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Belgium Residence Permit (Verblijfsdocument) Photo (35×45mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Belgium electronic identity card (eID / identiteitskaart / carte d'identité) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, and how to take a compliant photo.

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Belgium Residence Permit Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryBelgium / België / Belgique / Belgien
Document TypeElectronic Identity Card (eID / identiteitskaart / carte d'identité)
Photo Size35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inches)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size31.5–36 mm from chin to crown
Top MarginMinimum 3 mm from top edge to top of hair
Face Coverage70–80% of the photo
Background ColorWhite or light gray
Digital Photo SizeMinimum 240 × 320 pixels
File FormatJPEG
Card FormatID-1 (credit card size), polycarbonate (credit card size), polycarbonate
ColorColor only
Quantity1 photo
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
Important: Glasses must be removed for Belgium eID photos — this is stricter than the Belgian passport photo requirement. Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead and both sides.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to 35×45mm, replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all eID requirements.

Detailed Belgium Residence Permit Photo Requirements

The Belgian electronic identity card (eID) follows the ICAO 9303 biometric standard. The card contains an electronic chip with your biometric data, so the photo must meet strict quality requirements.

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: 35 × 45 mm
  • Head size: 31.5–36 mm from chin to crown
  • Top margin: minimum 3 mm
  • Face coverage: 70–80% of the photo

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly (en face)
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Head centered, not tilted

Background

  • Plain white or light gray
  • Uniform, no patterns or shadows

Glasses

Glasses must be removed for the eID photo. No eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses are permitted. This is stricter than the Belgian passport requirement.

Head Coverings

  • Only for religious or medical reasons
  • Face must be fully visible — chin to forehead and both sides

Clothing

  • Regular street clothes
  • No uniforms
  • Avoid white tops

About the Belgian eID Card

  • Issued by your local municipality (gemeente/commune)
  • Credit card size (ID-1 format), made of polycarbonate
  • Contains an electronic chip with biometric data
  • Required for all foreign nationals residing in Belgium
  • Used for identification, digital signatures, and access to government services

Source: Belgium.be — Residence Documents

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How to Take a Belgium Residence Permit Photo at Home

1

Use a Smartphone

Any smartphone camera works. Clean lens, highest resolution, have someone take the photo.

Taking eID photo
2

Find Good Lighting

Face a window with natural daylight. Even, shadow-free lighting is essential.

Tip: Our AI tool will automatically replace backgrounds with white.
Proper lighting
3

Dress Appropriately

Normal clothing. No uniforms. Remove glasses. Hair must not cover eyes.

Appropriate attire
4

Pose Correctly

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

Correct posing
5

Neutral Expression

Both eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression.

Neutral expression

Good and Bad Examples

Good and bad examples

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable ID card photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Belgium eID photo?

35×45mm with a white or light gray background. Glasses must be removed. Head size: 31.5–36mm from chin to crown.

Can I wear glasses?

No. Glasses must be removed for the Belgium eID photo — this is stricter than the passport photo requirement.

Where do I apply for a Belgium eID?

At your local municipality office (gemeente/commune). Belgian citizens aged 12+ are required to have an eID.

Can I take this photo with my phone?

Yes! Upload your smartphone photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will handle cropping, background, and compliance.