Requirements for Your Belgian Passport Photo
You need a clear and correct photo when you apply for your Belgian passport. Follow these official rules carefully to prepare your picture for submission.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The official size for a Belgian passport photo is 35 by 45 mm, which equals about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1]. This precise measurement ensures your image fits the official application documents correctly. Your head must take up a specific vertical proportion within the frame.
The distance from the bottom of your chin to the very top of your head must measure between 31 and 36 mm[2]. You must also leave adequate margin space around your head and shoulders so that your entire face remains centered and fully visible without getting cut off. You can use the tool above to crop your photo to these exact size requirements right in your web browser.
Background and Lighting
Your passport photo must feature a uniform light background behind you[2]. The official Belgian guidance specifies light grey, light yellow, light blue, or white as acceptable background options[2]. The backdrop surface must be completely plain, flat, and free of any patterns, wallpaper textures, or household objects.
Make sure there are no shadows cast on the background wall by your head, shoulders, or body, and avoid any uneven color gradation[2]. Good lighting is essential to meet this standard. You should face a bright window with natural daylight or set up soft lamps to illuminate your face and the background evenly.
Face, Expression, and Glasses
You must look directly into the camera lens with a completely neutral facial expression[2]. Keep your facial muscles relaxed and do not smile, frown, open your mouth, or raise your eyebrows[2]. Your mouth must remain fully closed during the picture capture[2].
Your eyes must be wide open, looking straight ahead, and completely unobstructed by hair or clothing frames. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, they are permitted only under strict conditions[2]. The lenses must never be tinted or shaded, and the frames must be thin enough so they do not hide your eyes, create heavy lines, or cast dark shadows across your face.
Head Coverings and Hair
Hats, caps, headbands, and other non-religious head coverings are strictly forbidden in your passport photo[2]. You are only permitted to wear headwear if you do so for documented religious or medical reasons[2].
Even when religious headwear is allowed, your entire face must remain clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and both sides of your face must be exposed[2]. Your hair should be neatly styled away from your face and ears so that your facial structure is fully discernible to the officials reviewing your application.
Children and Infants
Children of all ages, including newborn babies, must possess their own individual passport to travel internationally[3]. Taking a passport photo for an infant can present unique challenges because small children move around constantly and have trouble following directions.
For young children who are unable to sit still or stand independently for a photo at the official embassy or municipal office, you must bring a compliant printed photo from home[3]. When photographing an infant, lay them flat on a plain light background or support them securely while ensuring no adult hands, fingers, or holding objects appear in the final picture frame. Make sure the baby's eyes are open and looking forward.
Printing and Submission Guidelines
You must submit a recent printed colour photo for your Belgian passport application unless the local municipal office or consular post chooses to take the picture directly on site[1]. Official administration rules state that many municipal offices and diplomatic posts take the applicant's photo themselves during your appointment[1].
In locations where they do not provide this photo service, you are responsible for supplying a recent colour print that meets all official quality standards[1]. You can use the tool above to arrange your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6-inch template sheet, allowing you to print it easily at any ordinary photo kiosk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Belgian passport photo?
What background color do I need for the photo?
How large should my head appear in the frame?
The vertical distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must measure between 31 and 36 mm[2].
Do babies and young children need their own passport photos?
Do I need a printed photo or a digital file to apply?
You must provide a recent printed colour photo if the municipal office or consular post does not take the picture on site during your visit[1].