Belgian residence permit card photo size and rules
Get your Belgian residence permit card photo right by following the official size and framing rules. You can use the tool above to crop your photo easily.
Official size and dimensions
The official photo size for a Belgian residence permit card is 35 by 45 mm, which is about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
Your head must measure between 31 and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
If your municipality asks you to provide a photo, check it against the official dimensions before submitting it[1].
Follow the photo matrix for framing requirements[1].
Background and lighting
Your photo requires a uniform light background[1].
Face a bright window or use soft indoor lighting to avoid dark shadows on your face or behind you.
Keep the background plain and free of patterns, objects, or textures.
Stand a short distance away from the wall behind you so your body does not cast a harsh shadow. Good, even light helps the camera capture your skin tone clearly without bright spots or glare.
Pose, expression, and eyes
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed[1].
Follow the photo matrix for pose requirements[1].
Follow the photo matrix for eye visibility requirements[1].
The photo matrix requires a neutral expression and closed mouth[1].
Glasses and head coverings
Glasses are allowed conditionally under the photo matrix requirements[1].
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[1].
Headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons[1]. Follow the photo matrix for its requirements.
Make sure your frames do not cross over your eyes and that no glare reflects off the lenses if you choose to keep your glasses on.
Rules for children and infants
For the electronic residence card for a non-Belgian child under 12, a parent supplies a recent colour passport photo no more than six months old[2].
For a non-Belgian child under 12, a parent must supply a recent colour passport photo no more than six months old[2].
Check your municipality’s instructions for a young child’s photo.
Taking and printing your photo
Foreign residence cards are issued through municipal procedures, and photo capture or use of a submitted print varies by municipality and card process[3].
Ask your municipality whether it takes the photo or requires you to provide one[3].
Follow your municipality’s instructions if you need to provide a photo.
If your municipality asks for a printed photo, follow its instructions for preparing the print[3].
Before you go to the municipality
Check what your local office prefers because photo capture or use of a submitted print varies by municipality and card process[3].
If your local office accepts printed photos, follow its instructions for preparing them[3].
Ask your local office whether you need to bring a printed photo[3].
Common mistakes to avoid
The cited sources do not list common reasons for photo rejection. Check your municipality’s requirements.
The cited sources do not list common reasons for photo rejection. Check your municipality’s requirements.
The photo matrix requires a closed mouth[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size is the photo for a Belgian residence permit card?
The official size is 35 by 45 mm (1.38 by 1.77 inches) with a head height of 31 to 36 mm from the chin to the top of the head[1].
Can I wear glasses in my residence card photo?
Glasses are allowed conditionally, provided they do not obscure your eyes and have clear lenses without heavy frames[1].
What background color do I need?
An official photo matrix for foreign residence documents requires a uniform light background[1].
Are head coverings allowed?
Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only, and it must not cast shadows or hide your face[1].
What are the rules for children's photos?
For the electronic residence card for a non-Belgian child under 12, a parent must supply a recent colour passport photo no more than six months old[2].
Can I use a printed photo at my local office?
Photo capture or use of a submitted print varies by municipality and card process[3], so you should check local guidelines before your appointment.