Netherlands Passport (Paspoort) Photo Maker
The current database preset for a Netherlands passport (paspoort) photo is 35 × 45 mm with a plain light gray background. The head, from chin to crown, must occupy 58–67% of the photo's height. For digital submission that is 827 × 1063 pixels at 600 DPI. The database record was reviewed on 2026-07-13; confirm the current rule with the issuing authority. Background replacement is disabled for this profile; only the permitted checks and geometry operations are available.
Make yours below — free preview, one-time $3.99 for HD.
Before you upload
✓✅ Recommended
Good starting photo
×❌ Too close
Avoid close-up selfies
×❌ Poor lighting
Avoid backlighting and strong shadows
Face forward, head and shoulders visible, even light and a plain background.
Recorded photo preset
Output: 35 × 45 mm · 827 × 1063 px @ 600 DPI
The free file is a watermarked preview, not a submission-ready official photo.
HD download includes the exact-size digital photo, a 600 DPI print master, and a ready-to-print 4×6" sheet.
What IDPhotoTool can change
Available for this profile
- ✓ Crop
- ✓ Resize
- ✓ Reposition
Unavailable for this profile
- × Background replacement
- × Facial retouching
Background processing is disabled by the recorded restriction for this profile.
Read the recorded official guidance →How to take a photo that passes
Keep your distance
Avoid a close-up selfie. Step back far enough to keep your head and shoulders in frame, or ask someone else to take the photo. This is general capture guidance, not a document-specific authority distance rule.
Face the camera straight on
Camera at eye level, look directly into the lens, neutral expression with your mouth closed. Don't tilt your head.
Find even light
Face a window or light source so there are no shadows on your face. Use the plain background required by your authority; some documents do not permit digital replacement.
Netherlands passport (paspoort) photo requirements
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Digital size | 827 × 1063 px at 600 DPI |
| Background | Light gray |
| Head height | 58–67% of photo height |
| Authority source | Rijksoverheid ↗Application guide; confirm the photo specification. |
- ✓Photo must be 35 x 45 mm and meet the Dutch photo matrix.
- ✓Head height (chin to crown) must be 26–30 mm.
- ✓Plain light grey, light blue or white background.
- ✓Even lighting, no shadows, sharp focus.
Database last reviewed 2026-07-13 · see the full requirements database. Always confirm with the issuing authority before submitting your application.
Glasses & head coverings in Netherlands
Why Netherlands passport photos get rejected
- ✕Photo not meeting the Dutch Fotomatrix — the strictest photo standard in Europe
- ✕Head height outside the narrow 26–30 mm band
- ✕Uneven lighting between the two sides of the face
- ✕Background shadows
- ✕Home prints — gemeenten routinely require professional photos
More detail in our guide to the 8 most common rejection reasons.
Where to submit your application
Your gemeente (municipality) ↗
Apply in person at the municipality; photos must meet the Fotomatrix, and most applicants use an approved photographer. Our output matches the matrix dimensions for digital uses and visas.
What does a passport photo cost in Netherlands?
| Photo studio / boothapproved photographers | €10–15 |
| IDPhotoTool HD downloadunlimited retakes · digital + printable 4×6" sheet · watermarked preview free | $3.99 |
Save roughly 64% or more — and skip the trip entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is my photo uploaded to a server?
Cropping, resizing and basic checks are handled in your browser whenever possible. Your photo is uploaded temporarily only when a feature requires server-side processing, and temporary files are automatically deleted.
Will my photo be accepted by the authorities?
The tool crops your photo to the selected document dimensions and places head-position guides based on the current database record. You are responsible for confirming the issuing authority's current rules and following the posing guidance (neutral expression, no glasses, even lighting).
How do I print my passport photo?
The HD download includes a 4×6 inch print sheet with several copies laid out with cut lines. Print it at any pharmacy, photo kiosk or online print service as a standard 4×6 photo, then cut along the lines.
What does the free version include?
You can use the quality checks, cropping, all size presets and background removal where the selected document permits it, then download a watermarked preview for free. The one-time HD purchase removes the watermark and adds the print sheet.
What kind of photo should I start with?
Use a sharp, well-lit photo taken straight-on at eye level, with your full head and shoulders visible and some space around them. Avoid harsh shadows, hats and glasses.