Latest Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands Visa (2026 updated)

Visa procedures are generally seen as complicated due to the complex formalities and requirements. This is where travelers end up making mistakes. If you are also one of those who are willing to apply for the Netherlands visa, then this guide is for you. This guide will detail the Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands and help you in arranging them well.
While submitting a visa photograph, you must be aware of the requirements, because even a small mistake can lead to rejection. Visa centres follow strict biometric photo standards, so UK applicants should follow these rules to get this visa processed successfully. Read this guide to know the latest Netherlands visa photo requirements!
What does a biometric photo mean?
Netherlands visa biometric photo is the standard photographs that fit well with the international rules and are used for the visa process. These photographs are used to identify a person using facial recognition systems. Schengen countries have included such photos in their visa processing and consider photographs as an essential document. But ensure that before submitting the biometric photo, understand the Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands.
What are the photo requirements for a Netherlands Visa application
While applying for the Netherlands visa, the traveller has to submit recent photographs meeting a few requirements:
- Not older than six months.
- 2 identical photos.
- Netherlands visa photo size: 35 mm across and 45 mm in height.
- These must be in colour, no black and white.
- The head should take up 70-80 per cent of the photo.
- Have a minimum resolution of 400 dpi
Your photographs should be on a light background and should not be patterned. In the photograph, your face must be straight to the camera, and you must carry a neutral expression.
How should I look in my Schengen Visa photos?
Thinking how to take Netherlands visa photo? When you pose for the Schengen visa photos, you should have a normal haircut and make sure not to wear any sunglasses or dark shade optical glasses. Also, you don’t have to pose with a hat or even headwear that shadows the face.
In case you are wearing this for religious purposes, then your face must be clearly visible.
Are glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses allowed in a Schengen visa photo?
During the photo capture, if you are wearing glasses, then make sure:
- eyes fully visible.
- glasses fully transparent.
- no shadow.
- no distortion due to reflection from the glasses.
Netherlands visa photo background requirements (2026)

Background and lighting play an important role in getting the visa photo accepted. Generally, patterned background photos are not accepted by the visa centres as per Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands.
- The background of the photo must be: Light grey or light blue, plain, all one color, all one shade.
- Lighting should be even across the face, with no overexposure, no eye effect, and a natural skin tone.
Also check: What is the Netherlands Famous For? Things to Do in Netherlands
Netherlands visa photo dimensions & quality!
Netherlands visa photos must be professionally taken or printed. The dimensions and quality, as per Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands are:
Dimensions
- Size of photo—The size must be 35 mm x 45 mm (width x height).
- Width of face: between 16 mm and 20 mm (excluding ears).
- Length of face—11 years and over: between 26 mm and 30 mm (chin to crown), and under 11: between 19 mm and 30 mm (chin to crown).
Quality
- be in colour and should not be more than 6 months old;
- be a natural representation, be sharp;
- be undamaged;
- be printed on high-quality, smooth photo paper;
- have a minimum resolution of 400 dpi.
Why are Netherlands visa digital photo rules important?
Netherland is a Schengen country and follows Schengen visa photo standards. The same formats are followed by all the Schengen countries. Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands must be met. In case you fail to adhere to the official standards, your application may be:
- Put on hold by the visa centre.
- Rejected due to non-compliance.
- Delayed due to resubmission.
*** Submitting the right photo helps in speeding up the Netherlands visa processing from UK.
Netherlands Schengen photo guidelines & items allowed!
UK travellers often get stuck with the Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands and end up submitting the wrong one. This not only delays the process but also sometimes leads to rejection of your visa application. To avoid such a situation and get it done smoothly, always:
- Cross-check the dimensions of the photo.
- Ensure that the photos are recently clicked.
- Carry extra copies at the visa centre.
- Do not staple or damage the photograph.
Here is the list of a few items listed, to help you understand whether to carry them or not!
Also check: 15 Best Cities Near Amsterdam: Nearby Dutch Cities to Visit from UK
Are Schengen photo requirements same for all countries?

Yes. Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands are the same for all Schengen countries, including the Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and others. This is because of the common biometric standards widely accepted by the EU.
This is common to:
- Ensure uniform border control.
- Support the facial recognition system.
- Standardise identity verification.
Required documents for a Netherlands visa!
Documentation is a crucial part of every Schengen visa processing, and every document, including a photograph, is necessary to submit at the visa centre. Like photos, there are some other documents that are:
Visa application— Submit the Netherlands visa form printed & signed
UK residence permit— UK eVisa/share code
Passport— Submit a biometric passport issued within the last 10 years.
Photograph— Submit two recent photographs as per Schengen standards
Travel insurance—Submit insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 pounds.
Financial proof— Submit a bank statement of last 6 months.
Accommodation proof – Submit the proof of your stay (hotel booking, or host’s address)
What can I use a Netherlands visa for?
The Netherlands visa is a permit that allows a UK traveler to stay in this country legally for a specific period of time. This allows the holders to transit from one country to another unhindered as long as their visa is valid.
This visa can be used for tourism, business, family visits, and other short-term purposes.
Taking this visa is necessary for UK residents to roam around this country freely. But often they find it hard to get it on time as per their travel plans. NETHERLANDS VISA is one of the visa agencies that helps travelers in getting their appointment and also guides them about the documentation. So you can get assistance from their experts for your visa and also the Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands. Reach out now!
Why choose NETHERLANDS VISA?
To successfully apply for the visa permit, the traveler has to comply with Schengen standards and documentation rules, especially Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands. Even minor mistakes can lead to delays, and NETHERLANDS VISA ensures your application goes through accurately.
With years of experience, their team is handling Netherlands visa applications for UK residents and understands the expectations of visa authorities well. We stand among the right choices due to:
- Fastest Netherland visa appointment
- Round-the-clock support
- Reduced risk of rejection
- Up-to-date visa knowledge
- Expert document verification
FINAL THOUGHTS
In conclusion, meeting the Visa Photo Requirements for Netherlands is a necessary part of visa processing. Although rules may seem easy to follow, even a small mistake like improper lighting or incorrect sizing can result in a delay.
By ensuring that your photo strictly follows the Schengen guidelines, you improve the chance of your visa approval. Always ensure that your photo is of high quality and is ready to be submitted to the visa centre.
If you want to avoid any last-minute rush or technical error, getting professional support is a good idea. With NETHERLANDS VISA, you will be guided about all the requirements, including photos. This way, their expert helps you in applying with confidence.
