Swiss Passport Photo Requirements

About Swiss Passport

The Swiss passport is an official travel document issued to Swiss citizens, enabling international travel and serving as proof of Swiss citizenship and identity. It’s one of the most powerful passports globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.

What is it used for?

• International travel and border crossings
• Proof of Swiss citizenship and identity
• Visa applications for foreign countries
• Opening international bank accounts
• Employment verification abroad
• Emergency identification overseas
• Consular services and assistance
• Age verification for various services

How to Obtain a Swiss Passport

Eligibility:

• Swiss citizens by birth, naturalization, or descent
• Must be able to prove Swiss citizenship
• No restrictions on travel imposed by authorities

Required Documents:

For First-Time Adult Applicants:

1. Proof of Swiss Citizenship:
   • Swiss birth certificate, or
   • Certificate of Swiss citizenship, or
   • Previous Swiss passport
2. Identity Documents: Valid photo identification
3. Passport Photos: 2 identical copies meeting Swiss specifications
4. Completed Application Form: Available online or at passport offices

For Renewals:

1. Current or expired Swiss passport (if expired less than 5 years)
2. Passport Photos: 2 identical copies
3. Completed Application Form
4. Additional documents (if name has changed)

Application Process:

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Collect all required citizenship and identity documents
• Obtain compliant passport photographs
• Complete application form online or on paper

Step 2: Submit Application

• Passport Office: At cantonal or municipal passport offices
• Swiss Consulate: If residing abroad
• Online Pre-registration: Available in some cantons

Step 3: Biometric Data Collection

• Provide fingerprints (for applicants 12 years and older)
• Digital photograph taken at office
• Signature capture

Step 4: Pay Fees

• Adult passport (10 years): CHF 140
• Child passport (5 years): CHF 60
• Express service: Additional CHF 20
• Urgent service: Additional CHF 50

Processing Times:

• Standard service: 7-10 working days
• Express service: 2-3 working days
• Urgent service: Same day or next working day
• Abroad: 2-4 weeks depending on location

Cantonal Variations:

Different cantons may have slightly different procedures:

• Zurich: Online appointment booking required
• Geneva: Walk-in service available
• Bern: Extended hours on certain days
• Basel: Multilingual service available

Photo Specifications

Key Requirements

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport size)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Light grey or neutral, 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

ICAO Compliance

Swiss passports follow International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards:

• Biometric compatibility: Photos must be suitable for facial recognition
• Digital format: High-quality digital images required
• Security features: Photos integrated with security elements

Common Rejection Reasons

Photo Quality Issues

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

Background Problems

• Colored or patterned backgrounds
• Shadows or uneven lighting on background
• Objects or people visible in background
• Non-uniform background color

Composition Errors

• Incorrect photo dimensions (not exactly 35×45mm)
• Face height outside 32-36mm range
• Head not centered or tilted
• Improper cropping of shoulders

Appearance Issues

• Eyes closed, squinting, or looking away
• Mouth open or smiling
• Hair covering eyes or face
• Heavy makeup altering natural appearance
• Reflections on glasses or skin

Technical Violations

• Photos older than 6 months
• Black and white or sepia-toned images
• Visible photo editing or retouching
• Multiple people in photograph

Tips for Perfect Swiss Passport Photos

Professional Photography

• Use photographer experienced with Swiss passport requirements
• Ensure they understand ICAO specifications
• Verify they can provide exact 35×45mm dimensions
• Confirm they use appropriate lighting and background

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Lighting: Use natural daylight or professional lighting setup
2. Background: Light grey or white wall
3. Camera: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Wear dark-colored clothing for contrast

Before Submission

• Verify exact 35×45mm dimensions
• Check face height is within 32-36mm range
• Ensure photos are identical
• Confirm photos are recent (within 6 months)
• Print on high-quality photo paper

Special Requirements

For Children Under 12:

• Parent or guardian must be present
• Same photo requirements apply
• Child must be alone in photo
• Fingerprints not required for children under 12

For Name Changes:

• Legal documents proving name change required
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• May affect processing time
• Additional documentation may be needed

For Lost or Stolen Passports:

• Report to local police and Swiss authorities
• Complete declaration of loss or theft
• Additional security measures may apply
• Higher fees may be charged

For Dual Citizens:

• Must enter and exit Switzerland on Swiss passport
• Other citizenship documents may be required
• Consult Swiss consulate for specific requirements

Application Locations

Major Cities:

Zurich:

• Passport Office: Stadthaus, Stadthausquai 17
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00
• Appointment: Online booking required

Geneva:

• Passport Office: Rue de la Mairie 35
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-16:30
• Walk-in: Available with waiting times

Bern:

• Passport Office: Bundesgasse 32
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00, Thursday until 18:00
• Services: Extended hours available

Basel:

• Passport Office: Spiegelgasse 6
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00
• Languages: German, French, English available

For Swiss Abroad:

• Swiss Consulates: Available in major cities worldwide
• Processing Time: 2-4 weeks depending on location
• Fees: May include additional consular fees
• Appointment: Usually required, book in advance

Cost Breakdown

Standard Fees:

• Adult passport (10 years): CHF 140
• Child passport (5 years): CHF 60
• Replacement passport: CHF 140
• Additional passport: CHF 140

Express Services:

• Express (2-3 days): Additional CHF 20
• Urgent (same/next day): Additional CHF 50
• Weekend service: Additional CHF 100 (where available)

Additional Costs:

• Passport photos: CHF 15-30 at photo studios
• Document copies: CHF 5-10 per document
• Postal delivery: CHF 10-20 (if available)

Ready to apply for your Swiss passport? Our AI-powered tool creates perfect passport photos that meet all official Swiss requirements and ICAO standards.