Applying for a Dutch visa involves several crucial steps, one of the most important being submitting a passport-style photo that meets strict official guidelines. The Dutch government requires that photos follow detailed rules regarding size, lighting, background, facial expression, and more. Any mistake could delay your application or cause it to be rejected.
The Atlys Netherlands Visa Photo Tool has been developed to simplify this step. It ensures your photo meets all official Dutch specifications by automatically adjusting dimensions, brightness, positioning, and background without needing professional photo studios or complex editing software.
Netherlands Visa Photo Requirements
Here are the official specifications for Dutch visa photos:
Height & Width: 35 mm x 45 mm
Face Width: 16 mm to 20 mm (excluding ears)
Face Length: Age 11 and over: 26 mm to 30 mm (chin to crown), Under 11: 19 mm to 30 mm
Photo Age: Taken within the last 6 months
File Type: JPEG, JPG, or PNG (for digital applications)
Resolution (for printed photos): Minimum 400 dpi
Colour: Must be in colour
Background: Light grey, light blue, or white (plain and even)
Facial Orientation: Head-centred and facing forward
Facial Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera
Netherlands Visa Photo Size
The Netherlands 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). Width of 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 top of the hair), as well as left and right sides of the face should occupy 70% to 80% of the total photograph.
Note: Photos will be rejected if face measures less than 27 mm or more than 40 mm
Resolution
Photo resolution should be 400 dpi, so, 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 Netherlands 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 or white or color.
Photograph quality
The photo must be printed on high quality paper with a resolution of atleast 600 dpi [if clicked on digital camera]. The color photograph must have proper color balance (approriate 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 color, and printed on photo-quality paper preferably not glossy
Netherlands Visa Photo 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, light grey background is suitable. The background should not be patterned. And shadows on the background is not acceptable.
The Netherlands 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 six 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 center of the two eyes: 8mm)
Expressions and Frame
You should show your face square on to the camera, no portrait style (not looking over ones shoulder) or tilted and showing both edges of face clearly. The facial expression must be neutral, mouth closed and looking directly at the camera.
Glasses:
If you wear glasses for medical reasons, you must show your eyes clearly 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
Netherlands Photo Requirements for Children
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 do you use the Netherlands visa photo maker tool?
Steps to create and adjust your photo to meet the Netherlands photo requirements:
Upload Your Photo: Use a recent passport-style photo. You can upload a photo in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format or take one directly using your phone.
Click 'Transform': The tool will automatically resize, align, and adjust the image to meet the Dutch government photo standards.
Download: Once done, download your ready-to-use photo and submit it with your Netherlands visa or ID application.
Atlys also assists you throughout the Netherlands visa, making everything smoother and faster, from photo upload to final submission.
Do's and Don’ts of Netherlands Visa/ID Photos
Do:
Use even, natural lighting
Centre your head with a neutral expression
Use an approved background colour
Make sure your face is fully visible
Don’t:
Don’t smile or tilt your head
Don’t wear hats or decorative headwear
Don’t use filters or retouching apps
Don’t submit photos older than 6 months
Can I take my Netherlands visa photo at home?
Yes, as long as the photo meets all official specifications. Using tools like the Atlys Netherlands Visa Photo Maker, you can take a photo with your phone and let the tool automatically adjust to meet government standards—no studio needed.
What happens if my photo does not meet Dutch visa standards?
If your photo is rejected, your visa or ID application could be delayed or denied. You'll likely be asked to submit a new photo that meets the correct specifications.
Can I wear makeup in my Netherlands visa photo?
Yes, light and natural makeup is allowed as long as it doesn’t significantly alter your facial features or skin tone. Avoid filters or editing apps.
Can I use the same photo from a previous passport or visa?
No, photos must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Reusing an old photo, even if it meets the technical specs, is discouraged and could result in rejection.
How we reviewed this tool:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
15 Oct 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Arun Kumar Gundu
15 Oct 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Arun Kumar Gundu