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Netherlands Passport Photo Maker

Upload any photo — the tool removes your existing background, drops in the plain light grey background required for Netherlands passport, and produces a spec-exact 35×45mm image ready to submit.

Drop your photo here
or click anywhere in this box to choose a photo

JPG, PNG, or HEIC · Max 10 MB on Free · Face forward, eyes on the camera.

100% private — deleted after processing No sign-up to preview Spec-exact 35×45mm output

How to make a Netherlands passport photo in 3 steps

Upload any photo of yourself, and the tool handles the entire Netherlands passport spec pipeline — background removal, colour swap, spec-exact crop, file-size compression — in one pass.

1

Upload any photo of yourself

Use your phone or webcam against any background — a plain wall, a cluttered room, an office. The tool segments you from whatever is behind you, so you don't need a plain light grey backdrop before shooting.

2

Background is removed and replaced

The AI detects your face and body, removes the original background, and composites you onto the plain light grey required for Netherlands passport applications. Hair and clothing edges are preserved.

3

Auto-crop to 35×45mm and download

Your face is auto-positioned within the 35×45mm frame at 600 DPI, and the output JPEG stays under 240 KB. Drag the crop box to fine-tune the position if needed.

Understanding the Netherlands passport spec

Dutch requirements are among the strictest in Europe. Photographs are 35×45mm to the biometric standard with the head 32-36mm from chin to crown, and the background must be plain light grey — white is specifically not accepted, which catches out anyone reusing a photo made for a US, UK or Asian application. Glasses are not permitted at all under the rules in force since 2020, with no glare-free exception of the kind some countries allow. The RvIG publishes an official photo matrix (fotomatrix) showing accepted and rejected examples, and municipalities check against it.

Dimensions
35×45 mm
1.38 × 1.77 in
Resolution
600 DPI
Print-ready
Background
plain light grey
AI-swapped
Head height
32–36 mm
Chin to crown

Requirements at a glance

  • 35x45mm biometric standard
  • Plain light grey background — not white
  • Head 32-36mm, neutral expression
  • No smile, both eyes open
  • No glasses (Dutch rules since 2020)

Where Netherlands passport photos are actually used

The grey background requirement makes Dutch photos compatible with French, German and UK applications, all of which prefer or require a light or grey background. It makes them incompatible with Japan, Singapore, the United States and most of South Asia, which insist on white. If you need one photo for both groups you will need two versions — the background is the only thing that changes, so it is worth producing both from the same original rather than reshooting. Because glasses are banned outright, remove them before you take the photo rather than trying to avoid glare.

Applications that accept this photo spec

  • Dutch passport (paspoort) application at a municipality
  • Dutch identity card (identiteitskaart) applications
  • Residence permit and IND applications
  • Applications lodged at a Dutch embassy or consulate
  • Schengen applications where a Dutch-spec photo is supplied

Netherlands passport photo FAQ

Why is a white background rejected in the Netherlands?
Dutch rules require a plain light grey background rather than white. A white background provides too little contrast against light hair, fair skin and light clothing for reliable automated face detection. The RvIG fotomatrix shows the accepted range, and municipalities check submissions against it.

Can I wear glasses in a Dutch passport photo?
No. Glasses have not been permitted under the Dutch rules in force since 2020, and unlike some countries there is no exception for clear, glare-free lenses. Remove them before taking the photo.

What is the fotomatrix?
It is the official Dutch photo matrix published by the RvIG — a reference sheet of accepted and rejected example photographs covering background, head position, expression, lighting and sharpness. Municipal staff use it when assessing a submitted photo, so it is the best guide to what will pass.

What size is a Netherlands passport photo?
35×45mm (1.38×1.77 inches) at 600 DPI, on a plain light grey background. The head must measure 32-36mm from chin to the top of the head.

What background color does Netherlands require for passport photos?
Plain light grey. Photos on the wrong background — cream, beige, colored, or textured — are the most common reason for rejection. This tool automatically replaces your background with the correct one.

Can I take a Netherlands passport photo with my phone?
Yes. Modern phone cameras produce more than enough resolution for the 35×45mm output. What matters is even lighting (no harsh shadows on your face), a straight-on angle, and a neutral expression. This tool handles the background and sizing.

What file size does this tool produce?
The output JPEG is kept under 240 KB while preserving the 600 DPI resolution the spec requires. Upload limits vary between government portals and consulates, so check the one you are filing through — if it caps lower, use our Image Compressor to reduce further.

Is my uploaded photo saved on your servers?
No. Your photo is processed in memory and never stored on disk. The AI background removal runs server-side (the model is too large for a browser), but the input image is discarded immediately after processing. Nothing is logged, saved, or shared.

Can I print the Netherlands passport photo at home?
Yes. The output is a 600 DPI JPEG at exactly 35×45mm, so any inkjet or laser printer produces the correct physical size when you print at 100% scale (not "fit to page"). Use the 4×6 print sheet option to get multiple copies on one sheet of photo paper.

Do I need to sign up or pay?
No sign-up required for basic use. Guests get 2 photos per day; free accounts get 3 per day. For higher volume, Pro plans unlock unlimited photos.

What if the background removal is not perfect?
The AI handles hair, clothing edges, and skin tones well for the vast majority of photos. If you see an edge artifact, try re-uploading with better lighting — indirect natural light from a window works best. You can also skip the background swap and crop only.
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