The Netherlands visa photo rules in plain words
The Dutch authorities ask for one colour photo of 35x45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in), no older than 6 months. It must meet Dutch passport-photo rules, which means the head measures 26-30 mm from chin to crown and the picture is unedited.
- Background: white or light-coloured. Dutch rules mention light grey, light blue or white.
- Copies: 1 printed photo.
- Glasses: allowed, with no glare.
- Head covering: religious only, face fully visible.
- Resolution: 300 DPI when printed.
When you may not need a photo at all
If you apply through an external service provider such as VFS, no photo is needed, because a digital photo is taken live at the appointment. Check your appointment confirmation first: if the provider captures the picture, you can save the printing cost. If you apply in a way that requires a printed photo, use this page.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
Choose a plain white or light wall, with no pattern, and stand about a metre in front of it so you do not cast a shadow. Face a window for soft light. Ask a helper to hold the phone at eye height from a normal distance.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
- Keep your head level and both eyes open.
- Remove anything that casts shadows, such as a cap or a fringe over the eyes.
- Do not apply filters or retouching.
Common reasons a Netherlands visa photo is rejected
- Photo older than 6 months. It must be recent.
- Head too large or too small. Chin to crown should be 26-30 mm.
- Dark or patterned background. Use white or a light colour.
- Retouching. Dutch rules require an unedited picture.
- Reflections on glasses. The eyes must be clearly visible.
- Uneven light. Shadows on the face or on the wall behind it.
Printing the photo
This is a printed submission. IDPhotoly crops your picture to 35x45 mm, sets a light background and checks the head size against the 26-30 mm range. Print it on photo paper at 300 DPI and cut it to the exact size.
Hold the finished photo against a recent portrait of yourself before you submit it. It should look like you today, and the colours of skin and background should be natural, not washed out. If an unevenly lit print is the result, try the shot again in softer light.
Your picture is processed in your browser and not uploaded. If an official authority rejects it, you can request a full refund within 30 days by email.