What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals. It's the EU's answer to the US Green Card for skilled workers. Since the revised directive (2021/1883) took effect in November 2023, the Blue Card has become more accessible with lower salary thresholds and broader eligibility.
Germany issues the vast majority of EU Blue Cards — over 70,000 per year — followed by France, Poland, and the Netherlands. Every Blue Card application requires biometric photos.
Quick Reference: Blue Card Photo Specs by Country
| Country | Photo Size | Background | Biometric | Photos Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | Yes (strict) | 1 |
| 🇫🇷 France | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey / light blue | Yes | 2–3 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | Yes | 1 |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey / white | Yes | 1–2 |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 35 × 45 mm | White or light grey | Yes | 1 |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 32 × 26 mm | White | Yes | 1–2 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 35 × 45 mm | White | Yes | 2–4 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | Yes | 1 |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey / white | Yes | 1 |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 35 × 45 mm | White or light | Yes | 2 |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 35 × 45 mm | White | Yes | 2 |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey | Yes | 1–2 |
🇩🇪 Germany — Blaue Karte EU Photo
Germany is by far the largest issuer of EU Blue Cards. The photo requirements are identical to German passport/residence permit photos — strict biometric standards apply.
German Blue Card Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Background | Light grey (uniform, no patterns) |
| Biometric | Yes — strict ICAO compliance |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, no smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed (since 2017) |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
| Quantity | 1 biometric photo |
Where to Submit
- Initial application: German embassy/consulate in your home country, or Ausländerbehörde if already in Germany on a different visa
- The photo is used for your electronic residence permit card (eAT)
- Some Ausländerbehörden take the photo on-site; others require you to bring one
🇫🇷 France — Carte Bleue Européenne Photo
France is the second-largest Blue Card issuer in the EU. Photo requirements follow the standard French biometric photo (norme ANTS) specifications.
France Blue Card Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height | 32–36 mm |
| Background | Light grey or light blue |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Quantity | 2–3 (check your préfecture) |
🇳🇱 Netherlands — Europese Blauwe Kaart Photo
The Netherlands issues Blue Cards through the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). Photo requirements match Dutch passport photo standards.
Netherlands Blue Card Photo Specs
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Face height | 26–30 mm (chin to eye line) |
| Background | Light grey (uniform) |
| Both ears | Must be visible |
| Glasses | Not allowed (since 2007) |
| Quantity | 1 |
🇦🇹 Austria — Blaue Karte EU Photo
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Background | Light grey or white |
| Biometric | Yes |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Quantity | 1–2 |
🇮🇹 Italy — Carta Blu UE Photo
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Background | White |
| Biometric | Yes |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Quantity | 2–4 |
🇪🇸 Spain — Tarjeta Azul UE Photo
Spain uses a slightly different photo format from most EU countries.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 32 × 26 mm |
| Background | White |
| Biometric | Yes |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Quantity | 1–2 |
Documents That Require the Same Photo
Once you have a compliant biometric photo, you can often reuse it for related applications:
- Blue Card application — initial work permit
- Residence permit renewal — same photo specs
- Family reunification — spouse/children joining you
- Permanent residence — after 21–33 months with Blue Card
- Naturalisation — citizenship application (same photo specs)
- National ID card — if applicable in your country
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Photo booth (Fotofix, etc.) | €5–€12 |
| Professional photographer | €10–€25 |
| WithSwag (at home) | €3.00 |
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