Switzerland passport photo requirements

How to take a compliant Swiss passport photo at home

1. 1

   Find a plain light background

   Stand against a plain white or light-grey wall. Natural daylight from the side — not directly behind you — gives the flattest, most even light.

2. 2

   Take a front-facing portrait

   Ask someone to photograph you at eye level, roughly 1–2 metres away. Your full face and the top of your shoulders should both be in frame.

3. 3

   Crop to 35 x 45 mm

   Open the free passport photo maker, select Switzerland (35 x 45 mm), and use the guide to ensure your head fills 70–80% of the frame.

4. 4

   Clean up the background

   Click "Remove Background" and choose light grey. This matches the Swiss biometric standard and ensures good contrast for facial recognition.

5. 5

   Download at 300 DPI

   Export your photo, print it on glossy photo paper (cut to 35 x 45 mm), or save as JPEG for digital submission.

Swiss passport photo specifications

• Size: 35 x 45 mm (width x height).
• Background: Plain light grey or white — no shadows, gradients, or patterns.
• Head size: Face (chin to crown) must fill 70–80% of the frame, approximately 32–35 mm.
• Expression: Neutral — mouth closed, both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
• Head coverings: Only for documented religious reasons; full face and forehead must be visible.
• Glasses: Not recommended; frames must not cover the eyes and lenses must be clear with no glare.
• Recency: Photo taken within the last twelve months.
• Both ears should be visible where the hairstyle allows.

Switzerland vs Schengen photo requirements

Because Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, its passport photo rules align closely with the EU/ICAO biometric standard: 35 x 45 mm, light background, neutral expression.

The key difference is that Swiss authorities accept photos up to twelve months old (versus six months in many other Schengen states), and they are strict about no glasses in biometric photos.

Where to submit your Swiss passport photo

Swiss passports are issued by your local commune (Gemeinde / commune / comune). Take your printed 35 x 45 mm photo when you apply in person, or upload a digital version if your commune accepts online renewal.

Swiss citizens abroad can apply through the nearest Swiss embassy or consulate. Check requirements on ch.ch — the requirements are the same worldwide.

Try the free passport size photo maker

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Country & size

United States — 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm)Albania — 35 x 45 mmAustralia — 35 x 45 mmBrazil — 3 x 4 cm (30 x 40 mm); US visa applications use 2 x 2 inCanada — 50 x 70 mmChina — 33 x 48 mmFrance — 35 x 45 mmGermany — 35 x 45 mmIceland — 35 x 45 mmIndia — 35 x 45 mm (Indian visa & many applications use 51 x 51 mm / 2 x 2 in)Ireland — 35 x 45 mmItaly — 35 x 45 mmJapan — 35 x 45 mmLuxembourg — 35 x 45 mmMalaysia — 35 x 50 mmNetherlands — 35 x 45 mmNew Zealand — 35 x 45 mmNigeria — 35 x 45 mmNorway — 35 x 45 mmPakistan — 35 x 45 mmPhilippines — 35 x 45 mm (Philippine visa applications often use 2 x 2 in)Russia — 35 x 45 mmSaudi Arabia — 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm)Schengen / EU — 35 x 45 mmSingapore — 35 x 45 mmSouth Africa — 35 x 45 mmSouth Korea — 35 x 45 mmSpain — 32 x 26 mm (Spanish ID/passport); EU visas use 35 x 45 mmSwitzerland — 35 x 45 mmThailand — 35 x 45 mmTurkey — 50 x 60 mmUnited Arab Emirates — 43 x 55 mmUnited Kingdom — 35 x 45 mmVietnam — 4 x 6 cm (40 x 60 mm) Custom / Manual size — set your own

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Frequently asked questions