Belgium Passport Photo 35mm x 45mm requirements

1. Core Rules for Appearance

• Facial Expression: You must maintain a neutral expression with the mouth closed. Smiling is not permitted.
• Position: Your head and shoulders must be straight, facing directly toward the camera.
• Face Visibility: The face must be totally uncovered. The forehead, chin, and the areas toward the ears must be clearly visible.
• Eyes: Eyes must be fully visible and open.

2. Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: The photo size is 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Head Size: The head (from chin to crown) must occupy between 70% and 80% of the photo height (approx. 31–36 mm).
• Recency: The photo must be taken within the last six months.

3. Lighting and Background

• Lighting: The face must be evenly lit with no shadows, reflections, or "red-eye."
• Background: The background must be plain, uniform, and light-colored (white or light gray), providing sufficient contrast.

4. Glasses and Headwear

• Glasses: Lenses must not be tinted or have reflections. The frames must not be too thick and cannot obscure any part of the eyes. Note: The official guidance suggests removing glasses for the photo to avoid any potential refusal, even if you wear them daily.
• Headwear: Generally not allowed except for recognized religious or medical reasons. Even in these cases, the face must remain fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.

5. Children and Infants

• The child must be alone in the photo (no hands or parents visible).
• For infants, a neutral expression is preferred, and the eyes should ideally be open.

References

• Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Belgium: Quality requirements for the photo
• Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Belgium: Photo Matrix Guide (French PDF)
• Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Belgium: Photo Matrix Guide (Dutch PDF)