Documents · Netherlands
Netherlands passport and ID card photo size and requirements
The photo rules for the Netherlands passport and ID card in plain words, from rijksoverheid.nl. In short: 35 × 45 mm print.
Note: Check the photo rules with your consulate before you print.
Requirements
- Printed photo
- 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
- Head height
- 26 to 30 mm (1.02 to 1.18 in), chin to the top of the head
- Background
- Plain and even: light grey, light blue, white
- Glasses
- Glasses are fine without glare, eyes clearly visible
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed
- Selfies
- Not stated. A photo someone else takes is safest
- How recent
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Print sheets in PassPic
- 4 × 6 in, 10 × 15 cm, A4, Letter
Source: rijksoverheid.nl, last checked 14 October 2026.
“Vanaf 11 jaar: van kin tot kruin minimaal 26 mm en maximaal 30 mm.”
Babies and young children
- Eyes must be open, also for babies.
- Young children don't need a perfectly neutral expression.
Common mistakes
- A head that is too small or too large. It must be 26 to 30 mm (1.02 to 1.18 in), chin to the top of the head.
- A busy or uneven background, or one that isn't light grey, light blue or white.
- Glare on glasses, or frames that cover the eyes.
- A smile with the mouth open, or any expression that isn't neutral.
- An old photo. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
- A photo that was retouched, filtered or had its background replaced.
PassPic can't measure some things, so check them yourself: glasses, head coverings and hair over the eyes.
How PassPic helps
PassPic checks your photo against these rules on your phone and marks each check Passed, Check or Fix, with a one-line tip. It crops and scales the photo to size and never changes your face or your background. Your photo is checked on your phone and never uploaded.
PassPic is coming to Google Play.
We can't promise that any office will accept a photo; the issuing authority decides. Rules change, so read rijksoverheid.nl before you send your photo. PassPic is an independent app. Not affiliated with any government.