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 30 days during peak season |
| 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
Dutch consulates allow the same photo specification used for the Netherlands passport. Many applicants reuse a recent passport photo without retaking it.
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. Dutch consulates allow the same photo specification used for the Netherlands passport. Many applicants reuse a recent passport photo without retaking it.
How long does Netherlands take to process a Schengen visa?
15 calendar days standard; up to 30 days during peak season. 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?
Standard fee €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.