Netherlands photo requirements

Netherlands photo requirements are set by Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (Ministerie van BZK) / gemeenten. We publish 4 documents: 1 passport, 1 ID card, 1 driving licence and 1 residence permit. The most common print size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 in x 1.77 in). Each page quotes the official rule for size, head height, background and file, links the source we read, and shows the date we last checked it (most recently 2026-10-07).

Passports

Dutch Passport Photo (paspoort, Fotomatrix 2020, 35 x 45 mm)For the single printed pasfoto handed in at the gemeente (or a Dutch mission abroad) with a Nederlands paspoort application. Not for the rijbewijs renewed online, which only accepts a photo sent by an RDW photographer, and not for a verblijfsdocument, which the IND photographs itself.35 x 45 mmlichtgrijsverified 2026-10-07

ID cards

Dutch ID Card Photo (Nederlandse identiteitskaart, 35 x 45 mm)For the single printed pasfoto handed in at the gemeente with a Nederlandse identiteitskaart (NIK) application. Not for a verblijfsdocument from the IND, which photographs you at its desk, and not for the online rijbewijs renewal, which needs an RDW photographer.35 x 45 mmlichtgrijsverified 2026-10-07

Driving licences

Dutch Driving Licence Photo (rijbewijs, 35 x 45 mm at the gemeente)For the colour pasfoto you bring to the gemeente for a first rijbewijs, or for a renewal you choose not to do online. Not for the RDW online renewal, which only accepts a digital photo sent in by an RDW-fotograaf or approved photo booth, and not for a passport or ID card (same photo rules, different counter).35 x 45 mmlichtgrijsverified 2026-10-07

Residence permits

Dutch Residence Permit Photo (verblijfsdocument, IND takes it)For the verblijfsdocument (residence permit card) issued by the IND to non-EU nationals living in the Netherlands, where the IND takes the digital photo itself at the biometrics appointment. Not for a Dutch passport or ID card, which take a printed pasfoto from you.35 x 45 mmDe pasfoto wordt gemaakt voor een lichtgrijze achtergrond.verified 2026-10-07

Authorities and portals

Passport authority: Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (Ministerie van BZK) / gemeenten
Sources we read: Rijksoverheid / Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties), Fotomatrix Model 2020; RDW (Dienst Wegverkeer) with the Rijksoverheid Fotomatrix 2020; Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND)

We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.