Netherlands Passport Photo Requirements: A Complete Guide
A passport photo is a vital component of the passport application process, serving as a visual identification tool.
Photo Requirements for Passport Application
To ensure your passport application is accepted, your photo must meet the following specifications::
- Recent Photo: Taken within the last six months.
- Size: 35×45 mm.
- Background: Plain gray ( ), with no shadows.
- Quality: High-resolution, face shown clearly, no edits.
- Image Format: may include .pdf,.jpg,.gif,.bmp,.png..
- File Size: File size is not specified, however it is advisable to keep the photos under 300kB.
- Lens Resolution: The camera lens should have a resolution of 600DPi.
Head and Eye-Level Measurements
The height of your head, from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, should be 29 mm. The eyes should be positioned at eye level and should be visible. Make sure your eyes are open and facing the camera.
The space from the top of the hair to the top of the photo should be 6.5 mm.
Facial Expression and Pose Requirements
When taking your Netherlands passport photo, it is essential to meet the following requirements for facial expression and pose:
- Facial Expression. Maintain a neutral facial expression with a closed mouth. Avoid smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions. This helps in creating a clear and professional representation of your face.
- Head Position. Ensure that your head is directly facing the camera, with your face fully visible and centered within the frame. Avoid tilting or turning your head, as this may affect the accuracy of the photo.
- Eyes Open and Visible. Keep both eyes open and visible in the photo. Remove glasses unless they are required for medical, and make sure there are no obstructions or glare on the lenses.
Clothing and Accessories
When taking your Netherlands passport photo, follow these guidelines for clothing and accessories:
- Everyday Attire. Wear clothing that you would normally wear daily. Avoid uniforms, costumes, or clothing resembling official attire.
- Hat and Head Covering. Generally, hats and head coverings are not allowed. However, if you wear them for religious reasons, submit a signed statement verifying their religious significance. If worn for medical reasons, include a signed doctor’s statement. Ensure that your face is evident, without shadows or coverage.
- Glasses and Headphones. You cannot wear glasses unless for documented medical reasons. Likewise, headphones or wireless devices are not allowed.
- Jewelry and Piercings. Jewelry and facial piercings are permitted as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are also acceptable for passport photos.
Photo Quality
Regarding passport photo quality, ensuring that your photo meets the specific standards set by the Netherlands passport requirements is crucial. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Clarity. The photo should be clear and sharp, with all facial features and details easily distinguishable. Avoid any blurriness or fuzziness that may compromise the photo’s quality.
- Focus.The entire photo, especially your face, should be in focus. Make sure no areas of the photo appear blurry or out of focus.
- Color. The passport photo should be in color, accurately representing your natural skin tones and hair color. Avoid black and white or monochrome photos.
- Retouching. Do not alter or retouch your passport photo in any way. This includes removing blemishes, wrinkles, or other imperfections. The photo should present your natural appearance without any enhancements or modifications.
- Lighting. The lighting in the photo should be even, with no harsh shadows or glares on your face. Avoid using flash or excessive lighting that may create unflattering highlights or shadows.
- Recency.The photo must have been taken in the last six months.
Requirements for Children
Netherlands passport photo requirements for children are as follows:
- No other person in the photo. Only the child being photographed should be present in the passport photo.
- Positioning. For infants and toddlers who cannot support their heads, lay them on their backs on a plain white or off-white sheet. Ensure no shadows are on their face, especially when taking the photo from above. Alternatively, you can cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and place your child in the seat for the photo.
- Clear visibility of the child’s face. It is important to ensure the child’s face is clearly visible without obstructions. For infants, it is acceptable if their eyes are not entirely open. However, all other children’s eyes must be open in the photo.
- Size and Quality. The size and quality requirements for passport photos of infants and children are the same as those for adults.
Also read: Passport photo requirements for babies.
Should I Print Out the Photos?
Yes, you should print out the photos for your passport application. The photos must be in good condition without any tears or damage. In the case of online applications, you may not need to print the photos as they can be uploaded digitally.
Medical Exemption
There are a few medical exemptions in the passport photo when applying for a Netherlands passport:
- Hat or Head Covering. If you need to wear a hat or head covering for medical or religious reasons, you can do so. However, you must provide a signed statement confirming that the item is part of recognized, traditional religious attire worn continuously in public and a signed doctor’s statement stating that it is used daily for medical purposes.
- Glasses. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor with the application to explain the necessity of wearing glasses in the photo.
Do I Need a New Passport Photo if My Appearance Changes?
A new passport photo is only necessary if there has been a significant change in your appearance compared to your current passport. For example:
- Undergone significant facial surgery or experienced facial trauma.
- Added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos.
- Experienced a significant amount of weight loss or gain.
- Completed a gender transition.
Changes like growing a beard or coloring your hair are not considered significant. Children under 16 do not need to apply for a new passport if their appearance has changed due to the natural aging process.
Visa Photo Requirements
If you are applying for a Dutch visa, you should check the Netherlands visa photo requirements
If you are applying for a Green Card, you should check the Green Card photo requirements.