Switzerland Passport Photo Size and Requirements
A Swiss passport or ID card photo must be 35x45mm with no border, with face height from chin to the top of the skull between 29mm and 34mm (minimum 23mm for children under 11), on a plain, uniform, neutral-colored background with no shadows, and no more than 1 year old.
This tool crops your photo to exactly 35x45mm at 300 DPI to match the official spec's physical size; fedpol's own document covers photo-paper criteria rather than a digital upload spec, so there's no official pixel or file-size figure to match against.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.4" × 1.8") |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 300 DPI (413 × 531 px) |
| Max file size | 150 KB |
| Format | JPG |
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Can you use AI background removal for this photo?
We have not found a published rule specifically banning background removal or other AI editing for this document as of this writing - but policies are changing across the industry, and getting it wrong can mean a rejected application. Always check the official source below for the current rule before using background removal, and when in doubt, use only cropping and resizing.
General photo rules
These apply broadly, but always confirm the specifics for this document on the official source below.
- Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Face the camera directly, with no head tilt
- No hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical reasons - your full face must still be visible
- A recent photo, typically taken within the last 6 months
- A plain, evenly lit background with no shadows, patterns, or other people or objects
- Glasses are discouraged or restricted by a growing number of countries due to glare - check the official source below for this document specifically
How to take this photo at home
- Stand about 3-6 feet in front of a plain, light-colored wall with no shadow falling behind you.
- Use even, natural light facing you - a window works well. Avoid harsh overhead light, backlighting, or a direct flash, which all cast shadows.
- Hold the camera at eye level, at arm’s length or propped on a stand, and look straight into it.
- Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, and remove hats or sunglasses.
- Take a few shots, then upload the sharpest one here - cropping to the exact size, and background removal if you use it, are handled automatically.
Many governments accept a digital photo upload for online applications as well as a printed photo for in-person or mail applications - check the official source below for which your application needs. This tool exports both a single photo file and a 4x6 print sheet, so either way you're covered.
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Frequently asked questions
What size is a Swiss passport photo?
35mm wide by 45mm tall, with no border, per fedpol's (Federal Office of Police) official photo-criteria document.
What background color is required?
The official document specifies a plain, uniform, neutral-colored background with no shadows, without naming an exact color - its example photos use a light grey backdrop. Several third-party guides describe this as "light grey or light blue, not white," which we couldn't independently confirm as an explicit rule in the primary document itself - a plain, evenly lit, light-neutral background is the safest interpretation.
How tall should my face be in the photo?
29-34mm from chin to the top of the skull (crown), or at least 23mm for children under 11. The document notes that for someone with voluminous hair, hitting the 29mm minimum face height matters more than fitting all the hair in frame - hair is allowed to exceed the frame edge.
How recent must the photo be?
No more than 1 year old, per the official document - longer than the 6-month limit common elsewhere, so double-check this if you're used to another country's rule.
Can I wear a head covering for religious reasons?
Yes - the official document allows an exception for documented medical or religious reasons (for example, a headscarf worn as part of religious practice), provided the face remains visible from the bottom of the chin to the hairline with no shadow on the face.
Is there an official file size or pixel requirement for digital submission?
Not in the document we sourced this from - it covers physical photo-paper criteria (smooth, non-textured, glossy or semi-matte finish) rather than a digital upload spec. This tool's DPI and file-size ceiling for this template are reasonable defaults, not government-sourced figures.
Source: Federal Office of Police (fedpol), Switzerland - Official Photo Criteria (PDF). Requirements change over time - always confirm the current specification before submitting.