Preparing Your Dutch Schengen Visitor Visa Photo
Get your Dutch Schengen visitor visa photo right by following official size, background, and head rules. Use the tool above to crop your image correctly before you apply.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The photo for a Dutch Schengen visa must be 3.5 by 4.5 cm[1], the same as 35 by 45 mm[2].
Your head size within the frame is strictly measured. The distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must be between 26 and 30 mm[2]. Your face should be centered, looking directly at the camera lens with a straight posture.
Background and Lighting Guidelines
The background of your photo must be chosen carefully to meet official requirements. The visa checklist requires a white or light-coloured background[1]. Furthermore, Dutch photo criteria for the 35×45 mm photo specify a plain, uniform light grey, light blue or white background[2].
To get good lighting at home, stand facing a window with natural daylight. Avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head. Having someone else take the picture helps you keep your posture straight and your camera at eye level.
Facial Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
Your facial expression must meet strict criteria. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and your eyes looking straight into the lens[2]. Smiling, frowning, or opening your mouth can lead to rejection by the issuing office.
You may choose whether to wear glasses. If you do, your eyes must remain fully visible through transparent lenses without reflections that distort them or cause shadows[2]. Head coverings are allowed for religious or belief reasons, or to cover hair loss caused by medical treatment[2].
Rules for Children and Infants
Photographing young children for official documents can be challenging, but special provisions exist. Children under 6 have relaxed Dutch photo pose and expression criteria[2]. Other visa-specific biometric exemptions may also apply depending on the age of the child[1].
If you are photographing a baby or toddler, lay them on a plain light-coloured sheet or use a car seat covered with a solid white or light-coloured blanket. Make sure no hands or other objects appear in the frame with the child.
Submission Methods and Appointments
For a Schengen visa application, submit one recent colour photo[1]. The photo must be no more than 6 months old and have a white or light-coloured background[1].
If you use an external service provider such as VFS Global or TLScontact, note that you do not need to bring a photo because a digital photo is taken at the appointment[1]. The photo you submit or take is associated with your visa application, and the visa itself is issued as a sticker placed in your passport[1].
Preparing Your Photo Using the Tool
Taking your own photo at home saves time and effort. You can stand about 1 to 1.5 meters away from the camera and keep the lens level with your eyes.
Once you capture a clear image, you can use the tool above to crop it to the required dimensions. This helps you check your proportions and prepare a sheet that you can print locally.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Dutch Schengen visa photo?
Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
You may choose whether to wear glasses. If you do, your eyes must remain visible through transparent lenses without reflections that distort them or cause shadows[2].
Do I need to bring a printed photo to my VFS Global appointment?
Applicants using an external service provider such as VFS Global or TLScontact do not need to bring a photo because a digital photo is taken at the appointment[1].