Belgian National Long-Stay Visa Photo Requirements
Applying for a Belgian long-stay visa requires specific photo sizes and formatting. Follow these official rules to prepare your images correctly for your application.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
A recent passport-size photo must be attached to the long-stay visa form and meet ICAO technical requirements[1]. The photo is 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches)[1].
The head height must be 25–35 mm from chin to top of head[1]. Check your local post’s instructions for how to submit the photo.
Make sure your entire head and the top of your shoulders fit inside the frame. Do not zoom in too close or leave too much empty space around your hair.
Background and Lighting Requirements
A recent passport-size photo must be attached to the long-stay visa form and meet ICAO technical requirements[1]. Individual consular checklists may specify a white background[1].
When you take your picture, find a spot with even, soft light. Face a window to get natural light on your face and avoid harsh shadows behind you. Keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Avoid using a direct flash on your camera or phone. Flash can create bright spots on your skin or cause red-eye. Turn on room lights to supplement natural light if the room is too dark.
Glasses, Expression and Headwear
The supplied facts say glasses are conditional, but source[2] concerns biometric collection and does not give photo rules for glasses. Check the photo instructions from the consular post handling your application.
The supplied facts say headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons. Source[3] does not establish that rule or the added shadow and face-visibility requirements; check your consular post’s photo instructions.
Ask the consular post handling your application for its rules on glasses and expression.
Submission Rules and Consular Posts
A recent passport-size photo must be attached to the long-stay visa form[1]. Print requirements vary by post. A digital facial image is also taken at the embassy[2].
Photo requirements can vary by consular post. For example, the Japanese post listed in source[3] requests three original photos. Check the checklist for the post where you will apply[3].
Print requirements vary by consular post, and a digital facial image is also taken at the embassy[2][3][1]. Check the instructions for the post where you will apply.
Step-by-Step Home Photo Setup
Check your consular post’s instructions before taking a photo at home.
Follow the consular post’s photo instructions for background, pose and expression.
Follow your consular post’s instructions for taking the photo.
Preparing and Printing Your Photos
The photo matrix gives a size of 35×45 mm[1]. Check your consular post’s instructions for how to prepare and submit it.
If your post requires printed photos, follow its instructions for the print format and number of copies.
Check the consular post’s instructions for any print-quality requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Check your consular post’s photo instructions for rules on glasses and headwear.
Another common mistake is tilting your head or smiling broadly. Keep your head straight and maintain a relaxed, neutral look. Double-check your measurements so the head height fits the 25 to 35 mm rule[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact photo size for a Belgian long-stay visa?
The photo is 35×45 mm, with a head height of 25–35 mm from the chin to the top of the head[1].
Do I need a white background for my visa photo?
Individual consular checklists may specify a white background[1].
Can I wear glasses in my Belgian visa photo?
Glasses are allowed conditionally. Check the photo instructions from the consular post handling your application.
Are hats or head coverings permitted?
The supplied facts identify this as a general condition, but source[3] does not establish the rule. Check the instructions from your consular post.
Will I need digital or printed photos?
Can I take my visa photo with a smartphone?
Yes, you can use a smartphone or digital camera to take your photo at home, provided you follow proper lighting and distance guidelines[1].