Netherlands Passport Photo

Netherlands Passport Photo (Pasfoto) -- Dutch Government Requirements

The Netherlands stands apart from nearly every other country in one fundamental way: it does not accept white backgrounds in passport photos. While the rest of the world has settled on plain white as the default, Dutch regulations explicitly require a light grey or light blue background. Submitting a photo with a white background to your gemeente (municipality) is one of the fastest ways to have your application sent back, and it happens constantly -- especially to Dutch citizens who have been living abroad and assume the international standard applies.

The rules for Dutch passport photos (pasfoto's) are set by the Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (RvIG), the government identity data agency, and are published on rijksoverheid.nl. These standards apply to both the Dutch passport (paspoort) and the Dutch identity card (identiteitskaart / ID-kaart). Since 2021, the gemeente no longer takes the photo during the application -- you must bring your own pasfoto that meets all RvIG requirements.

Dutch municipalities are notoriously strict about photo compliance. Unlike some countries where a borderline photo might pass if the officer is lenient, Dutch gemeenteambtenaren (municipal civil servants) follow a detailed checklist and will reject a photo for even minor infractions. The RvIG provides municipalities with a photo assessment tool (fotocontroletools) that officers use to evaluate submitted photos against a standardized rubric.

RvIG Photo Specifications

Dimensions:

• 35mm wide x 45mm tall (ICAO standard)
• Head height: 26-30mm (measured from chin to crown, excluding hair volume above the skull)
• Face centered in the frame, straight and forward-facing
• Eyes positioned roughly in the upper third of the photo
• Even margins on left and right sides

The background rule (the most important Dutch-specific requirement):

• Must be light grey, light blue, or a neutral cream-grey tone
• White backgrounds are NOT accepted -- this is the opposite of most countries
• The background must be uniform, smooth, and free of patterns, texture, or shadows
• No gradients, no dark grey, no medium blue -- only light, neutral tones
• The reasoning: white backgrounds cause overexposure and loss of detail around the hairline and ears, especially for light-haired individuals. The Dutch standard prioritizes contrast between the subject and the background.

Digital specifications:

• Format: JPEG
• Minimum resolution: 531 x 413 pixels (maintains 35x45mm at 385 DPI)
• Recommended: at least 600 x 800 pixels for best quality
• File size: 20 KB to 10 MB
• Color photo -- no black-and-white, no sepia

Print specifications:

• Printed on photo-quality paper (glossy or matte)
• Sharp resolution, accurate colors, no visible printer dots
• Cut cleanly to 35x45mm
• One recent pasfoto required per application

Expression:

• Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
• No smile -- the Netherlands is strict about this. Even a slight upward curve at the corners of the mouth can trigger rejection.
• Both eyes must be clearly visible and open
• Direct, frontal gaze at the camera
• No head tilt in any direction

Glasses policy (updated 2022):

• Glasses ARE allowed in Dutch passport photos as of the latest guidelines, unlike many countries that have banned them
• However, there must be NO reflection or glare on the lenses
• The frame must not obscure the eyes (no thick frames covering the eyebrow area or cheeks)
• Tinted lenses, sunglasses, and transition lenses are not permitted
• If you cannot avoid glare, remove the glasses for the photo

Head coverings:

• No hats, caps, or head coverings -- unless worn for religious conviction (religious overtuiging)
• Religious head coverings must leave the entire face visible from forehead to chin, ear to ear
• A written declaration of religious conviction is not required -- the municipality accepts it on the applicant's word
• Headbands and decorative hair accessories are not permitted

Recency: Must be taken within the last 6 months and represent your current appearance.

Retouching: No digital editing, no beauty filters, no skin smoothing, no background replacement, no AI-generated modifications. The municipality's photo assessment tool can detect retouched images.

Netherlands vs EU Standard -- The Background Difference

Most EU member states follow the ICAO recommendation of a white or near-white background. The Netherlands is the major exception. Here is how Dutch requirements compare to the broader EU standard:

Belgium, Germany, France, and most other Schengen countries accept white backgrounds. If you have a Dutch passport photo with a grey or blue background, it may not be accepted for visa applications to countries that require white. Conversely, a white-background photo valid for a German passport is invalid for a Dutch passport. Keep this in mind when living or traveling between EU countries.

Where to Get Your Pasfoto in the Netherlands

Photo booths at gemeentehuis (town hall): Many Dutch municipalities have photo booths (fotoautomaten) in or near the gemeentehuis where you apply for your passport or ID-kaart. These booths are calibrated to produce photos that meet RvIG specifications, including the correct light grey or light blue background. A set of 4-6 pasfoto's costs around EUR 6-10. The booths typically have a touchscreen interface in Dutch and English, and the process takes about 3 minutes. These are the safest option because they are specifically configured for Dutch requirements.

Train station photo booths: Major NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) stations including Amsterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Den Haag Centraal, and Eindhoven have photo booths that offer a pasfoto option. Look for machines labeled "Pasfoto" or "ID-foto" in the station hall, usually near the entrance or the ticket machines. Pricing is EUR 7-12 for a set. Most of these booths produce the correct grey/blue background, but verify the background color on the preview screen before accepting the photos.

Albert Heijn and Kruidvat photo services:

• Albert Heijn -- Some AH XL and AH to go locations offer photo printing services through in-store kiosks. You upload your photo digitally or take it at the kiosk, and the machine prints it at pasfoto dimensions. Note that not all AH locations have this service, and the kiosk does not always produce the correct background color -- you may need to bring a pre-taken photo with the right background.
• Kruidvat -- Select Kruidvat locations have photo printing kiosks where you can print pasfoto's from a USB stick or phone upload. Price is approximately EUR 5-8 for a set. Same caveat: the kiosk prints what you give it, so your source photo must already have the correct grey or blue background.

Professional photographers (fotograaf): Independent photographers and portrait studios across the Netherlands offer pasfoto services. A professional photographer typically charges EUR 10-20 for a set of pasfoto's with guaranteed compliance. They have proper backgrounds (grey/blue muslin or paper rolls), professional lighting, and experience with RvIG requirements. This is the most reliable option if you want to minimize rejection risk. Search for "pasfoto" or "paspoortfoto" on Google Maps near your location.

Hema: Hema stores with photo counters offer pasfoto services at some locations. Pricing is around EUR 8-12. Quality is generally good, but availability of the service varies by store.

Bruna: Some Bruna stationery stores offer pasfoto printing. Like Kruidvat and AH, these are typically print-your-own services where you provide the digital file.

DigiD and Online Passport Renewal

The Netherlands has been rolling out digital passport renewal capabilities through DigiD (the national digital identity system). As of 2025, online renewal is available for adults in select municipalities, with nationwide expansion ongoing.

For online renewal via DigiD:

• Log in with your DigiD credentials (level "substantieel" or "hoog" required)
• Upload a digital pasfoto in JPEG format
• The system runs automated checks for dimensions, face detection, background color, and image quality
• If the photo passes automated screening, it proceeds to manual review by the gemeente
• The gemeente may still reject the photo during manual review

The digital upload system is stricter than in-person submission because the automated checks have no tolerance for borderline cases. A photo that might pass a human officer's visual inspection can fail the automated system if the background color is even slightly outside the acceptable grey/blue range.

Background color check: the automated system analyzes the RGB values of the background. Pure white (255, 255, 255) or near-white (above 240, 240, 240) backgrounds are rejected immediately. The acceptable range is roughly:

• Light grey: RGB (180-220, 180-220, 180-220)
• Light blue: RGB (170-210, 190-220, 210-240)

ID-kaart vs Paspoort Photo Specifications

The Dutch identity card (identiteitskaart) and passport (paspoort) use identical photo specifications. The same 35x45mm pasfoto with the same grey or blue background, same composition rules, and same expression requirements applies to both documents. If you have a compliant pasfoto for one, it works for the other.

The one practical difference: the ID-kaart is valid for EU/EEA travel only, while the passport is valid worldwide. Many Dutch citizens maintain both documents, but since the photo specs are identical, a single set of pasfoto's covers both applications.

For Dutch citizens who also hold another EU nationality, be aware that a pasfoto with a grey/blue background valid for the Netherlands may not be accepted for a passport from your other country of citizenship if that country requires a white background.

Children's Pasfoto Requirements

Dutch rules for children's passport photos differ by age group, and the RvIG provides specific accommodations for very young children.

Babies under 6 months:

• The child's eyes do not need to be open
• The child must be the only person in the photo -- no parent visible
• Lay the baby on a light grey or light blue sheet (matching the background color) and photograph from above
• No pacifiers, toys, hats, or blankets covering the face or head
• The background sheet must be a uniform grey or blue matching the wall/backdrop

Children 6 months to 6 years:

• Eyes must be open (both eyes)
• Mouth closed, though a completely neutral expression is difficult to enforce at this age -- slight deviations are tolerated
• The child must be alone in the photo
• Head coverings are not allowed (except religious)
• The grey/blue background requirement applies -- this means you cannot simply photograph the child against a white wall

Children 6 to 18 years:

• Same requirements as adults in all respects
• Both ears visible, neutral expression, grey or blue background

Validity note: Passports for children under 18 in the Netherlands are valid for 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults). This means children need new pasfoto's more frequently.

Taking a Dutch-Compliant Photo at Home

The background requirement makes home photography more challenging for Dutch passport photos than for most countries. You cannot simply stand against a white wall.

Background setup:

• Purchase a light grey or light blue sheet of fabric, poster board, or backdrop paper (available at photography supply stores or online for EUR 5-15)
• Hang it on the wall behind you, ensuring it covers the full frame
• Alternatively, use a light grey wall if your home has one -- many Dutch homes have walls painted in light grey tones that happen to fall within the acceptable range
• The background must be uniform with no wrinkles, folds, or shadows

Lighting:

• Natural daylight from a large window is ideal
• Position yourself facing the window, with the grey/blue background behind you
• Supplement with a lamp on each side if the natural light is insufficient
• Ensure no shadows fall on the background -- this requires the light source to be in front of you, not behind or above

Camera position:

• Use a smartphone on a tripod at face height, 1-1.5 meters away
• Use the rear camera for maximum quality
• Set a 3-5 second timer or have someone else take the photo
• Frame so your head occupies 60-70% of the vertical space

Expression:

• Completely neutral -- no smile, no raised eyebrows, no tension in the jaw
• Look directly into the lens
• Keep your mouth fully closed with no visible teeth
• Both eyes open wide and naturally

Post-processing:

• Crop to 35x45mm ratio (413x531 pixels minimum, 600x800 recommended)
• Verify the background reads as light grey or light blue -- if it looks white on your screen, it will likely fail
• Save as JPEG, under 10 MB
• Do not apply any filters or retouching

Applying at Dutch Consulates Abroad (Nederlanders in het Buitenland)

Dutch citizens living abroad can apply for passport or ID-kaart renewal at Dutch embassies and consulates. The pasfoto requirements are identical to domestic applications -- 35x45mm, light grey or light blue background, all other RvIG rules apply.

The biggest challenge for Nederlanders abroad is the background color. Photo studios in most countries default to white backgrounds. You must specifically request a grey or light blue background. Many studios outside Europe are unfamiliar with this requirement.

Recommendations for getting a compliant pasfoto abroad:

1. Call ahead to the photo studio and explain that you need a light grey or light blue background, NOT white. Many studios have colored backdrop rolls they can swap in.
2. Bring a reference -- show the studio the RvIG requirements page on your phone so they understand the exact specification.
3. Dutch consulate photo service -- many consulates offer on-site pasfoto services specifically calibrated for Dutch requirements. Check the consulate's website for availability and pricing (typically EUR 10-20 or local equivalent).
4. Take your own photo with a grey or blue backdrop you set up yourself, then have it printed at a local photo lab.

If the studio insists they can only do white backgrounds, do not accept the photos. A white-background pasfoto will be rejected by any Dutch gemeente or consulate.

Common Rejection Reasons at Dutch Gemeentes

1. White background submitted instead of grey/blue (30-35% of rejections) -- By far the most common error. Applicants who have recently obtained passport photos for other countries, or who use generic photo booth settings, frequently submit white-background photos. The gemeente rejects these without exception.

2. Smile detected (15-20%) -- The Netherlands enforces the no-smile rule more strictly than many countries. Even a very slight, almost imperceptible smile can trigger rejection. The photo assessment tool the gemeente uses is calibrated to flag any upward curvature of the mouth.

3. Glasses glare (12-15%) -- While glasses are allowed, reflections on the lenses are not. Overhead fluorescent lighting in photo booths is a frequent source of glare. If you wear glasses, tilt your head very slightly downward (without making it visible in the photo) to reduce glare, or remove them entirely.

4. Background not uniform (10%) -- Shadows on the grey or blue background, wrinkled backdrop fabric, or uneven lighting across the background area.

5. Head size outside range (8%) -- Head height must be 26-30mm. Photos taken too close (head too large) or too far (head too small) are rejected.

6. Photo too old (5%) -- Must be taken within 6 months. The gemeente may challenge a photo if the applicant's current appearance differs significantly from the submitted photo.

7. Digital retouching detected (5%) -- Beauty mode, skin smoothing, or AI filters flagged by the photo assessment tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Netherlands require a grey or blue background when every other country uses white? A: The RvIG standard is designed to maximize contrast between the subject and the background, particularly for fair-skinned and light-haired individuals (who represent a significant portion of the Dutch population). A white background can cause the edges of blonde or grey hair to blend into the background, making it difficult for biometric systems to accurately map the head boundary. The grey or blue background provides consistent contrast regardless of hair color.

Q: Can I use a white background and add a grey tint digitally? A: No. Digitally altering the background color counts as photo retouching, which is explicitly prohibited. The photo must be taken against an actual grey or blue background. Additionally, digital tinting creates unnatural color gradients that the gemeente's photo assessment tool can detect.

Q: I wear glasses and cannot avoid glare. Should I remove them? A: Yes. If you cannot eliminate reflections on your lenses, remove your glasses for the photo. The Netherlands allows glasses but requires zero glare. Removing glasses is the simplest solution. If you must wear glasses (strong prescription that significantly changes your appearance), try positioning the lighting sources at 45-degree angles from the front and slightly below eye level to minimize reflections.

Q: My gemeente rejected my photo but the reason seems arbitrary. Can I appeal? A: You can ask the gemeenteambtenaar to explain the specific rejection reason based on the RvIG checklist. If you believe the rejection is incorrect, you can request a second opinion from another officer. However, municipalities are generally final in their photo assessments, and the practical solution is to get a new compliant photo.

Q: Is the grey/blue background requirement the same for the ID-kaart? A: Yes. The paspoort and identiteitskaart use identical photo specifications. Grey or blue background, 35x45mm, all the same RvIG rules apply to both documents.

Q: Can I use a pasfoto taken in Belgium or Germany for my Dutch passport? A: Only if the background is grey or light blue. Belgian and German passport photos typically use white backgrounds, which are not accepted in the Netherlands. If you had your photo taken in another EU country with a white background, you will need a new photo with a grey or blue background for your Dutch application.

Q: How much does a pasfoto typically cost at a photo booth in the Netherlands? A: Photo booth prices range from EUR 6-12 for a set of 4-6 photos. Professional photographers charge EUR 10-20. The cheapest option is printing from a digital file at a Kruidvat or AH kiosk for EUR 5-8, but you need to provide a correctly formatted file with the right background color.

Q: My baby has very little hair. Does the grey/blue background still matter? A: Yes. The background color rule applies regardless of hair amount. Even for bald infants, the grey or blue background is required. It helps the biometric system distinguish the head boundary from the background, which is important for all skin tones and hair densities.