Preparing Your Photo for the Caribbean Netherlands Residence Permit Card
For a residence document issued as a sédula, the admission circular refers to making a passport photo available for registration and document procedures[1]. Bonaire’s page says a sédula must be requested in person[2].
Official Size and Dimensions
The Dutch photo rules specify a size of 35 × 45 mm (about 1.38 × 1.77 inches)[3]. The admission circular says to make a passport photo available for registration and document procedures, but does not state a photo size[1].
For people age 11 and older, Dutch photo rules specify a head height of 26 to 30 mm from chin to crown[3].
Background and Lighting Requirements
Dutch photo rules specify a plain, single-colour, single-shade light grey, light blue, or white background that contrasts sufficiently with the head[3].
Use even lighting with no shadows on your face or in the background[3].
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
The photo criteria require a neutral expression, looking straight at the camera, a closed mouth, and fully visible eyes[3].
Glasses are allowed if your eyes remain fully visible and reflections do not distort them[3].
Head coverings are allowed for religious or belief-related reasons, or if you have lost your hair due to medical treatment and wish to cover your head. The face must remain fully visible[3].
Special Rules for Children and Infants
Taking passport and ID photos of babies and young children can be difficult, but the regulations include helpful adjustments[3]. Dutch photo criteria relax some posture and expression requirements for children under the age of six[3].
Children under 6 are exempt from the requirements for level eyes, a level head, straight shoulders, a neutral expression, looking straight at the camera, and a closed mouth. Any support must not be visible[3].
How to Take Your Photo at Home
For a practice photo at home, stand about one to one and a half meters from the camera and place it at eye level.
A second person can take the practice photo. Use even lighting and avoid shadows on your face or background[3].
Face the camera with a neutral expression and keep your eyes visible[3].
Before You Go to the Office
Foreign residents who receive a residence authorization obtain a sédula as their residence document. Burgerzaken issues it in person after the residence decision.
The sources do not specify that you must bring a printed photo to Burgerzaken. Check with the office what photo, if any, to bring[1][2].
Printing and Submitting Your Photo
The admission circular says to make a passport photo available for registration and document procedures[1]. Bonaire’s page says a sédula must be requested in person[2].
Check with Burgerzaken what format and photo dimensions it requires before preparing a photo.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my residence permit photo?
Glasses are allowed if they are fully transparent and do not obscure the eyes through reflection or shadow[3].
What background color should I use?
Use a plain, single-colour, single-shade light grey, light blue, or white background that contrasts sufficiently with the head[3].
How big should my head be in the photo?
Are the rules different for babies?
Yes, the official photo criteria relax some posture and expression rules for children under six years old[3].