cancel your health insurance after finishing your studies, take the following steps:

1. Notify your insurance company: Let your insurance company know you want to cancel your coverage by calling, emailing, or writing a letter.
2. Follow their instructions: The insurance company will tell you how to complete the cancellation. Follow their instructions carefully.
3. Confirmation of cancellation: Once the insurance company receives your cancellation request and you complete whatever instructions they gave you, they will usually terminate your contract.
4. Get proof of cancellation: Ask the insurance company for a document that confirms your coverage has been terminated.

What happens to my health insurance once I graduate?

If you opted to stay on your home country’s insurance: you can use it for at least another 6 months during your job search. To take advantage of this option, you must go to the Job Center and register as a job seeker. While it doesn’t entitle you to job benefits, it does allow you to stay insured on your EHIC. If you had private (incoming / expat) health insurance while studying, it’s most likely limited to 5 years. As long as you are within these 5 years, it generally meets the requirements for a job-seeking visa. Just be aware that the job-seeking visa for students is 18 months, and if your expat health insurance expires before this visa ends, it’s almost impossible to use it. If you had statutory insurance, it would expire when you complete your studies or turn 30. You can, however, continue as a voluntary member. Just contact your insurance provider (Krankenkasse). Remember that you will be paying a different amount for your voluntary insurance. If you do not have any income, it will be around €220 per month.

Can I switch from public to private insurance as a student?

If you are a student under 30 years old and enrolled in a regular degree program, you can switch from public to private health insurance after being in the public system for at least 12 months. Once you choose private health insurance, switching back to public insurance is usually impossible while you’re still in the same degree program. If you try to switch back to public insurance from private during that time, you’ll find it quite tricky. You can only switch back to public health insurance under certain conditions, such as changing your degree program, completing your studies and finding a job, or turning older than 30.

Does student health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Public health insurance provides coverage for everyone, regardless of any health conditions they may have had before getting insurance.  Private health insurance might not cover health conditions that someone had before getting insurance. This could mean those conditions aren’t covered, or the insurance cost might increase. In any case, your insurer should inform you of this.

How do I use my public insurance as a student?

You don’t have to pay on the spot when you receive medical care. Just make sure always to take your health insurance card to medical appointments. Show it at the clinic or hospital so they can bill your insurance directly for any services you receive that are covered by your insurance.

Does private health insurance make sense for students?

Private health insurance can be beneficial for students in several ways:

• Students can easily switch back to statutory health insurance once they finish their studies.
• Choosing private health insurance early gets you excellent terms for the entire contract period. This is especially beneficial if students plan to continue with private insurance after they graduate.
• Due to their young age, students typically need fewer medical services, so they may pay lower premiums if they opt for private health insurance.