Netherlands Passport Photo Requirements

Official Dutch passport photo requirements: 35×45 mm, head measurements, background and no digital alteration.

Create your photo free →

Free preview. €5.99 to unlock downloads. Photo processing stays on your device.

Photo requirements

Size and format: 35 × 45 mm printed
Background: Plain light grey, light blue or white; evenly lit
Head / face proportions: Age 11+: chin-to-crown 26–30 mm and face width 16–20 mm excluding ears; under 11: height 19–30 mm

Before you apply

Natural, true-to-life colour photo no older than 6 months
Photo must be unaltered by computer software
Full head visible and centred, eyes open and visible
Use high-quality smooth photographic paper for paper submission

For Dutch passports, do not use software to replace the background: retake the photograph with a suitable real background.

Photo examples: what to look for

Illustrative fictional model in even light against a clean background — Example: simple background and clearly visible face. Not certified for this document.

Common reasons photos fail

Software background replacement or retouching
Face outside official sizing tolerance
Shadows, blurred face or uneven background

Use these examples as visual guidance only; the sample is AI-generated and is not an approved identification photograph.

How to make your photo

Check this document's rules and take a recent photo that already meets any no-editing restrictions.
Open our on-device generator and choose the matching document type.
Inspect the free preview and measurements. Retake rather than digitally alter a photograph where editing is prohibited.
Unlock the download for €5.99 only after reviewing the result.

Start free preview →

Frequently asked questions

Does the same photo size mean the same requirements?

No. The background, framing, editing limits and upload format can differ between a passport, a visa and an online application.

Can I change the background using software?

Only when your document's policy permits it. Do not digitally edit a Dutch or UK passport photograph. Take a new photo against a suitable real background instead.

Is my photo guaranteed to be accepted?

No. These guides are informational and automated checks cannot replace the final decision of the government or visa centre.

Official guidance

Always check the latest requirements with the issuing authority before you submit.

Read official photo instructions ↗