Dutch Infant and Child Passport Photo Requirements
When you apply for a Dutch passport for your child, the printed photo must follow strict official standards. You can use the tool above to help format your photo correctly.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The official size for a Dutch child passport photo is 35×45 mm, which is about 1.38×1.77 inches[1]. This specific dimension must be maintained when you crop and prepare your image.
For children under 11, the distance from the chin to the crown must be 19 to 30 mm[1].
The government also gives this 19 to 30 mm range for children under 11[1].
Background and Lighting Setup
Use a plain, single-colour background in light grey, light blue or white[1].
Avoid patterned walls, textured wallpaper, or shadows falling behind the child's head. You can take the photo against a plain wall in your home.
Try to use soft, natural light by having your child face a window. Good lighting keeps the background even and prevents dark shadows on the face or clothing.
Relaxed Rules for Infants and Young Children
Photographing a baby or toddler can be challenging, but the government provides specific exceptions for young applicants. For children under 6 years of age, a neutral expression, direct gaze, closed mouth, level eyes and straight shoulders are not required[2].
Your baby does not need to stare straight into the camera lens with a serious face. A natural, relaxed look is completely acceptable for this age group.
If you need to support a small baby during the photo session, any support must be hidden[2]. You can cover a car seat or support pillow with a plain white sheet that matches the background requirements.
Rules for Glasses and Headwear
If your child wears glasses, you need to check the rules carefully. Glasses are conditional for Dutch travel documents[1].
The eyes must remain fully visible through transparent glasses, without reflections that distort them or cause shadows[1].
A head covering is allowed for religious or belief reasons, or to cover hair loss caused by medical treatment. It must be a single colour and shade[1].
Printing and Submission Rules
You need to bring a recent photo for a passport application abroad[3]. The photo must meet the Dutch photo requirements[1].
For a passport application abroad, bring a recent photo; check the embassy or consulate’s instructions for any additional requirements[3].
You can arrange your cropped photo onto a standard 4×6-inch sheet using the tool above and print it at any local photo kiosk. Printing it as an ordinary glossy photo works well as long as the colors and details are sharp.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
For children under 11, the chin-to-crown measurement must be 19 to 30 mm[1]. The photo must also meet the official lighting requirements[1].
If a child under 6 needs support, the support must not be visible in the photo[1].
Blurry images, poor contrast, or incorrect background shades will lead to rejection. Take multiple shots to give yourself the best possible options before you print.
Frequently asked questions
What size must a Dutch child passport photo be?
The official size is 35×45 mm[1].
Do babies need a neutral expression in the photo?
For children under 6, a neutral expression, direct gaze, closed mouth, level eyes and straight shoulders are not required[2].
What background color is allowed?
You must use a plain, uniform light grey, light blue or white background; the official source does not specify exact shades[1].
How many photos do I need to print?
Two identical photos are requested for child passport applications made abroad[3].
Can my child wear glasses in the passport photo?
Glasses are conditional[1], meaning they must not have tinted lenses, heavy frames, or glare that hides the eyes.