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Amazing Dutch Passport Photos: 35 mm x 45 mm

Written by Olia Potiagaeva, Managing Editor Reviewed by the PhotoGov Editorial Team ★ 4.8 / 5.0 GoogleChecked against Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations requirements

If you apply for a Dutch passport, a correctly formatted photo is mandatory. The Dutch Government has strict 35mm x 45mm photo specifications to ensure biometric accuracy. Not up to standards get you delays or rejection. PhotoGov is a solution that will create passport photos quickly and easily along with full compliance.

Auto-crop the photo to fit the Netherlands employment authorization size (two free ID photos per day, depending on your location)

Full document requirements for photos

How to get a photo - tutorial

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Source: official website www.rijksoverheid.nl

Get photo for: Dutch ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)

Step 2/4

Instructions:

How to take a good photo?

1/7 Image format

Photo must be in color. Taken within the last 6 months.

How to take a good photo?

1/7 Image format

Photo must be in color. Taken within the last 6 months.

ID & Passport Photo Tool. Your personal data is processed in accordance with security and privacy standards.

The Dutch ID Card Photo editor crops your image to the selected format and positions the head within the frame. It sizes the picture you upload without changing your facial features, and the built-in photo checker tests the file against the selected format. The selected format is 35 x 45 mm. Before you submit the photo, check the photo instructions for the application you are completing.

Why Should You Use PhotoGov for Your Dutch Passport Photo?

Guaranteed Strict Compliance

Your photo meets Dutch passport requirements.

Auto-Sizing Functionality

Automatically crops your image to the size of 35mm x 45mm.

Background Perfection

Guarantees a consistent, white or light background.

High-Resolution Optimization

Balances brightness, contrast and sharpness.

Print and Digital

Optimized for online or physical passport applications.

Fast Processing

Get a perfectly compliant passport photo in minutes.

*Data from government agencies

Technical & Size Requirements

Photo Size

35mm x 45mm

Aspect Ratio

7:9

Background

Solid white, light gray, no shadows, or no patterns

Resolution

At least 600 DPI

Accepted File Types

JPEG or PNG

File Size

Between 50 KB and 10 MB

Facial & Positioning Rules

Neutral Expression - Both eyes opened, mouth closed.
Degree of Fingers - On a 45-degree line with thumb tip pointing towards the camera.

How to Take a Dutch Passport Photo at Home

Have Adequate Lighting
– Use fully fledged lightings to get rid of darkness.
Simple White or Light Grey Backdrop
- Best is a smooth wall.
Stand Straight
— Directly engage with the camera with a neutral face.
PhotoGov Upload
— Our system auto-validates and optimizes your photo.
Download & Print
– Get Your 100% Gov. Approved Dutch Passport Photo Instantly!

Common Reasons for Photo Rejections

Inadequate Lighting – Shadows on the face or background are grounds for rejection.
Wrong Background - Background must be white or light gray only.
Left/Right Head Tilt or Misalignment - The head positioning needs to be straight and centered.
Glare From Glasses - Remove the glasses or angle them so that they do not reflect the light.

Pro Compliance Tips

No Image Retouching – No manipulation of facial features.
No Scarves or Masks (Unless Medically Needed) – Make sure your whole face is visible.
No Crop, Blurry Pictures – Only high-quality photos accepted.
No Filter or Color Correction – Keep raw skin tones.

Instructions for Printing & Digital Submission

For Online Applications – Before uploading, please ensure the appropriate file format and resolution.
For Physical Passport Submissions – Print the photo on a matte or glossy paper.

Required Documents for Dutch Passport Application

Also, make sure you have the following before submitting your Dutch passport photo:

A Valid ID – National ID, a previous passport or recognized document.

Notarized Copies of the Completed Application Forms – Verify that you attached everything.

Payment Proof – Payment for the Dutch passport is required before processing.

How to Print Your Dutch Passport Photo?

Retail Locations – Print your photo at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart.
PhotoGov Digital Copy – High-resolution digital passport photo ready to submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How new must my Dutch passport photo be?

You must take it within the past six months.

Where can I get my Dutch passport photos printed?

Yes, but it needs to satisfy official standards. Be sure to comply with PhotoGov.

Will The Netherlands accept digital passport photos?

Yes, provided they follow government guidelines.

What should I do if my Dutch passport photo gets rejected?

PhotoGov makes unlimited attempts possible — and adjustments — before you click approve.

Can I continue to wear religious or medical head coverings?

Yes, but your face should be completely visible.

How do I ensure I meet the Dutch passport file size requirement?

Take advantage of PhotoGov’s proprietary image file optimization tool.

Can I take my Dutch passport photo at home rather than in a photo booth?

Yes, although you have to adhere to all official requirements for passport photos.

Can I Use the Dutch ID Card Photo Editor on an iPhone or Android Phone?

Yes. Open photogov.net in the phone browser, upload a picture and download the finished file. No app is required; the PhotoGov app for iOS and Android does the same job if you prefer it.

Do I Need to Create a Size Template for the Dutch ID Card Photo?

No. PhotoGov applies the selected format automatically: the tool sets the frame and the head position for you. Before you submit the photo, check the photo instructions for the application you are completing.

Official Government Sources

Checked against the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations photo requirements: https://www.government.nl/topics/identification-documents/requirements-for-photos · Last checked: 08.10.2026