Belgium Passport Photo Specifications

Detailed Belgium Passport Photo Requirements

Belgian passport photos must comply with the ICAO 9303 international standard for biometric passports. Below is a comprehensive guide.

Photo Basics

• Your photo must be an original color print on photo-quality paper — not an inkjet print or photocopy
• Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
• Sharp and in focus, no blurriness or pixelation
• No retouching, Photoshop, or digital alteration
• No red-eye, no zoom effects
• Must reflect your current appearance
• No selfies — have someone else take the photo

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm
• Head size (chin to crown): 31–36 mm
• Top margin: minimum 3 mm from top edge to top of hair
• Eye line: 20–30 mm from bottom of photo
• Head should occupy 70–80% of the photo

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly (en face) — head not tilted or turned
• Maintain a neutral facial expression with mouth closed
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera
• Head and shoulders straight and centered

Background

• Plain light background — white, cream, light gray, or very light blue are all acceptable
• Must be plain and uniform — no patterns, textures, or objects
• No shadows on face or background

Glasses

Everyday glasses are allowed but discouraged. If worn, frames must not obscure your eyes, and there must be no reflections or glare. Lenses must be transparent. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are strictly forbidden.

Head Coverings

• No hats or head coverings, except for religious reasons (hijab, yarmulke, turban)
• Face must be fully visible — forehead, chin, and area toward ears
• No fashion hats, caps, or headbands

Clothing and Appearance

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• No military uniforms or camouflage
• Avoid white tops that blend with the background
• Avoid turtlenecks and tank tops
• Jewelry is allowed but must not cover the face
• Any hairstyle is acceptable as long as the face is fully visible
• Beards are allowed

Source: FPS Foreign Affairs — Quality Requirements for Passport Photo

How to Take a Belgium Passport Photo at Home

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone works. Clean the lens, set to highest resolution, have someone take the photo. No selfies.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows.

Tip: Our AI tool will automatically replace imperfect backgrounds with a plain light color.

3

Dress Appropriately

Normal everyday clothing. No uniforms, no white tops. Hair must not cover eyes.

4

Pose Correctly

Head facing directly forward, shoulders straight, about 1.2m from camera.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Both eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression. No smiling.

Good and Bad Examples

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions