International passport (Belgium): 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo, head 31.5–36 mm from chin to crown.
| Document | Photo size | Head, chin to crown | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| International passport | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 31.5–36 mm | diplomatie.belgium.be |
| ID card | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 31.5–36 mm | ibz.rrn.fgov.be |
| Residence permit | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 31.5–36 mm | ibz.rrn.fgov.be |
In Belgium one set of photo rules — the photo matrix of the FPS Interior and FPS Foreign Affairs, based on ICAO standards — applies to:
- Electronic identity card (eID) and Kids-ID
- Passport
- Residence documents for foreigners
Photo for documents in Belgium
45 mm
35 mm
- Source: Photo matrix of the FPS Interior and FPS Foreign Affairs
- Who takes the photo: You bring a printed photo to your commune when you apply. Only communes that use “live enrollment” take the photo at the counter themselves. The commune checks the photo against the matrix and must refuse one that does not comply.
- Size: The photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, rectangular, without white borders.
- Photo quality: The photo must have been taken no more than 6 months ago and look like you. Colour is required for a passport; black and white is accepted for the other documents. It must be sharp, with enough contrast and a natural rendering, not retouched and not a copy, printed on smooth, high-quality photo paper at a resolution of at least 400 dpi.
- Head size and Orientation: From the chin to the top of the head the face must measure between 31 and 36 mm — 70 to 80% of the photo height. The whole head must be in the photo and centred.
- General requirements: Face and shoulders square to the camera, eyes on a horizontal line, head straight, no visible support. Look straight into the lens with a neutral expression and your mouth closed — no smile, no teeth. Lighting must be even: no shadows on the face or background, no reflections, no red eyes.
- Head coverings: The head must be bare. If religious reasons prevent this, every other criterion still applies. For objective physical or medical reasons the commune may ask for a doctor's statement.
- Eyeglasses: Glasses are accepted if the eyes are fully visible, the lenses are completely clear and there are no disturbing reflections or shadows. If the reflections cannot be avoided, take the glasses off.
- Background: The background must be light-coloured, even and plain, with no colour gradient and enough contrast with the head.
- Children under 6: For babies and children under 6 the rules are relaxed: eyes on a horizontal line, head and shoulders straight, a neutral expression, looking into the lens and a closed mouth are not required. Every other criterion still applies.
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