Netherlands Schengen visa photo requirements
Netherlands uses the shared Schengen photo standard — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric framing, plain light background. This page covers the photo standard plus how Netherlands consulates handle Schengen visa applications: where to apply, processing times, fees and consulate-level handling.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · VFS Global in most markets · €90
Prepare a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo on a plain light background. Apply through Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global. Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Processing time 15 calendar days standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Issuing authority | Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global |
|---|---|
| Visa application centre | VFS Global in most markets |
| Processing time | 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review |
| Standard fee | €90 |
| Reduced fee | €45 for children 6–12 |
| Application languages | Dutch, English |
| Official portal | Netherlands short-stay visa portal ↗ |
Photo specification
Schengen 35 × 45 mm. The Dutch government applies the same photo standard used for the Netherlands passport.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of frame height (32–36 mm chin-to-crown) |
| Background | plain light grey or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Glasses | Strongly discouraged; remove for the shot. See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
Netherlands consulate handling
The photo specification is the same one used for the Netherlands passport. That does not make an old passport photo usable: it must have been taken within the last six months, even when the format matches.
Netherlands national document photos
Frequently asked questions about Netherlands Schengen visa photos
What size is the Netherlands Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. Netherlands uses the shared Schengen biometric photo standard — the same as every other Schengen state. The head must occupy 70–80% of the frame height with a plain light background.
Where do I apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa?
Apply through the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global. The photo specification is the same one used for the Netherlands passport. That does not make an old passport photo usable: it must have been taken within the last six months, even when the format matches.
How long does Netherlands take to process a Schengen visa?
For Netherlands, 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review. First-time applicants and applications submitted during peak travel seasons tend to fall toward the upper end of this window.
What does the Netherlands Schengen visa cost?
Netherlands's standard fee is €90, €45 for children 6–12. Some markets add a VAC service fee on top of the consular fee paid to VFS Global in most markets.
Can I wear glasses in a Netherlands Schengen visa photo?
Netherlands follows the shared Schengen baseline: glasses are strongly discouraged because of glare and frame-related rejection risk. The safest choice at every consulate is to remove glasses before the shot.
Compare other Schengen countries
Prepare your Netherlands Schengen visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to the 35 × 45 mm Schengen biometric frame and checks the background automatically.