Get a Dutch pasfoto your gemeente will accept
Dutch passports and ID cards need a 35×45 mm pasfoto that meets municipality (gemeente) standards. Counters check head size and background carefully before they take your application.
The Dutch pasfoto is 35×45 mm. The face should fill the frame in line with ICAO-style guidance used by municipalities—neither tiny in the middle nor cropped through the crown.
Background must be light and even. Dutch desks are strict about shadows under the chin and behind the head from ceiling spots. Daylight facing a plain wall works better than mixed office lighting.
Ask your gemeente whether they want one print, two prints, or a digital file for your appointment type. Some towns still prefer paper; others accept a compliant digital delivery path—do not guess.
Visa photos for Schengen filings often use the same 35×45 mm size, but the embassy checklist may add a second print or a file-size cap. Crop once, then prepare paper or JPEG as that checklist states.
| Specification | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport / ID (pasfoto) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Where you apply | Gemeente desk standards |
| Background | Light, even, no hard shadows |
Always confirm the latest rules on the official government site before you submit.
Cream or textured walls, wrong head size after a selfie, and beauty filters cause most delays.
- Call or check your gemeente page for how many pasfotos to bring.
- Avoid cream walls—they photograph warmer than they look.
- Children: same size; no parent hands in the frame.
- Keep jewellery minimal so the jawline stays clear.
Make your passport photo now
Crop to the official size in your browser, then download to upload or print.
Works on phone or desktop. No app download.
Can I print my own passport photo at home?
Will a home-printed photo be accepted?
What size should I print?
- • 35 × 45 mm finished pasfoto
- • Plain light background
- • Neutral expression
- • Eyes open toward camera
- • Correct number of prints or digital file
- • Sharp focus on the eyes
- • No hats unless allowed exception
- • Recent likeness
- • Hard lamp shadow behind the head
- • Wrong number of prints for that gemeente
- • Face too small in the frame
- • Warm yellow cast on the background
- • Open mouth or visible teeth
What is a pasfoto size?
35×45 mm for Dutch passport and ID applications.
How many prints does my gemeente want?
It depends on the town and document—check the appointment page.
Can I take it at home?
Yes if size, background, and sharpness meet gemeente rules.
White background OK?
Light and even—follow your gemeente sample. Hard shadows matter more than the exact paint brand.
Driving licence same size?
Usually the same millimetres; confirm delivery format.
Children?
Same size; no adult hands in frame.
Glasses?
Eyes must be clearly visible without glare.
Visa vs passport?
Size often matches; print count and uploads follow the mission checklist.
Also see EU / Schengen 35×45 mm photo standards →