Country guide · 🇪🇺 EU · Last verified: June 2026
EU Passport Photo Requirements
EU Passport photos need a 35x45 mm image on a white or light grey background, a neutral face with the mouth closed and both eyes open, and a shot taken within the last 6 months. It is used for passport applications and renewals, where the issuing office checks head size and background before the file is accepted. Cross-checked against government.nl/themes/justice-security-and-defence/identification-documents/requirements-for-photos.
Written by the PixID.studio compliance team · June 2026
Verified against government.nl/themes/justice-security-and-defence/identification-documents/requirements-for-photos, June 2026. Each requirement is automatically checked when you create your photo with PixID.
Background and lighting
The background must be white or light grey, uniform and completely shadow-free. Requirements:
- Uniform colour — no gradients, patterns, or textures
- No shadows cast on the background or on the face
- Evenly lit — no dark spots or bright patches
- No other people or objects visible in the frame
Avoid wearing clothing that matches the background colour, as it can blend in and cause rejection.
Expression and appearance
- Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed. Mouth closed, no smiling.
- Eyes: both open, looking directly at the camera. No red-eye or glare.
- Ears: Both ears visible must be visible.
- Glasses: not permitted. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited.
- Head covering: No head covering unless for religious reasons. Full face must be visible with no shadows.
- Hair: must not cover the eyes or obscure facial features.
- Clothing: everyday attire. Uniforms not permitted.
Common rejection reasons
- Wrong background — must be white or light grey. Any deviation causes rejection.
- Glasses — not permitted unless medically documented.
- Shadows — on the face or background from poor lighting.
- Head size incorrect — face must fill 70–80% of the frame.
- Non-neutral expression — smile, raised eyebrows, or open mouth.
- Photo too old — must be taken within the last 6 months.
- Low resolution or blur — minimum 300 DPI minimum for print submissions.
- Digital retouching — beauty filters or skin smoothing cause rejection.
Verified against government.nl/themes/justice-security-and-defence/identification-documents/requirements-for-photos · All checks automated
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