During the application process for a Dutch passport, you have to provide some documents such as a Dutch passport photo that meets specific biometric standards. If the photo doesn’t meet those standards there is a possibility that it will be rejected. If you are interested in the requirements and a way to take this photo without leaving home then keep on reading.
Dutch passport photo requirements
Let’s begin with requirements: the first thing you want to know is about Dutch passport photos.
Understanding what criteria a Dutch Passport Photo should follow is very important to make the process of application faster. To avoid getting rejected check the requirements that are listed below:
- The required size of a Dutch passport photo is 35 x 45 mm with a resolution of 400 dpi.
- Colors are required and they have to be natural. You cannot use black and white photo
- Photo must be 6 months old at maximum.
- It mustn’t be altered by any computer software. It has to be original.
- The background of the photo should be light gray, pale blue, or white. It should be also free of shadows, plain and all one color and one shade.
Posing
An essential part of any photography is posing. Therefore it is understandable that there are posing rules for Dutch passport applications. Here’s a quick revision of things you should keep in mind:
- For this document, it is essential to maintain a neutral facial expression on the photo. You shouldn’t smile, you should have open eyes and a closed mouth.
- Your head should be centered, and you should look directly into the camera lens, you should also avoid moving or making any kind of gestures.
Dresscode
There are some rules regarding your clothing in Dutch passport photos. The first one is that you mustn’t wear glasses which are tinted or dark (like sunglasses). Also, the frames can’t cover your eyes or drop the shadow on your skin.
Another rule is that you shouldn’t wear a head covering such as headbands, hats, or baseball caps. Facial features must be visible in the photo. You can cover your head for medical reasons if you submit a declaration signed by a competent doctor or medical organization. You are also allowed to keep your hijab, turban, yarmulke, or other headgear while taking a picture of your passport in the Netherlands. So if your head covering is a part of religious attire, you can keep it.
How to take a Dutch passport photo at home?
Now that you know what the requirements are for the Dutch passport photo, let’s find out how you can take the photo yourself, without leaving your home.
Lighting
The first thing that you need to do is set up ideal lighting conditions in the room where you are going to take your photo. We suggest using natural daylight but you can use lamps as well. Make sure that there are no shadows either on the background or on the face.
Background
To prepare an ideal background for the photo you should be looking for a wall that is either light gray, pale blue, or white. However, you can use a cloth to achieve the desired color. Just make sure that the background is plain and does not have any objects or sharp edges.
Follow the requirements
Take another look at the requirements before you take the picture so your Dutch passport photo is done correctly. Focus on your facial expressions and posing while taking the photo.
Set up the camera
You can use any kind of photography camera as long as it provides you with a good quality photo. Your smartphone should be sufficient but you should avoid taking selfies. Instead of that, you can ask someone to take the picture (that person should stand at least 1.5 meters away from you).
Adjust the photo
When your photo is taken, you can use passport photo software to adjust the photo to match the requirements.