Netherlands Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A Dutch passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain light grey or white background. The head — from chin to crown — must measure 32 to 36 mm. The Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens applies these biometric specifications to Dutch passports, ID cards, and driving licences. The Netherlands has notably strict rejection rates — about 1 in 6 photos taken at home are rejected for technical issues.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Netherlands ID Card | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Netherlands Driving Licence | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain light grey is the official requirement. Pure white is accepted in practice. No shadows, no patterns.
Expression and eyes
Strictly neutral expression — no smile, no frown. Mouth closed. Both eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
Glasses
Since 2020, the Netherlands has banned glasses in biometric photos. You must remove them, including reading glasses.
Headwear
No headwear except for daily religious wear. Hair must not cover the eyebrows or eyes.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must look exactly like you do now.
Digital format
For online services, photos must meet ICAO biometric requirements: 35×45 mm at 300 DPI, JPEG, with the face passing facial recognition.
Country-specific notes
- The Netherlands has one of the strictest biometric standards in the EU, and a relatively high rejection rate for at-home photos.
- Even reading glasses are not allowed since 2020.
- Photos are validated automatically by the Dutch system before your appointment — meaning you can find out if a photo will be rejected before submitting.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Wearing glasses of any kind — including reading glasses.
- 2 Background too dark, patterned, or with shadows.
- 3 Smiling or showing teeth.
- 4 Head tilted even slightly.
- 5 Insufficient lighting on the face.
- 6 Hair covering the eyebrows or eyes.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Find a plain light background
Stand 0.5 m from a plain light grey or white wall. Diffuse daylight from in front, no shadow behind your head.
Remove your glasses, neutral expression
Camera at eye level, 1.5 m away. No glasses. Look straight ahead, mouth closed, neutral expression.
Verify Dutch biometric standards
Photo must be 35×45 mm with head 32–36 mm tall. Our app checks every Dutch biometric rule before producing a print-ready file.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Dutch passport photo? +
Can I wear glasses in a Dutch passport photo? +
Why do so many Dutch passport photos get rejected? +
Does the same photo work for a Dutch driving licence? +
Can I take a Dutch passport photo at home? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.