Belgium
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 4 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in Belgium
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for a Belgian travel document or eID, you must adhere to strict biometric standards set by the FPS Foreign Affairs. The Belgian government maintains rigorous quality control to ensure images are compatible with facial recognition software used at border control. Obtaining a compliant Belgium passport photo is a mandatory step for all citizens, whether renewing a document or applying for the first time.
Your photo must measure exactly 35mm by 45mm, featuring a plain, light-grey or white background without shadows. You should maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes clearly visible, looking directly at the camera. Glasses are generally discouraged to avoid glare, and head coverings are only permitted for strictly religious or medical reasons. Following these official guidelines ensures your application meets the specific biometric criteria required by local municipal offices.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:34d3378d§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For online applications, the digital file must be high-resolution and saved in JPEG format, typically under 5MB. You must upload the image to the official government portal or provide it to your local commune during the application process. If you prefer a quick, reliable solution, you can use idpic.app to format your photo correctly before submission, ensuring it meets all technical specifications required by the Belgian authorities.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in Belgium include poor lighting that creates shadows on the background or face. Many applicants are also turned away because their expression is too relaxed, such as smiling or having a tilted head, which interferes with biometric scanning. Additionally, wearing spectacles with thick frames that obscure the eyes or cause reflections is a common mistake that leads to an immediate request for a new photo.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
Most Belgian citizens visit a local photographer or a professional photo booth located near municipal offices to ensure compliance. Professional studios typically charge between 10 and 15 euros for a set of official photos. If you choose to take the photo yourself, ensure you stand at least one metre away from a white wall and use natural, even lighting to achieve the professional standard required for your national identity card.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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