Belgium Visa Photo Requirements (Size & Specification)

Getting the perfect visa photo isn’t as easy as it sounds. A perfect visa photo is essential for a successful Belgium visa application. If your photo doesn’t meet the official requirements, it could cause delays or even result in your application being rejected.

To make the process easier, we’ve created the Atlys Belgium Visa Photo Maker. This tool automatically adjusts your photo’s size, background, and format to match the official Belgium visa guidelines, saving you time, effort, and unnecessary stress.

To help you get started, we’ve outlined the official Belgium Schengen visa photo specifications below.

Belgium Visa Photo Requirements and Specifications

Here are the Belgium visa photo specifications:

Size: 35mm to 45 mm
File Size: < 120 KB
Photo format: JPG, JPEG, PNG
Background: White
Face Size: 80% of the photograph
Borders: No
Recent: No more than 3- 6 months old
Face orientation: Full face, facing forward
Quality: clear and in focus
Facial expression: Neutral, no smiling

Note: Atlys visa photo tool takes care of all the above specifications automatically to make your application process smooth. Atlys ensures your photo is perfect for submission, even for minors.

Size and Dimensions:

The Belgium visa photo size must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in height (1.38 x 1.77 inches, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm in cms). The width of the face shall be between 16 mm and 20 mm from ear to ear.

To ensure accurate facial recognition and verification, the face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown (not the top of the hair), as well as the left and right sides of the face, should occupy 70% to 80% of the total photograph.

Also:

Minimum dimensions: 240 x 320 pixels
Must maintain a 3:4 ratio (e.g., 250 x 340 pixels is valid; 290 x 340 is not)

Note: Photos will be rejected if the face measures less than 27 mm or more than 40 mm.

Resolution

Photo resolution should be 400 dpi. When the image is scanned or uploaded, check this parameter carefully. However, the higher the resolution, the bigger the picture.

The photo must be in sharp focus, clear, undamaged and of high quality with no ink marks or creases

Format

For online Belgium visa applications, the digital photo must be in JPG or JPEG format and should not exceed 120 KB in file size.

Submitting files in unsupported formats such as BMP, TIFF, GIF, or PDF may result in application rejection. Photos can be black, white, or colour.

Photograph quality

The photo must be printed on high-quality paper with a resolution of at least 600 dpi [if clicked on a digital camera]. The colour photograph must have proper colour balance (appropriate brightness and contrast) and show natural skin tone.

The photograph must show only the applicant [no other persons or objects in the photograph].

Note: Digital camera photographs must be high-quality, in colour, and printed on photo-quality paper, preferably not glossy.

Background

The photo background must be plain and light so that facial features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.

In the case of light coloured hair, a medium grey background is suitable, and in the case of dark hair, a light grey background is suitable. The background should not be patterned. And shadows in the background are not acceptable.

The Belgium visa photo must not have any borders or extra margins. A clean, borderless image ensures it meets official formatting requirements and is suitable for biometric processing.

Recent Photo:

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months to accurately reflect your current appearance. If there have been any noticeable changes, such as a drastic haircut or significant alteration to facial hair, a new photo may be required to avoid delays or issues with identification.

Style and Lighting

Photographs must be taken with even lighting. Shadows, reflections and red-eye are not acceptable.

The eyes in the photograph should be open and clearly visible. No hair across the face or eyes.

Eyes must be in the upper half of the photograph (minimum distance between the centre of the two eyes: 8mm)

Expressions and Frame

You should show your face square on to the camera, no portrait style (not looking over one's shoulder) or tilted and showing both edges of the face clearly. The facial expression must be neutral, with the mouth closed, and the person looking directly at the camera.

Glasses:

If you wear glasses for medical reasons, you must ensure your eyes are clearly visible, with no reflections and no tinted lenses. They should not create glare or obscure the eyes, as reflections can interfere with biometric accuracy. The edge of glasses or lenses should not cover any part of the eyes

Head Covers

Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons. They must be plain, pattern-free, and not obscure any facial features. The full face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, must be visible, including the edges. Shadows on the face are not acceptable

Belgium Visa Photo Sample:

Belgium Visa Photo Requirements for Minors

For children under 9, the face should take up to 50-80% of the photograph.
The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (not hair)should measure between 22mm and 36mm
Children under age 5 do not need to have neutral expressions or look directly into the camera, and their heads don’t have to be centred in the photo
Children under 1 do not need to have their eyes open.
The frame should not show hands, toys, a chair, or other people—only the child.
Ensure the child's face is clear and facing forward.

Please note: If the child or baby needs support, the support must not be visible in the photo. The supporting hand can be hidden under the child’s clothing.

How to Use the Belgium Visa Photo Maker Tool?

Applying for a Belgian visa? Ensure your photo meets all the official requirements with this simple and reliable tool:

1. Upload Your Photo

Select a photo from your device (in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format). If needed, you can also take a new selfie on the spot.

2. Adjust & Resize

Click ‘Transform’ and let the tool automatically crop, resize, and adjust your photo according to the official Belgium visa photo guidelines.

3. Download & Use

Once your photo is ready, download the Belgium visa-compliant version and attach it to your visa application. It’s fast, accurate, and stress-free.

Do’s and Don’ts of Belgium Visa Photo

Do’s:

Submit a recent photo (within the last 6 months)
Use a light background with even lighting
Ensure the face is centred and visible
Use a JPEG file, under 120 KB and in a 3:4 aspect ratio
Maintain a neutral expression, no smiling
Wear normal clothing
For children: include their photo, even when on a parent’s passport
Ensure 300 dpi resolution for print quality

Don’ts:

Don’t tilt your head or look sideways
Don’t wear hats, caps, or headgear (unless for religious purposes)
Don’t submit blurry, shadowy, or overexposed images
Don’t use filters, editing, or digital retouching
Don’t wear sunglasses or eyeglasses with glare/reflection
Don’t use BMP, PNG, TIFF, or GIF file formats
Don’t exceed the 120 KB file size limit
Don’t include toys, hands, or other people in children's photos

Belgium Visa Photo Requirements (No-Login Required)

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