Curaçao Dutch Passport Photo Requirements and Guide
Get your Curaçao Dutch passport photo right by following the official rules for size, background, and pose. The tool above helps you crop your photo to the correct dimensions before printing.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
Your passport photo must measure 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches)[1]. The Curaçao application page directs applicants to the Dutch photo rules[2].
For applicants aged 11 and older, head height must be 26–30 mm from chin to crown[1]. Applicants up to age 10 have a head-height range of 19–30 mm[1].
Applicants registered in Curaçao apply at Publieke Zaken (Kranshi); Dutch nationals not registered there apply through the Cabinet of the Governor[2]. Bring one recent passport photo that meets the photo rules[2][1]. Make sure your head is centered inside the frame with equal space on both sides before you print.
Background and Lighting
You must use an even, plain light grey, light blue, or white background with no gradient[2][1]. Do not use patterned walls, wallpaper, or dark backdrops.
Stand facing a bright window to get natural, even light on your face. Good lighting prevents dark shadows behind your head and under your chin.
Avoid using a flash that creates bright reflection spots on your skin. Keep the lighting flat and balanced across your entire face. A blank wall without textured paint works best for your background setup.
Facial Expression and Posture
The photo rules require a neutral expression[1]. Relax your facial muscles and keep your mouth completely closed[1].
Do not smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows when the picture is taken.
Look directly at the camera, keep your eyes on a horizontal line, and hold your head straight with level shoulders[1].
Glasses and Head Coverings
Glasses are allowed if your eyes are fully visible through clear lenses and there is no disruptive reflection or shadow[1].
Head covering is allowed for religious or philosophical reasons, or for hair loss caused by medical treatment or illness. Your face and eyes must remain fully visible[1].
Rules for Infants and Young Children
Children under six are exempt from some posture and expression rules[1].
The exemptions include the rules for a neutral expression, looking directly at the camera, and keeping the mouth closed[1].
The photo must still be a recognizable likeness[1]. The background and lighting rules still apply[1]. If you take a picture of a baby, lay them on a plain white or light grey sheet on the floor and take the photo from directly above.
Printing and Submission
You must provide one recent passport photo with your application[2].
Print the photo on high-quality, smooth photo paper[1]. The official rules do not specify a 4×6-inch template or local print kiosk.
Submit your final printed photo directly to Publieke Zaken or the Cabinet of the Governor along with your passport forms[2].
How to Take Your Photo at Home
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you.
Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level to avoid awkward high or low angles. Use the tool above to check your crop and size before you print. Take multiple shots so you can pick the one with the best lighting and posture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wear uniforms or clothing that matches the background color, as this can blend your shoulders into the wall.
Avoid heavy shadows caused by overhead lights or standing too close to the background surface. Check that your eyes are wide open and looking straight into the lens before you save your final file.
Frequently asked questions
What size does a Curaçao Dutch passport photo need to be?
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
What background color is required?
Are babies exempt from the neutral expression rule?
Children under six are exempt from the specified rules for a neutral expression, looking directly at the camera, keeping the eyes horizontal, keeping the head straight, keeping the shoulders level, and keeping the mouth closed[1].