Germany Prepares for Digital Passport Photos with Temporary Exceptions

Starting May 1, 2025, Germany will require digital passport photos, but paper photos will be accepted until July 31 due to technical delays in some municipalities.

The new digital passport photo system aims to improve security and prevent fraud, such as photo manipulation techniques like morphing.
Photos must be securely transmitted to authorities via certified systems, either through in-office terminals or registered external providers.
The Federal Printing Office has offered 8,000 photo terminals to municipalities, but many offices remain unprepared for the transition.
Smaller municipalities may forgo installing terminals to support local photo businesses, which face higher compliance costs and competition from government-subsidized terminals.
Temporary exceptions for paper photos will apply until July 31, 2025, especially in areas lacking the necessary digital infrastructure.