Need an ID Photo in Vienna? Here Are Your Best Options
By: Chiara Moretti
If you’ve lived in Vienna for any amount of time, chances are you’ve already discovered that paperwork has a way of showing up when you least expect it. Whether you’re applying for a passport, getting your e-card sorted, renewing a residence permit, or handling other official documents, one thing often comes up quickly: you need an ID photo.
The good news is that getting one in Vienna is usually pretty easy once you know where to go. Depending on your budget, timeline, and how “official” the photo needs to be, there are a few different options worth knowing about.
What kind of photo do you need?
For many official documents, you’ll need a biometric passport-style photo. That usually means a photo with:
a plain, light-colored background
your face clearly visible and centered
a neutral expression
no heavy shadows or glare
a recent photo, often taken within the last six months
Before getting one taken, it’s always a good idea to double-check the requirements for the specific document you need. Not every office or country uses exactly the same standards, and some documents may require a printed version while others may accept a digital one.
Option 1: DM / CEWE
One of the easiest and most accessible options in Vienna is using DM and CEWE. If you want something quick and relatively simple, this can be a very convenient route.
CEWE offers passport photo services and a passport photo app with a biometric check, and the printed set currently costs €10.95 at a CEWE photo station, including those found in partner stores like DM.
This is a good choice if you:
want something easy and familiar
don’t necessarily want to book an appointment
prefer a straightforward option that’s easy to find around the city
If convenience matters most, this is probably one of the best all-around choices.
Option 2: Photo Booths
If you need an ID photo as soon as possible, photo booths can be one of the fastest options. You’ll find them in various convenient locations, and they’re often useful when you need something same-day.
Photo booths are great if you:
are short on time
don’t want to schedule anything
just need a quick printed photo
In many cases, booths cost around €10, though prices can vary depending on the machine and location.
That said, this may not always be the best option for every document. While booths are convenient, some people prefer not to risk using them for more important paperwork in case the lighting, framing, or print quality is off. If the document is especially important, you may want to consider a more reliable option.
Option 3: Photographer or Photo Studio
If you want the safest option, going to a photographer or photo studio is usually your best bet.
This option can be especially helpful if:
you’re using the photo for a passport, visa, or residence-related document
you want a higher chance that the photo will be accepted the first time
you’d like a photo that looks a little more polished
A photographer can usually make sure the lighting, positioning, and size all match official requirements, which can save you stress later. In general, this option tends to cost a little more — often around €12 to €20 or more, depending on the studio.
Option 4: Hartlauer
Another common option in Austria is Hartlauer, which many people use for practical services like glasses, hearing support, and photos.
If you’d rather go to a familiar chain than search for an independent studio, Hartlauer can be a good middle-ground option. It’s a recognizable choice, and one many people in Vienna turn to for passport-style photos. It’s often considered more affordable than a full studio, while still feeling a little more reliable than a booth.
Which option is best?
If you’re not sure where to go, here’s a simple way to decide:
Cheapest / fastest: Photo booth
Most convenient: DM / CEWE
Most reliable for official documents: Photographer or photo studio
Easy chain option: Hartlauer
Before you go
A little preparation can save you time and money. Before getting your photo taken, make sure you know:
whether you need a printed or digital photo
how many copies you need
whether the photo must be recent
whether the office already has a valid photo on file
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking the website or appointment instructions for the office, embassy, or service you’re dealing with.
At the end of the day, getting an ID photo in Vienna is one of those small but important admin tasks that becomes much easier once you know your options. Whether you go for the cheapest, quickest, or safest route, having the right photo ready can make the rest of the process a lot smoother.
