Photo in CV: Yes or No? (2026)

Whether a photo belongs in your CV is one of the most frequently asked questions about applying for jobs in Germany. The short answer: legally it is optional — but in practice it remains widespread and is expected in many industries. This article explains when an application photo improves your chances, when you can safely leave it out, and what a good photo looks like.

The Legal Situation: The AGG Protects Applicants

Since the General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG) came into force in 2006, employers in Germany are no longer permitted to require an application photo. The law is intended to prevent applicants from being discriminated against on the basis of physical characteristics — such as appearance, age, gender, or ethnic origin. Anyone who does not submit a photo therefore need not fear any disadvantages — at least not on paper.

In practice, however, the picture looks different: according to a widely cited study by the Staufenbiel Institut, around 82% of the companies surveyed stated that a photo is what makes an application complete for them. This shows that social norms and the legal situation in Germany are still far apart.

Photo Yes or No? — The Deciding Factors

Whether you should submit a photo depends primarily on three factors:

• Industry and company culture: In classic German medium-sized businesses, the public sector, the financial industry, or healthcare, a professional application photo is still standard. At start-ups, international corporations, and tech companies, however, it is increasingly regarded as optional.
• Job advertisement: If the listing explicitly requests a photo — or if the application form requires an upload — you should include one. If nothing is mentioned, orientate yourself by the company culture.
• Quality of the photo: A poor photo can do more harm than no photo at all. Only a professional image from a photography studio gives your application the right frame. The Federal Employment Agency explicitly advises booking a studio appointment for your application photo.

When You Should Include a Photo

In the following situations, an application photo is recommended in Germany:

• You are applying to a traditional German company or a medium-sized business.
• The role involves a lot of customer contact or a representational function (e.g. sales, reception, PR).
• You have a professionally taken photo available that makes a well-groomed, likeable impression.
• A photo is requested or expected in the job advertisement or application form.

When You Can Leave Out a Photo

There are also good reasons not to include a photo:

• You are applying to an international company based in Germany that follows Anglo-American recruiting standards.
• The company explicitly advertises anonymised application processes — a trend that is growing particularly among large employers in Germany.
• You do not have a professional application photo available and cannot arrange a photographer appointment at the moment. A poor photo does more harm than none at all.
• You are applying via LinkedIn or Xing, where your profile photo is already visible.

What a Good Application Photo Looks Like

If you decide to include a photo, it should meet the following criteria:

• Professional shot: Have the photo taken at a photography studio. Smartphone selfies, holiday snapshots, or passport photos from a machine look unprofessional.
• Neutral background: White, light grey, or a subtle blue are ideal. Colourful or busy backgrounds are distracting.
• Well-groomed, appropriate clothing: Choose clothing that suits the position you are applying for — more formal for an office job, slightly more relaxed for a creative company.
• Natural smile: A friendly, open facial expression comes across as welcoming. Stiff poses or an overly serious expression leave a distant impression.
• Correct format and placement: The photo in the CV is usually portrait format, approximately 4 × 5 cm, and is placed in the upper right corner of the first page of the CV.
• Up to date: The photo should be no more than two to three years old and reflect your current appearance.

Common Mistakes with Application Photos — and How to Avoid Them

Many applicants underestimate how much an unflattering photo can cloud the overall impression of their documents. The most common mistakes are:

• Group photos from which the applicant has cropped themselves out
• Photos that are too old and no longer reflect the applicant's current appearance
• Private photos from holidays or parties
• Poor lighting, blurry quality, or distracting background elements
• Inappropriate clothing (e.g. casual sportswear for an office position)

Also bear in mind: the application photo is part of your overall CV design. It should be integrated harmoniously into the layout — not appear squashed or pixelated. Pay attention to consistent spacing and a clean, clear design — you can find guidance on this in our tips on CV formatting.

The Trend: Anonymised Applications and International Norms

In Germany, the debate about greater equal opportunity in the application process is growing. Some large companies and public authorities are already piloting anonymised application procedures in which neither a photo, name, nor date of birth is provided. The increasing number of international employers in Germany is also bringing Anglo-American CV traditions with it — in those contexts, a photo on the CV is unusual and can even be considered unprofessional.

It is therefore worth briefly researching the company culture behind each job advertisement before applying. A rule of thumb: if the company is rooted in Germany and traditionally structured, the odds favour including a photo. If it is a globally operating tech company or a start-up with an international workforce, you can in many cases leave it out.

Regardless of whether you include a photo or not — make sure your CV is also convincing in terms of content and structure. Our article on the most common CV mistakes reveals frequent formal weaknesses to watch out for.

With ResumeHero's free CV builder, you can create a professional, ATS-friendly CV in just a few minutes — including an optional photo placeholder that fits seamlessly into the layout. Get started now at resumehero.io and apply with documents that truly impress.