BelgiumBelgium Residence Permit Photo (verblijfskaart / titre de séjour) 2026: Size, Background, Requirements
For a Belgian residence permit (verblijfskaart / titre de séjour) you need a 35×45 mm photo to the ICAO standard: a light plain background, a neutral facial expression, mouth closed, photo no older than 6 months. The face (from chin to crown) must occupy 70-80% of the frame height.
Key points
5 points- Photo size: exactly 35×45 mm (width × height).
- The face from chin to crown occupies 70-80% of the photo height, i.e. roughly 31-36 mm.
- Background light, plain, evenly lit, with no shadows and no colour gradients; the contrast between the head and the background is sufficient.
- Glasses are ALLOWED if both eyes are fully visible, the lenses are clear, and there are no glare or shadows; if glare cannot be avoided, the glasses should be removed.
- Facial expression neutral, mouth closed, teeth not visible; the photo must be no older than 6 months; minimum print resolution is 400 dpi.
Short answer
The Belgian residence permit for Ukrainians (in Dutch verblijfskaart, in French titre de séjour) is a biometric electronic card. The photo for it is taken to the same standard as for the Belgian eID: format 35×45 mm, biometric quality to the ICAO (OACI) criteria.
Official photo parameters
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm (W×H) |
| Face in the frame | from chin to crown 31-36 mm (70-80% of the height) |
| Head position | head fully in the frame, centred, with space above the crown |
| Background | light, plain, with no shadows or colour gradients |
| Facial expression | neutral, mouth closed, teeth not visible |
| Glasses | allowed if the eyes are visible and there is no glare |
| Colour | colour (black-and-white is also accepted for the residence permit) |
| Age | no older than 6 months |
| Print resolution | minimum 400 dpi, no retouching, not a copy |
Detailed rules
- Look straight into the camera. The head is not tilted or turned, the shoulders are level, both eyes are open and clearly visible.
- Neutral expression. No broad smile, no frowning brows, mouth closed, teeth not visible.
- No headwear. The exception is religious or medical reasons, but the forehead, cheeks, eyes, nose and chin must be fully uncovered.
- Glasses. Allowed if both eyes are fully visible, the lenses are completely clear (no tint), the frame does not cover the eyes, and there are no glare or shadows from the glasses. If glare cannot be avoided, the glasses must be removed.
- Lighting. Even on the face and the background, with no shadows, no "white spots" from the flash, and no red-eye effect.
Where to take and submit it
- Residence permit: after entering the country you register at the commune / gemeente (the city administration for your place of residence). There you give your biometrics - fingerprints and photo. People usually bring a printed 35×45 mm photo; some municipalities take the photo on site. Check the specific requirements with your municipality.
- D visa / temporary protection before entry: the photo and biometrics (fingerprints and image) are submitted at the Belgian consulate or at a visa centre (VFS), as for a Schengen visa. They usually ask for 2 identical 35×45 mm photos.
Why photos are most often rejected
- Uneven background, a shadow on the background, a colour gradient or insufficient contrast between the head and the background.
- A smile with teeth, an open mouth, a tilted or turned head.
- Glasses with glare, tinted lenses or a frame that covers the eyes.
- Face too large or too small (the 70-80% proportion is breached).
- An old photo (over 6 months), low resolution (under 400 dpi), a copy, retouching, creases on the printed photo.
Tip
Belgian municipalities check the photo against the ICAO criteria, so even a small shadow or glare can be grounds for refusal. Prepare a photo that fully meets the official standards in advance.
06Questions
4 answers01What is the photo size for a Belgian residence permit?
Exactly 35×45 mm (width × height). The face from chin to crown must occupy 70-80% of the frame height, i.e. roughly 31-36 mm. The background is light and plain.
02Can I be photographed wearing glasses?
Yes, glasses are allowed if both eyes are fully visible, the lenses are clear (no tint), the frame does not cover the eyes, and there are no glare or shadows. If glare cannot be avoided, it is better to remove the glasses.
03Where do I take and submit the photo for a verblijfskaart?
For the residence permit the photo and biometrics are submitted at the municipality (commune / gemeente) for your place of residence. For a D visa before entry - at the Belgian consulate or a VFS visa centre.
04Which standard governs the photo?
The ICAO (OACI) criteria - the same as for the Belgian eID electronic card. The photo must be no older than 6 months, with a print resolution of at least 400 dpi.
07Official sources
- IBZ / SPF Affaires étrangères - офіційні норми ICAO для фото (PDF)
austria.diplomatie.belgium.be - IBZ (FPS Home Affairs) - документи, що посвідчують особу
ibz.be - FPS Foreign Affairs — Belgian visa (biometrics, photo)
unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be - ISO/IEC 19794-5:2011 - формат біометричних зображень обличчя
iso.org
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
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