In short
Since 1 May 2025 the foreigners’ authority only accepts digitally transmitted biometric photos for the electronic residence permit and travel documents – no prints. You get the photo from a registered photographer or shop, or on the authority’s terminal (€6.00 nationwide, according to the City of Siegen). Ask your authority whether it accepts photos taken at the citizens’ office.
Last updated: · FotoKlar editorial team
Which photo do I need for the residence permit?
A biometric photo that reaches the foreigners’ authority digitally – from a registered provider or its own terminal.
- Printed photos are not accepted any more
- Photo at the foreigners’ authority: €6.00, paid with the application
- From a registered photographer or shop: through a secured cloud service with a code
Can I use a photo from the citizens’ office?
Not always. The City of Stuttgart, for example, says photos from its citizens’ offices cannot be used for the residence permit.
Ask your foreigners’ authority before your appointment which way it accepts. Background on the new procedure is on digital passport photo.
Visa and passport photos for your home country
For visa applications at German missions abroad and for many foreign passports, printed or uploaded photos are still used.
FotoKlar makes these in the right size for over 130 countries – see visa photo and passport photos for all countries.
Sources
- City of Siegen, foreigners’ authority: change of the photo procedure – checked 21/10/2026
- City of Stuttgart: digital photo for ID cards and passports – checked 21/10/2026
- City of Stuttgart: digital-only photos for ID documents from 1 May – checked 21/10/2026