Swiss passport photo size
A 1440 × 1980 pixel JPEG for upload, or a 35 × 45 mm print without a border.
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Swiss passports and identity cards follow two federal documents. The fedpol sample sheet sets the printed photo at 35 by 45 millimetres, without a border. The EJPD ordinance on identity documents adds a digital route: the issuing office may allow you to bring a digital photo, which must be a colour JPEG of exactly 1440 by 1980 pixels, compressed at high quality.
This page offers both. The digital preset saves exactly 1440 by 1980 pixels; the print preset makes 413 by 531 pixels at 300 DPI, which prints at 35 by 45 millimetres. Eight print copies fit on a 4 by 6 inch sheet.
Ask your issuing office first whether it accepts a photo at all; many take it at the appointment. The table links both documents and shows when we read them.
What the official source states
Switzerland passport, digital photo
- Pixel size
- 1440 × 1980 px
- Background
- Plain and neutral
- Format
- JPG
Requirements checked on October 15, 2026. Official source
Switzerland passport, printed photo
- Photo size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Pixels at 300 DPI
- 413 × 531 px
- Background
- Plain and neutral
Requirements checked on October 15, 2026. Official source
Check the official requirements before you submit. We resize to the numbers shown; we do not check face position, expression, glasses, lighting or background rules.
Uploading the digital photo
If the office allows a digital photo, you say so when you apply, and the office sends a link by email for uploading it. The ordinance gives the file size as about 700 kB at high quality, in baseline JPEG, and says the photo must not be retouched. It is checked against an image taken at the office, and there is no right to have it used if it misses a requirement.
Bringing your own photo does not reduce the fee, and the cost of the photographer is not refunded.
Eyes in the right place
For the digital file the ordinance sets two positions. The distance between the pupils must be 15 to 20 percent of the image width, which is 216 to 288 pixels on a 1440 pixel wide file. The eyes must lie between 50 and 60 percent of the image height, measured from the bottom edge.
Place the frame so your eyes sit just above the middle line, then check the result at full size.
Face height on the print
On the 35 by 45 millimetre print, the face from chin to the top of the skull must measure at least 29 and at most 34 millimetres, and at least 23 for children under 11. The sheet says the face size matters more than the whole hairstyle; voluminous hair may go over the edge.
Background and lighting
The background must be single-coloured, even and neutral, with no shadows and a clear separation from the head. The sheet also shows a background that is too light, with too little contrast, among the rejected photos, so pure white behind fair hair is a risk. Lighting must be even, with natural skin tones, no hot spots and no red eyes.
Glasses, paper and age
Frames must not cover the eyes, lenses must not reflect, and tinted lenses or sunglasses are not allowed, except darkened lenses for people with a visual impairment. Both black and white and colour prints are accepted, on smooth photo paper without a texture you can feel. The photo may be up to one year old.
Frequently asked questions
What pixel size does a Swiss digital passport photo have?
1440 pixels wide by 1980 high, according to the EJPD ordinance.
What size is the printed Swiss passport photo?
35 by 45 millimetres, without a border.
Can I smile?
The sample sheet asks for a neutral expression with the mouth closed, and says a friendly expression is allowed.
How old may the photo be?
Up to one year, according to the sample sheet.
Does every office accept my own photo?
No. The ordinance says the issuing office can allow it. Many offices take the photo themselves.