Passport requirement for the Netherlands
Passport photo requirements Netherlands; there are acceptance criteria for the passport photo in the Dutch travel documents according to the PHOTOMATRIX MODEL 2020.
The photo is intended to identify the applicant. Therefore, when submitting an application for a travel document, a passport photo must be submitted in color, which gives a good resemblance of the applicant. The photo will only be accepted if the photo meets all the requirements below, unless the exceptions from the Passport Implementation Regulations apply.
Both the passport photo and the visa photo must meet the same requirements of the Schengen countries. To apply online for an extension or extension of a driving license, click here.
Costs passport photo or visa photo Netherlands
Having passport photos taken for a passport or visa for the Netherlands costs € 15.00 and you will receive 6 photos.
If you also need the photo digitally, it costs a total of € 17.50.
You can walk in without an appointment at Hugo de Grootplein 17 in Amsterdam and the passport photos are ready immediately.
1. Dimensions
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2. Photo quality
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- In color
- Very similar
- Natural display
- Sharp, sufficient contrast and detailed
- Undamaged
- No copy
- Not edited
- Printed on high quality, smooth photo paper
- Minimum 400 dpi resolution
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The photo is very similar and gives a sharp, natural representation of the applicant. The photo shows sufficient contrast and details in the face and the color of the face is natural.
High-quality, smooth photo paper refers to paper specifically intended for photo printing. The paper has no embossing or other tactile or visible irregularities that may interfere with the person’s representation on the printout.
400 dpi is the requirement and is addressed to the person who takes the photo. This determines whether the optical quality of the image being printed is comparable to the minimum resolution of 400 dpi.
Finally, the photo is displayed in black and white on the document and stored in color in the chip.
3. Background
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- Light gray, light blue or white
- Even
- Unicolour
- No color gradient
- Sufficient contrast between head and background
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The background color is light gray, light blue or white. The background of the photo is smooth, unicolour, and has no gradient or shadow.
There must be sufficient contrast between the image of the head and the background of the photo. Insufficient contrast leads to a blurred image of the photo on the document.
4. View face
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- Head uncovered
- Face completely visible
- Eyes fully visible
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The face is fully visible if (the sides of) the face and eyes are not covered. Hair that falls over the eyes (or parts thereof, such as the eyelids), or otherwise disrupts the full visibility of the face, can impede (automated) face recognition.
The start of the ear (to determine the width of the head) cannot be determined if the sides of the face are covered. That does not mean that the ears themselves must be visible.
There should be no shadowing on the face, especially on the eyes.
Accessories such as hair band, earrings, etc. must not reflect.
Headgear is only allowed for religious, philosophical or medical reasons (see exceptions).
5. Body position
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- Head straight forward
- Eyes on a horizontal line
- Head not tilted
- Shoulders straight
- No visible support
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The head and shoulders are shown straight forward. If the head is tilted in any direction (backwards, forwards, at an angle or to the side), this can cause problems with (automated) facial recognition.
If support is required, it should not be visible in the photo. This can be avoided by, for example, keeping your hand under clothing.
6. Expression
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- Neutral view
- Looking straight into the camera
- Mouth closed
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
In order to achieve successful (automated) facial recognition, it is necessary to look straight into the camera with a neutral expression and a closed mouth.
A wide smile or an open mouth is not allowed. That does not mean that you have to look surly or sullen.
7. Glasses
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- Eyes fully visible
- Completely translucent glasses
- No disturbing reflection through the glasses
- No shade
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
When wearing glasses, the eyes must be fully visible in the photo. This means that the frame and / or the glasses must not cover the eyes in any way.
Reflection in the lenses or on the frame should be avoided as much as possible. If it is not possible to prevent disturbing reflection, the glasses must be removed.
8. Exposure
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- Evenly
- No under or over exposure
- Shadow in the face or in the background, not allowed
- No reflection in the face
- Reflection from accessories, not allowed
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The exposure is even. This concerns both the face and the background. Under or overexposure and reflection should be avoided. The photo should not show any “white spots” on the face caused by the use of, for example, (flash) light. Reflection can be caused by shiny skin, perspiration, glasses, jewelry, etc.
9. Positioning
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
- Head fully depicted
- Head depicted centered
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The person in the photo is depicted in the center of the photo’s surface. The head must be fully depicted. Only in people with a large head of hair it may occur that the head of hair is not fully depicted.
EXCEPTIONS
The Passport Implementation Regulations allow the following exceptions:
1. The applicant has demonstrated that religious or philosophical reasons preclude the covering of the head. In that case, the passport photo is subject to all acceptance criteria included in this photo matrix, with the exception of:
– category 4 VIEW FACE the element ‘head uncovered’
2. The applicant cannot meet all acceptance criteria in this photo matrix due to objectively determinable physical or medical reasons. If there are reasonable doubts about the medical reasons, the applicant may be required to submit a statement signed by an authorized doctor or medical institution.
3. The applicant is a baby, toddler or toddler under six years old. In that case, minimum requirements apply for the passport photo. These are all acceptance criteria included in this photo matrix with the exception of:
– category 5 POSTURE the elements ‘eyes on a horizontal line’, ‘head tilted’ and ‘shoulders straight’;
– category 6 EXPRESSION the elements ‘neutral look’, ‘looking straight into the camera’ and ‘mouth closed’.
For sample photos, you can also download the Photo matrix from the website of the National Government.