Netherlands Passport
Netherlands Passport Photo Requirements (35×45mm)
Prepare a Netherlands passport photo for IND or municipality (gemeente) submission. 35×45mm JPEG with a light grey or white background, head 29–34mm, no glasses — previewed before payment.
Last updated May 11, 2026
Verified against the official source · May 11, 2026Netherlands Passport Photo Specifications
The Netherlands uses the international ICAO 35×45mm biometric photo standard for Dutch passports, ID cards, and residence documents issued by the IND. Photos are usually taken at a certified pasfotograaf because the Dutch government publishes a detailed "Acceptatiecriteria pasfoto's" guide that includes strict measurement requirements.
- Size: 35×45mm (413×531px at 300 DPI) — ICAO biometric standard.
- Background: light grey is the official Dutch standard. Plain white is sometimes accepted but light grey is the safest choice.
- Head height: 29–34mm chin to crown (64–76% of image height).
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera.
- No glasses (including prescription) — strict enforcement.
- Religious head coverings allowed — face fully visible.
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
Dutch Pasfoto Standard for Passport, ID Card, and Residence Permit
The same Dutch "pasfoto" standard covers a wide range of government documents and is enforced by both municipalities (gemeentes) and the Dutch IND.
- Nederlands paspoort (Dutch passport).
- Nederlandse identiteitskaart (Dutch ID card).
- IND verblijfsvergunning (residence permit).
- Driving licence (rijbewijs) renewals.
Top Reasons Dutch Passport Photos Get Rejected
Dutch municipalities run some of the strictest photo checks in Europe.
- Background not light grey (pure white or coloured backgrounds).
- Glasses or reflective lenses — Netherlands strictly enforces no-glasses.
- Smiling or visible teeth.
- Head tilted, turned, or chin too high/low.
- Hair covering ears, eyebrows, or eyes.
- Visible shadows on face or behind head.
Why Use Our Netherlands Passport Photo Checker
Preview a 35×45mm JPEG with the Dutch-preferred light grey background and verified head height before paying.
- Auto crop and resize to 35×45mm at 300 DPI.
- AI background replacement to compliant light grey.
- Head height check against the 29–34mm requirement.
- Glasses, smile, head tilt, and shadow detection.
Photo Examples
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Common rejection risk
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Frequently Asked Questions
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