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The Challenge
Netherlands requires 35×45mm photos with strict head height (26-30mm) and unique face width (16-20mm) measurements. Background must be light grey, light blue, or white. Head-to-frame ratio (58-67%) is smaller than most countries. Professional services charge €10-15. Wrong proportions = automatic rejection.
Netherlands head size is smaller than most countries
- Dutch head height: 26-30mm (58-67% of frame) — smaller than ICAO standard 70-80%
- Most other EU countries require 32-36mm — Dutch photos have more space above the head
- Face width must be 16-20mm (excluding ears) — unique Dutch measurement
- Using photos cropped to other countries' standards will be rejected
- Children under 11: relaxed to 19-30mm chin to crown
Dutch passport photo requirements (Fotomatrix 2020)
Netherlands uses the Fotomatrix 2020 standard (Photo Specification Guidelines 2020) for all identity document photos. The same 35×45mm specifications apply to passports, national identity cards (identiteitskaart), driving licences (rijbewijs), and Schengen visa applications. Key Dutch-specific requirements: head height 26-30mm from chin to crown for ages 11+, face width 16-20mm excluding ears, and background must be light grey, light blue, or white. Minimum resolution is 400 DPI, though 600 DPI is recommended for print quality. Photos must be color, taken within 6 months, printed on high-quality smooth photo paper.
Dutch photo ID checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions
- Head height 26-30mm chin to crown (ages 11+) — use crop guidelines
- Face width 16-20mm excluding ears
- Background: light grey, light blue, or white — plain, uniform, one shade
- Background contrasts sufficiently with the head
- Taken within last 6 months, reflects current appearance
- Color photo — black and white rejected
- Face centered, head shown in full
- Neutral expression, looking straight at camera, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible
- Head facing forward, eyes horizontally aligned, head not tilted
- Shoulders straight
- Even lighting — no shadows on face or background
- No reflection on face or from accessories
- Sharp, sufficient contrast and detail, natural representation
- Printed on high-quality smooth photo paper
- Minimum 400 DPI resolution (600 DPI recommended)
- Not altered by computer software
- Not a reproduction or copy
Common rejection reasons
- Head too large — using standard ICAO 70-80% instead of Dutch 58-67%
- Head not fully shown or not centered
- Face width outside 16-20mm range
- Shadow on face or in background
- Reflection from glasses or accessories
- Background not uniform in color or shade
- Insufficient contrast between head and background
- Eyes not fully visible (hair, glasses frames, shadows)
- Head tilted or eyes not horizontally aligned
- Photo altered by software or filters
- Photo older than 6 months
- Printed on low-quality paper
One photo format for all Dutch documents
The Netherlands uses identical specifications for passports, national identity cards, driving licences, and Schengen visa applications. The Fotomatrix 2020 standard applies uniformly. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. This includes applications at Dutch municipalities (gemeenten), Dutch embassies and consulates abroad, and RDW driving licence applications.
Glasses — applicant decides
Netherlands explicitly allows applicants to decide whether or not to wear glasses in the photo. If you choose to wear glasses: eyes must be fully visible, lenses must be fully transparent (no tinted or colored lenses), no distortion from reflection, and no shadow from frames. Sunglasses are never permitted. If your prescription glasses cause glare or reflection issues, simply remove them — you are not required to wear them.
Ears do not need to be visible
Unlike some countries, the Netherlands explicitly states that ears do not have to be visible in the photo, as long as the full width of the face is shown. Hair may cover the ears. However, a long fringe is only permitted if it does not cover the eyes or face. The face must remain fully visible from chin to forehead.
Good vs bad Dutch passport photo examples
How to print Dutch passport photos at home
- Paper: Use high-quality smooth photo paper (matte or glossy both accepted). Available at Kruidvat, HEMA, Bol.com, Amazon.nl.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), color mode.
- 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 gray guide lines.
- Size verification: Photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Head check: Verify head measures 26-30mm from chin to top of head on printed photo.
- Alternative: Print at HEMA, Kruidvat photo services, local photographer, or Photomaton booths.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain light-colored sheet — white, light grey, or light blue
- Photograph from directly above with face centered
- Natural window light or soft overhead lighting — no direct flash
- Children under 6: exempt from position (head tilt, eyes aligned), expression (neutral, looking at camera, mouth closed)
- Children under 11: head height relaxed to 19-30mm (vs 26-30mm for adults)
- Support for baby's head must not be visible in photo
- No other people, toys, or objects in frame
- Eyes must be open (even for babies — unlike some countries)
Religious head coverings
If your religion or belief requires you to cover your head, you may wear a head covering in your photo. Requirements: the covering must be plain, one color only, one shade, and must contrast sufficiently with the background. Your face must remain fully visible — from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and both edges of the face. You may need to provide a signed statement confirming the religious significance.
Netherlands vs other EU countries
The most significant difference is head size. Netherlands requires 26-30mm (58-67% of frame), while most EU countries follow ICAO standard of 32-36mm (70-80%). A photo cropped for Germany, France, or UK standards will have the head too large for Dutch requirements. The Netherlands also uniquely specifies face width (16-20mm excluding ears) and accepts three background colors (light grey, light blue, or white). Always use the Dutch-specific crop guidelines when preparing photos for Netherlands applications.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- HEMA photo service: €8-12 for set of photos
- Kruidvat photo booth: €6-10
- Professional photographer: €12-20
- Photomaton booth: €5-8 for 4-5 photos
- This tool: Free — print at home for €0.30-0.60 per sheet
- Savings: €5-20 per application using DIY approach
Official Dutch Government Resources
- Requirements for ID Photos — Government.nl Official photo requirements for passports, identity cards, and driving licences
- Photo Requirements — NetherlandsWorldwide Photo requirements for Dutch citizens applying abroad
- Photo Specification Guidelines 2020 (Fotomatrix) Official Fotomatrix 2020 document with complete acceptance criteria
- Rijksoverheid — Eisen pasfoto (Dutch) Dutch-language official requirements page
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines (26-30mm)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI (min 400 DPI)
- Head Height
- 26-30 mm (58-67% of frame)
- Face Width
- 16-20 mm (excluding ears)
- Background
- Light grey, light blue, or white
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- High-quality smooth photo paper
- Valid For
- Passport, identity card, driving licence, Schengen visa
Best Practices
- Dutch head height (26-30mm) is smaller than most EU countries — don't use other countries' crop settings
- Face width must be 16-20mm excluding ears — unique Dutch requirement
- Three background colors accepted: light grey, light blue, or white
- Ears do not need to be visible — hair may cover ears if face width is correct
- Glasses: your choice — remove or keep, but no glare, tinted lenses, or eye coverage
- Same photo works for passport, ID card, driving licence, and Schengen visa
- Minimum 400 DPI required — this tool generates at 600 DPI
- Children under 6 are exempt from expression and position requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dutch passport photo requirements?
35×45mm, head height 26-30mm from chin to crown (ages 11+), face width 16-20mm excluding ears. Background: light grey, light blue, or white — uniform shade. Color photo, taken within 6 months, on high-quality smooth photo paper, minimum 400 DPI. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, head straight.
Can I use the same photo for Dutch passport and ID card?
Yes. Dutch passport, identity card (identiteitskaart), driving licence (rijbewijs), and Schengen visa applications all use identical 35×45mm specifications under the Fotomatrix 2020 standard. One photo works for all documents if taken within 6 months.
Why is the head size different from other countries?
Netherlands requires 26-30mm head height (58-67% of frame), while most EU countries follow ICAO standard 32-36mm (70-80%). This means Dutch photos have more space above the head. A photo cropped for UK, France, or Germany standards will have the head too large for Dutch requirements.
What background color for Dutch passport photos?
Light grey, light blue, or white — all three are accepted. Background must be plain, one color, one shade, and contrast sufficiently with the head. Choose based on your skin tone and hair color for best contrast.
Do ears need to be visible?
No. The Netherlands explicitly states ears do not need to be visible, as long as the full width of the face is shown. Hair may cover the ears. However, a long fringe must not cover the eyes.
Can I wear glasses in Dutch passport photos?
Yes — the Netherlands lets applicants decide. If worn: eyes must be fully visible, lenses fully transparent, no glare or reflection, no shadow from frames. Sunglasses are never permitted. You may remove glasses even if you wear them daily.
What paper type for Dutch passport photos?
High-quality smooth photo paper — both matte and glossy are accepted. The paper must have no embossing or irregularities. This differs from some competitor guides that incorrectly state matte-only.
How recent must Dutch passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. The photo must be a true likeness of your current appearance. Preferably not the same photo as in your previous document.
What are the rules for children's passport photos?
Children under 11: head height relaxed to 19-30mm (vs 26-30mm for adults). Children under 6: exempt from eyes horizontally aligned, head not tilted, shoulders straight, neutral expression, looking at camera, and mouth closed requirements. Support for the child must not be visible.
Where can I print Dutch passport photos?
Print at home on high-quality smooth photo paper (cheapest: €0.30-0.60 per sheet), or at HEMA (€8-12), Kruidvat booths (€6-10), Photomaton, or any professional photographer. For applications abroad, print at any photo service meeting specifications.