Switzerland requires passport photos measuring exactly 35×45 millimeters (1.38×1.77 inches). This rectangular format aligns Swiss passports with international ICAO standards and EU conventions, facilitating travel for Swiss citizens throughout Europe and worldwide.
At 300 DPI print resolution, this translates to 413×531 pixels for digital submissions. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) accepts various digital formats, with JPEG being most common. File size requirements vary by application method but typically range from 50KB to several megabytes.
The head height requirement specifies that your face must occupy 60-80% of the photo's vertical space. This ensures adequate facial detail for biometric identification while maintaining proper margins.
Swiss Passport Photo Requirements from SEM and fedpol
Passport applications in Switzerland are processed through cantonal authorities. The requirements follow international ICAO standards and remain consistent across all 26 cantons. The Federal Office of Police (fedpol) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) jointly govern passport photo specifications.
Switzerland is not an EU member but participates in the Schengen Area under its 2008 association agreement. This means Swiss passport photo dimensions match those of EU countries exactly. A 35×45mm photo taken for a Swiss passport works for any Schengen visa application as well.
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Glasses and Appearance Rules for Swiss Passport Photos
Switzerland is one of the countries that allows glasses in passport photos. Prescription eyeglasses may be worn, provided:
- The frames do not obscure your eyes or eyebrows
- There is no glare or reflection on the lenses
- Lenses are clear — sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted
- The frames are not so thick or colourful that they distort your facial appearance
If your glasses produce glare, adjust the lighting angle or tilt your head slightly. You may also simply remove them — wearing glasses is permitted, not required.
Expression must be neutral with mouth closed. No smiling, no raised eyebrows, no squinting. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera.
Hair must not cover the forehead, eyebrows, or eyes. Long hair should be tucked behind the ears or tied back.
Head coverings are permitted only for religious reasons. The face must remain fully visible from chin to forehead with no shadows cast by the covering.
Heavy makeup, beauty filters, or digital retouching that alters your natural appearance will result in rejection. The photo must accurately represent how you look.
Swiss Passport Photo Size vs Neighbouring Countries
| Country | Print Size | Pixels (300 DPI) | Head Height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ✅ Allowed |
| Germany | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
| France | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Italy | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ✅ Allowed |
| Poland | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ✅ Allowed |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 64–76% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
All listed European countries share the 35×45mm format, but they differ on background and glasses. Switzerland and France both require white backgrounds. Germany uses light grey. Switzerland allows glasses, matching Italy, Poland, and Germany. France bans them. If you hold dual citizenship with another European country, the dimensions are interchangeable, but verify background and glasses rules for each.
Common Swiss Passport Photo Sizing Errors
Using US-format square photos. The 2×2 inch (51×51mm) US standard is incompatible with Switzerland's 35×45mm rectangle. Swiss-Americans applying for Swiss passports often make this mistake.
Wrong aspect ratio. Photo apps that default to 4:3 or 16:9 produce rejected images. Switzerland requires 7:9. Always crop to the correct ratio first, then resize to 413×531px.
Low resolution. Never upscale a smaller image to 413×531 pixels. This creates artefacts detectable by the examining system. Always capture at full resolution and crop down.
Head too small. Photographing from too far away results in head height below 60%. Move closer or zoom in. Target 70–75% for safe positioning.
Glasses glare. Since Switzerland allows glasses, many applicants keep them on but forget about lens reflections. Check the preview carefully — any glare across the eyes will cause rejection.
Where to Get Correctly Sized Swiss Passport Photos
Cantonal migration offices. Each canton has a migration office (Amt für Migration / Office de la population) that processes passport applications. Many have photo kiosks inside or nearby photo services.
Professional studios (Fotostudio / Studio photo). Dedicated photography studios in Zürich, Geneva, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, and other cities reliably produce compliant photos. Prices range from CHF 15–40 for prints plus digital file. Studios near government offices handle the highest volumes and know the exact specifications.
Pharmacy and retail chains. Migros, Coop, and some pharmacies offer passport photo services. Prices typically CHF 10–25. Quality varies — verify the output before accepting.
Photo kiosks. Self-service photo booths in train stations (Zürich HB, Bern, Basel SBB, Geneva Cornavin) and shopping centres offer passport photos. Prices around CHF 10–15 per session. Check the preview carefully.
Swiss citizens abroad. Swiss embassies and consulates process passport applications for citizens living overseas. In cities with Swiss communities — London, Paris, New York, Singapore — studios near the consulate typically know the 35×45mm format. Confirm background colour is white (not grey) before accepting.
DIY at home. Stand against a plain white wall with soft, even lighting. Use indirect natural light from a window. Shoot at full camera resolution, at chest level, and crop to exactly 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. Position your head to fill 70–75% of the frame. If wearing glasses, take one shot with and one without to compare for glare.
Swiss Passport Photo Digital Upload Requirements
For online passport applications through the SEM/fedpol portal, your digital photo must meet:
- File format: JPEG
- Dimensions: 413×531 pixels minimum
- File size: Typically 50KB to several MB (depends on canton)
- Background: White, no shadows or gradients
- Colour space: sRGB
Higher resolutions are accepted. Never upscale a smaller image. Avoid heavy JPEG compression that creates visible artefacts around the face or hairline.
Swiss Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Infants and young children must meet the same 35×45mm size requirement, with practical allowances:
Newborns and infants (under 1). Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Eyes should ideally be open, but very young infants may receive some leniency. No toys, hands, or pacifiers in the frame.
Toddlers (1–5). Seat the child against a white background using a car seat or high chair. An assistant can hold the child's attention with a toy above the camera — the toy must not appear in the photo. The child's face must fill 60–80% of the frame.
Children's passports in Switzerland have shorter validity (5 years for under-18s vs 10 years for adults). Photos must reflect the child's current appearance. A new photo is required at each renewal.
Verifying Your Swiss Passport Photo Size
Before submitting, verify:
- Dimensions: exactly 35×45mm at 300 DPI (413×531 pixels)
- Head height: 60–80% of the vertical frame
- Background: white with no gradients or shadows
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses: if worn, no glare or obstruction
Use our passport photo checker to validate your image against Swiss requirements before submitting.
For background colour rules, see our guide on Swiss passport photo background requirements. View all Swiss passport photo specifications on the Switzerland passport photo hub.
