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The Challenge
Belgium requires 35×45mm biometric ICAO-compliant photos with head height 31-36mm, light-coloured background, and eyes positioned 20-30mm from the bottom edge. Professional photo booths charge €8-15 and have a high rejection rate due to strict ICAO enforcement at municipal level.
One photo format for Belgian passports, identity cards, and Schengen visas
Belgium uses standardised 35×45mm biometric photos following ICAO Document 9303 for passports, Belgian identity cards (eID), Schengen visa applications, and residence permits. The physical dimensions and face positioning requirements are identical across all Belgian government identity documents. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. Belgian passports are valid for 7 years.
Belgium accepts flexible background colours
Unlike many EU countries that mandate white-only backgrounds, Belgium officially accepts any light, uniform colour: white, cream, light grey, or very light blue. The background must be plain with no gradients, patterns, shadows, or objects. This flexibility means you can use a light grey wall at home without needing a pure white backdrop. The key requirement is uniformity and sufficient contrast with your face and hair. Dark backgrounds of any colour are rejected.
Belgian passport photo requirements — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 31-36mm (70-80% of frame)
- Eyes positioned 20-30mm from bottom edge of photo
- Light-coloured background — white, cream, light grey, or very light blue
- Background uniform and plain — no shadows, gradients, or patterns
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling
- Face fully uncovered — forehead, chin, and area towards ears visible
- Both eyes open, perfectly visible, no obstructions
- Glasses allowed only if eyes fully visible — no reflections, glare, or tinted lenses
- No fashion headgear — hats, headbands, caps prohibited
- Colour photo — black and white not accepted
- Original print — not a photocopy or cut from another image
- At least 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI (minimum 400 DPI accepted)
- Neck and upper shoulders visible
- Space between crown and top edge, and on both sides of face
- No retouching, filters, or digital alterations
Common rejection reasons by Belgian municipalities
- Head height outside 31-36mm range (municipality must refuse non-compliant photos)
- Eyes not positioned correctly — must be 20-30mm from bottom edge
- Shadows on face or background
- Glasses causing glare, reflections, or frames obscuring eyes
- Background not uniform — gradients, patterns, or dark colours
- Smiling or mouth open — neutral expression required
- Forehead or chin partially covered by hair or accessories
- Photo is a photocopy, not an original print
- Photo older than 6 months
- Low resolution causing pixelation (below 400 DPI minimum)
- Fashion headgear visible — hats, headbands, large hair decorations
Glasses in Belgian passport photos — allowed but risky
Belgium still permits glasses in passport photos, unlike Austria and some other EU countries that banned them entirely. However, the Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs officially recommends removing glasses to avoid difficulties. If you keep them on: frames must not obscure any part of your eyes, lenses must be completely clear (no tint), and there must be no reflections or glare whatsoever. Large frames that sit near the eye line will likely cause rejection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are absolutely prohibited. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, include a signed doctor's statement with your application.
How to print Belgian passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte photo-quality paper. Available at MediaMarkt, FNAC, Krëfel, or online.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode. Minimum 400 DPI, recommended 600 DPI.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at HEMA, Kruidvat, or any photo shop. Specify '35×45mm pasfoto'.
- Note: Belgium requires only 1 printed photo for passport applications — but print extras as backup.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Children under 6: Since 2020, Belgian embassies and consulates can photograph children directly on site — check with your local office.
- Setup: Lay baby on plain light-coloured blanket on floor. White, cream, or light grey works.
- Lighting: Natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash. No shadows.
- Position: Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
- Children under 5: Do not need neutral expression or to look directly at camera. Head does not need to be centred.
- Children under 1: Eyes do not need to be open.
- Children under 9: Face coverage relaxed to 50-80%. Face from chin to crown 22-36mm.
- Support: Hands supporting head must not be visible in photo.
- Props: Remove dummies, toys, bottles. Only the child visible in frame.
Belgian Schengen visa photo requirements
Belgium is a Schengen area member. Schengen visa applications use identical 35×45mm specifications as Belgian passports. For online visa submissions, digital photos must be JPEG format at sufficient resolution for biometric recognition. Physical visa applications at embassies require printed photos on photo-quality paper. If children travel on a parent's passport, one photo per child must be glued to the parent's application form.
Belgian eID identity card photo specifications
Belgian electronic identity cards (eID) use the same 35×45mm biometric photo specifications as passports. The same ICAO standards apply. Your municipality captures biometrics during the application process but requires a compliant photo. One photo set works for both passport and eID applications if taken within the 6-month validity period.
Good vs bad Belgian passport photo examples
Cost comparison: DIY vs photo services in Belgium
- Photo studio (fotograaf): €10-18 for set of photos
- Photo booth (Fotomaton/fotoautomaat): €5-8 for 4 photos (high rejection rate)
- HEMA photo service: €6-10
- Kruidvat/Di photo print: €5-8
- This tool: Free. Print at home for €0.30-0.60 per sheet (matte paper + ink)
- Savings: €5-18 per application. Family of four saves €20-72 using DIY.
When you do NOT need a new passport photo
Belgium has specific guidance on when a new photo is unnecessary. Changes like growing a beard or colouring hair are not considered significant enough to require a new passport photo. A new photo is only needed for: significant facial surgery or trauma, adding or removing numerous facial piercings or tattoos, significant weight change, or gender transition. Children under 16 do not need a new passport if appearance changed due to natural aging.
Official Belgian Government Resources
- Quality Requirements for Passport Photo — FPS Foreign Affairs Official Belgian government passport photo quality requirements and ICAO standards
- Belgian Passport Information — FPS Foreign Affairs Complete Belgian passport application information including procedures and tariffs
- Photo Criteria Matrix (French, PDF) Detailed visual guide showing acceptable and unacceptable passport photo examples
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Face
Select Enhancement Variant
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI (400 DPI minimum)
- Head Height
- 31-36 mm (70-80% of frame)
- Eye Line Position
- 20-30 mm from bottom of photo
- Background
- Light colour — white, cream, light grey, or very light blue
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, no smiling
- Glasses
- Allowed if eyes fully visible — recommended to remove
- Quantity
- 1 printed photo for passport
- Valid For
- Passport, identity card, Schengen visa, residence permit
Best Practices
- Belgium accepts white, cream, light grey, or very light blue backgrounds — more flexible than most EU countries
- Glasses are allowed but officially recommended to remove — reflections and glare cause most rejections
- Only 1 printed photo required for Belgian passport (unusual for EU) — print extras as backup
- Head height must be 31-36mm with eyes positioned 20-30mm from bottom edge
- Minimum 400 DPI accepted, but 600 DPI recommended for best print quality
- Photo must be an original print — photocopies are rejected
- Children under 6 can be photographed directly at Belgian embassies and consulates (since 2020)
- For Schengen visa: same 35×45mm photo works — no separate format needed
- Belgian passports are valid for 7 years — ensure your photo looks how you want for a while
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Belgian passport photo requirements?
Belgian passport photos must be 35×45mm with head height 31-36mm (70-80% of frame). Eyes must be 20-30mm from the bottom edge. Light-coloured background (white, cream, light grey, or very light blue). Neutral expression, mouth closed, face fully uncovered. Colour photo, original print, taken within 6 months. Must comply with ICAO standards.
What background colour for Belgian passport photos?
Belgium accepts any light, uniform colour: white, cream, light grey, or very light blue. The background must be plain with no gradients, patterns, or shadows. This is more flexible than most EU countries which mandate white only.
Can I wear glasses in Belgian passport photos?
Yes, but the Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs recommends removing them to avoid issues. If worn: frames must not cover eyes, lenses must be clear (no tint), and no reflections or glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are prohibited. For medical necessity, include a doctor's statement.
How many photos do I need for Belgian passport?
Only 1 printed photo is required for Belgian passport applications. This is unusual — most EU countries require 2 or more. Print extras as backup in case of quality issues at the municipality.
Can I use the same photo for Belgian passport and Schengen visa?
Yes. Belgian passport, eID identity card, Schengen visa, and residence permit all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for all applications if taken within 6 months.
How recent must Belgian passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Must reflect current appearance. Note: growing a beard or changing hair colour does not require a new photo. New photos only needed for significant changes like facial surgery, major weight change, or gender transition.
What is the minimum resolution for Belgian passport photos?
Minimum 400 DPI for prints from digital files. 600 DPI is recommended for best quality. Digital dimensions: 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI.
Do Belgian children need passport photos?
Yes, each child needs their own photo. Since 2020, children under 6 can be photographed directly at Belgian embassies and consulates. Children under 5 don't need neutral expression. Children under 1 don't need eyes open. Children under 9 have relaxed face coverage (50-80%, face 22-36mm).
Where can I print Belgian passport photos?
Print at home on matte photo paper (cheapest: €0.30-0.60 per sheet), or at HEMA (€6-10), Kruidvat (€5-8), any photo studio (€10-18), or photo booths (€5-8, but higher rejection rate). Specify '35×45mm pasfoto'.
Can I use a photocopy for Belgian passport?
No. Belgium specifically requires an original print. Photocopies are rejected. The photo must also not be cut from another image. Print directly from the digital file at proper dimensions.
What makes Belgium passport photos different from other EU countries?
Key Belgian differences: flexible background colours (white, cream, grey, or light blue all accepted), glasses still allowed (unlike Austria's 2024 ban), only 1 photo required (most EU countries need 2+), 400 DPI minimum (lower threshold than typical 600 DPI), and children under 6 can be photographed at embassy.
Can I smile in a Belgian passport photo?
No. Belgium requires a neutral facial expression with mouth closed. No smiling. The official FPS Foreign Affairs explicitly states 'mouth shut, no smiling' as one of the four fundamental rules.