Photo/passport photo requirements
When you are granted a permit or a visa, a sticker is affixed in your passport. This sticker must contain a photo of you. You must therefore enclose a photo with your application.
Last updated
28.12.2009
Published
10.04.2006
Who must provide a photo?
Everyone who is granted a visa or a permit must have a sticker with a photo. If your application also concerns your child, you must submit photos of both you and your child.
Photo requirements
The photo must be suited to identify you and meet certain layout and quality requirements. If the photo you enclose does not meet all the requirements, you will be asked to submit a new photo.
- Approved photos show the whole head (the face must take up 70-80 per cent of the photo) and the top of your shoulders.
- Eyes must be open and clearly visible with no hair across the eyes.
- Wearing glasses is permitted. The lenses must not be tinted, the frame must not cover parts of your eyes and there must be no reflection in the lenses.
- Religious headgear is permitted on the condition that all details of the face are clearly visible. Chin, forehead and both cheeks must be clearly visible. The headgear must not cast a shadow on the face.
In addition, the photo must be
- in sharp focus, clear and with good contrast
- printed on high-quality photo paper at a high resolution
- taken directly from the front, against a light background
- in colour
- 35-40 mm wide
- maximum six months old, and a true likeness of the applicant
Illustrations of photo requirement:
