Netherlands Passport & Visa Photo

A Country That Photographs You at the Counter

The Netherlands does something many other countries don't: an increasing number of gemeenten (municipalities) now capture your passport photo right there at the counter during your appointment. No more bringing printed photos. No more photo booth trips. You sit down at the gemeente, they take the photo with calibrated equipment, and it's done. However, not all 342 gemeenten have upgraded to this system yet, so you might still need to bring photos. Check with your specific gemeente before your appointment.

For those who still need to bring photos, the Dutch specs are 35×45mm with a light grey or white background. Face height must be 26-30mm (measured differently from some countries — this is face width, not just chin to crown). The expression must be neutral with mouth closed, and the ICAO biometric standard applies throughout. The Netherlands was also an early adopter of the no-glasses recommendation — while not formally banned, the Rijksoverheid strongly advises removing them.

Where to Apply

• Your registered gemeente — You must apply at the municipality where you're registered in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen). Can't cross gemeente lines for this.
• Gemeente Amsterdam — Stadsloket Centrum, Waterlooplein 75. Utrecht Avenue branch also available.
• Gemeente Rotterdam — Stadswinkel Centrum, Coolsingel 40
• Gemeente Den Haag — Stadswinkel Centrum, Spui 70
• Dutch Embassy Washington DC — 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Consulate General New York — 666 Third Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10017

The Rijksoverheid portal allows you to start the application process online via DigiD authentication, but you still need an in-person visit for biometrics.

Photo Problems That Dutch Gemeenten Flag

1. Beauty filter or skin enhancement — Dutch officials are trained to spot digital editing. The Netherlands explicitly prohibits any retouching of facial features, skin texture, or skin color in passport photos.
2. Glasses worn — While technically still allowed, most gemeenten will ask you to remove them. The Rijksoverheid website states: "het is beter om geen bril te dragen" (it's better not to wear glasses).
3. Photo taken against a wall instead of a proper backdrop — Wall textures, paint edges, and electrical outlets visible in the background are common reasons for rejection at pasfoto checks.
4. Face width outside 26-30mm range — The Dutch measurement includes face width as well as height. This catches photos where the face is too far from or too close to the camera.
5. Hair covering forehead or eyes — Everything from hairline to chin needs to be visible. Bangs must be pinned back, scarves must sit above the hairline.

What You'll Pay

A Dutch passport costs €83.85 for adults (valid 10 years) and €56.55 for children under 18 (valid 5 years). Standard processing is approximately 5 working days — among the fastest in Europe. An ID card (identiteitskaart) is cheaper at €75.80 and sufficient for travel within the EU. For Dutch nationals abroad, consular applications cost about €140.25 with longer processing times of 3-6 weeks.

Official Resources

• Rijksoverheid — Paspoort en Identiteitskaart
• NederlandWereldwijd — Consular Services