Switzerland Biometric Photo Size
35×45 mm, ICAO 9303
Author: Murat Duru
Founder of PhotoID Studio: biometric photo software
·
How should a Switzerland passport photo look?
Switzerland uses the 35×45 mm format with head 32-36 mm; the face fills 70-80% of the frame and 5 mm clearance is required above the head. The defining rule is the backdrop: WHITE IS NOT ACCEPTED: only light grey or light blue. fedpol publishes the Fotomustertafel PDF only in German, French and Italian; glasses are strongly discouraged unless a medical reason is documented. Switzerland is in Schengen but not the EU; cantonal offices typically capture the passport biometrics on site. A new Swiss biometric ID card launches in 2026.
Photo Size
35×45 mm
Head Ratio
70%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-6 mm
Background Color
Light Gray
Standard
ICAO 9303
Requirements & Notes
Swiss photos prefer light gray background. Schengen-compatible standards apply.
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by fedpol (Bundesamt für Polizei). Passport prints must be within six months; when the cantonal office captures the photo on site this constraint does not affect the customer.
Workflow after the shoot
For fallback prints or abroad submissions, open the frame in PhotoID Studio and pick the Schweiz/Suisse preset; the app aligns the face, normalises the backdrop to light grey or light blue, leaves 5 mm clearance above the head and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of a light grey or light blue backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8, a softbox at 45° with a reflector opposite. Aim for 5 mm clearance above the head in the frame. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression"; glasses are strongly discouraged.
Why cantonal offices and fedpol reject
• A white backdrop (banned in Switzerland). • Head outside 32-36 mm or face under 70-80% of the frame. • No 5 mm clearance above the head. • Glasses without a medical certificate; lens glare. • A frame older than six months from the capture date. • A smile, visible teeth, an open mouth. • Hair covering the eyes.
2026 biometric ID transition
Switzerland launches a new biometric ID card in 2026, which keeps demand for fallback prints alive alongside cantonal appointments. The PhotoID Studio Schweiz preset locks 35×45 mm with the light grey/blue backdrop, and switching to a Schengen visa from the same shot is one click.
Used For
- Passport
- ID card
- Visa
- Residence permit
- Driver's license
Similar Sizes
Related guides
Passport Photo
ICAO 9303 standard, country sizes and the mistakes that get photos rejected
Passport Photo Software
AI-powered passport, visa and ID photos in seconds: Mac & Windows, fully offline
Passport Photo Requirements
Size, background, head height, glasses and expression: what every authority checks
Passport Photo Size
US 2×2 in, Europe 35×45 mm: every dimension in one chart
Frequently asked questions
- Does Switzerland accept a white backdrop?
No. The fedpol Fotomustertafel explicitly rejects white; only light grey and light blue are accepted.
- Is a studio print required for the passport?
Most cantonal offices capture the photo at the appointment; a studio print is for fallback or abroad applications.
- Can I keep my glasses on?
Strongly discouraged unless a medical reason is documented; lens glare must be zero and the frame must not cut across the eyes.
Create Switzerland Biometric Photos
Creating Switzerland-compliant photos with PhotoID Studio takes just seconds. Get professional results with AI face detection and automatic background removal.