35×45mm Photo Requirements (Switzerland)

About 35×45mm Photos in Switzerland

The 35×45mm photo format is the standard size for most Swiss official documents. This passport-size format is used across Switzerland for identity documents, permits, and various official applications, following both Swiss national standards and international ICAO guidelines.

What are they used for in Switzerland?

• Swiss passports and travel documents
• Swiss national identity cards
• Driver’s licenses across all cantons
• Residence permits for foreign nationals
• Work permits and employment authorization
• Student permits and educational documents
• Professional licensing applications
• Government service applications
• Municipal registration documents
• Various cantonal and federal forms

Common Applications in Switzerland

Federal Documents:

• Swiss passport applications and renewals
• National identity card applications
• Federal employment permits
• Military service documents

Cantonal Documents:

• Driver’s license applications across all 26 cantons
• Cantonal residence permits
• Professional licensing (medical, legal, engineering)
• Cantonal employment authorization

Municipal Documents:

• Residence registration (Anmeldung)
• Municipal services applications
• Local permits and authorizations
• Community membership documents

Educational Applications:

• University enrollment documents
• Student permit applications
• Academic credential verification
• Professional certification programs

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size rectangle)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Light grey or white, uniform
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Technical Specifications

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows or glare

Swiss Standards

• Background: Light grey preferred, white acceptable
• Glasses: Prescription glasses allowed if no reflections
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

ICAO Compliance

Swiss photos follow International Civil Aviation Organization standards:

• Biometric compatibility: Suitable for facial recognition systems
• Digital quality: High-resolution digital images
• Security integration: Compatible with document security features
• International recognition: Accepted globally

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

• Low resolution or pixelated images
• Blurry or out-of-focus photographs
• Over or under-exposed images
• Poor color reproduction or saturation
• Digital alterations or filters applied

Size and Dimension Problems

• Incorrect photo dimensions (not exactly 35×45mm)
• Face height outside 32-36mm range
• Improper aspect ratio or cropping
• Head too large or too small in frame
• Insufficient space around head

Background Issues

• Colored, patterned, or textured backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects, furniture, or people visible
• Non-uniform background color
• Busy or distracting backgrounds

Composition Errors

• Head tilted, turned, or not centered
• Eyes looking away from camera
• Mouth open or inappropriate expression
• Hair covering eyes, eyebrows, or face
• Uneven shoulders or poor posture

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible digital alterations or filters
• Multiple people in photograph
• Wrong file format for digital applications

Tips for Perfect 35×45mm Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with Swiss requirements
• Ensure proper lighting setup and background
• Verify exact measurements before printing
• Take multiple shots for best selection

DIY Photography Setup

1. Background: Light grey or white wall
2. Lighting: Natural daylight or professional studio lights
3. Camera: High-resolution camera at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Position: Sit straight, shoulders level, look directly at camera

Measurement Guidelines

• Total photo: Exactly 35×45mm
• Face height: 32-36mm (chin to crown)
• Eye position: Upper half of photo
• Head width: Approximately 60-70% of photo width
• Margins: Equal space on left and right sides

Quality Control Checklist

• ✓ Exact 35×45mm dimensions
• ✓ Face height within 32-36mm range
• ✓ Light grey or white, uniform background
• ✓ Sharp focus throughout image
• ✓ Proper exposure and color balance
• ✓ Neutral expression, eyes open
• ✓ No shadows on face or background
• ✓ Recent photo (within 6 months)

Printing and Submission

Print Specifications

• High-quality photo paper (glossy or matte)
• Professional photo printing recommended
• Exact dimensions crucial for acceptance
• No borders, margins, or crop marks

Digital Submission Requirements

• JPEG format most commonly accepted
• Minimum resolution: 413×531 pixels
• File size: Usually 50KB to 2MB
• Color profile: sRGB recommended
• No compression artifacts

Where to Print in Switzerland

• Professional photography studios
• Photo shops and camera stores
• Pharmacy photo services (Coop, Migros)
• Post office photo services
• Department stores with photo departments
• Online photo printing services with Swiss delivery

Cantonal Considerations

German-Speaking Cantons:

• Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, St. Gallen
• Generally consistent requirements across cantons
• Professional photo services widely available
• Online appointment systems common

French-Speaking Cantons:

• Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura
• May have specific photo studio recommendations
• Bilingual services available in border areas
• Similar standards to German-speaking regions

Italian-Speaking Canton:

• Ticino
• Italian and German language services
• Cross-border considerations with Italy
• Professional photography services in major towns

Romansh-Speaking Areas:

• Parts of Graubünden
• Multilingual services available
• May have limited local photo services
• Travel to larger towns may be necessary

Cost Considerations in Switzerland

Professional Photography:

• Studio passport photos: CHF 15-30
• Chain store photo services: CHF 10-20
• Specialized document photo services: CHF 20-40
• Mobile photo services: CHF 30-50

Retail Locations:

• Coop photo services: CHF 12-18 for 4 photos
• Migros photo services: CHF 10-15 for 4 photos
• Post office services: CHF 15-25 for photo service
• Pharmacy chains: CHF 12-20 for 4 photos

Online Services:

• Upload and print services: CHF 8-20 including delivery
• Professional editing services: CHF 15-30
• Express delivery options: Additional CHF 10-15

Value Considerations:

• Professional photography reduces rejection risk
• Chain stores offer convenience and competitive pricing
• Online services provide convenience for remote areas
• Consider total cost including potential resubmission

Special Applications

For Swiss Documents:

• Must meet federal Swiss standards
• Light grey background often preferred
• Professional quality essential
• Multiple copies usually needed

For International Applications:

• Check specific embassy or consulate requirements
• Some countries may have additional specifications
• ICAO compliance ensures broad acceptance
• Keep extra copies for multiple applications

For Employment Documents:

• Professional appearance important
• Conservative clothing recommended
• May need multiple copies for various permits
• Employer may have specific requirements

For Educational Applications:

• University-specific requirements may apply
• International students may need embassy attestation
• Keep digital copies for online applications
• Academic institutions may have stricter standards

Need perfect 35×45mm photos for your Swiss documents? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all Swiss federal, cantonal, and international requirements.