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.
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.
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
For all Dutch visa, ID, or passport applications, the photo must be exactly 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. The face must be clearly centred, fully visible from chin to crown, and should include the full head, including hair. For applicants aged 11 and above, the face length must be between 26 mm and 30 mm, while for children under 11, it must be between 19 mm and 30 mm.
Netherlands Visa Photo File Size & Format
For digital applications, photos must be submitted in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format and should be high resolution. If you're submitting printed photos (for passports or ID cards), they must be in colour, printed on smooth, high-quality photo paper, and free from damage, pixelation, or digital alterations. A minimum resolution of 400 dpi is required to meet the Dutch government standards.
Netherlands Visa Photo Background
The background must be light grey, light blue, or white. It must be even and plain, with no shadows, gradients, or patterns. The background should provide a clear contrast to the applicant’s face to ensure visibility and clarity.
Face Size & Positioning
The face in the photo must be between 16 mm and 20 mm wide. The face length from chin to crown should measure 26 mm to 30 mm for adults and 19 mm to 30 mm for children under 11. The head must be centred and fully visible, including all hair, with both eyes on the same horizontal level.
No Borders Allowed
Photos must be borderless, with no visible frames, cropping, or edge lines. Only the applicant’s face, partial shoulders, and background should be visible.
Recent Photos
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and accurately reflect the applicant’s current appearance. Reusing older images or previously submitted photos is not recommended.
Orientation & Head Position
The head must face directly forward, with eyes aligned horizontally and shoulders straight. It should not be tilted or turned. This alignment ensures a clear, symmetrical view of the face, which is necessary for biometric recognition.
Photo Quality
All photos must be sharp, well-lit, and in focus. Natural skin tones are required, and the image should be free from glare, shadows, reflections, or signs of digital retouching or filters. Overexposed or underexposed images will be rejected.
Facial Expression
Applicants must maintain a neutral facial expression. Smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows is not allowed. The mouth must be closed, and the eyes should be open, looking directly into the camera.
Eyewear & Headgear
Glasses are allowed only if the eyes are fully visible without glare, shadows, or reflections. Lenses must be clear and non-tinted, and the frames should not obstruct the eyes. Headgear is not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. If worn, it must be plain, single-colored, and contrast with the background, while still allowing the entire face from forehead to chin to remain visible.
Netherlands Photo Requirements for Children
Children under 6 years old have exceptions:
Do not need to align the eyes or shoulders perfectly
Do not need a fully neutral expression
Must be photographed alone
No toys, pacifiers, or support structures should be visible
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
16 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt