Prepare a Swiss identity photo that cantons will accept
Swiss passports and ID cards use 35×45 mm photos on a light grey background—not white. Face height is stricter than in neighbouring countries, and each canton may ask for prints or a digital file.
For a Swiss passport or identity card, crop to 35×45 mm with no white border. Official guidance (Fotomustertafel) measures face height from chin to the crown of the skull at 29–34 mm—narrower than the 32–36 mm range used in Germany or France.
Background must be an even light grey. A pure white wall is a common reason Swiss Passbüros reject otherwise good photos. Schengen visa photos filed at Swiss missions are different: those usually want a white background and two identical prints.
Passport photos must be in colour. ID cards may accept black-and-white in some communes, but colour is safer if you are unsure. A slight friendly expression with a closed mouth can be acceptable on the Swiss sample sheet—wide smiles are not.
Rules for digital vs paper submission vary by canton and commune. Check your canton’s passport office before you print a stack or upload a file. First-time driving-licence applications often still need two paper photos even when passport desks accept digital delivery elsewhere.
| Specification | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport / ID card | 35 × 45 mm, light grey background |
| Face height (chin → crown) | 29–34 mm (children under 11: at least 23 mm) |
| Schengen visa (Swiss mission) | Usually 35 × 45 mm, white background, 2 prints |
Always confirm the latest rules on the official government site before you submit.
Cream or textured walls, wrong head size after a selfie, and beauty filters cause most delays.
- Do not reuse a white-background Schengen visa photo for a Swiss passport appointment.
- Leave about 5 mm above the head; keep the measured face height inside 29–34 mm.
- Glasses are allowed if eyes are fully visible with no glare and no tinted lenses.
- Religious head coverings need supporting proof in many communes and must leave the full face visible.
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Can I print my own passport photo at home?
Will a home-printed photo be accepted?
What size should I print?
- • 35 × 45 mm finished size
- • Light grey background (not white for passport/ID)
- • Face height 29–34 mm chin to crown
- • Colour for passport applications
- • Eyes open, looking at the camera
- • Closed mouth; avoid a broad smile
- • No uniforms in the frame
- • Sharp print or file as your canton requires
- • White background on a passport or ID application
- • Face height outside the 29–34 mm band
- • Using a German/French 32–36 mm crop without re-checking Swiss limits
- • Submitting a grey passport photo for a white-background Schengen visa
- • Ignoring your canton’s print vs digital instruction
What size is a Swiss passport photo?
35×45 mm. Face height from chin to the crown of the skull should be 29–34 mm.
Can the background be white?
Not for Swiss passports or ID cards—use light grey. White is typical for Schengen visa photos at missions.
How many photos do I need?
Often two identical prints for passport desks, but ask your canton. Driving-licence first issues commonly need two prints.
Is a slight smile allowed?
A closed-mouth, slightly friendly look can match the Swiss sample sheet. Broad smiles are refused.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes if eyes are clear with no glare and lenses are not tinted.
Are religious head coverings allowed?
Often only with proof and a fully visible face from chin to hairline—confirm locally.
Passport colour vs ID?
Passports need colour. Some communes accept black-and-white ID photos; colour is safer.
Where do I check local rules?
Your cantonal passport office lists whether they want paper, digital, or an in-office capture.
Also see EU / Schengen 35×45 mm photo standards →