Complete Belgium residence permit 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Requirements for BE - Expert Tips

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 35 × 45 mm exactly, with no white borders and precise trimming so the full photo area is used.
• Head size & placement: full head (hair included) must measure 32–36 mm from chin to crown and be centered vertically and horizontally.
• Eye line position: eyes must sit between 20 mm and 25 mm from the bottom edge to ensure proper alignment.
• Background: uniform light-grey (RAL 7035) matte finish with no shadows, patterns or gradients.
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible; no exaggerated smiles or frowns (children under 3 may have a natural expression).
• Lighting & contrast: even, diffused lighting to avoid shadows on face/background; no red-eye, glare or hot spots.
• Glasses & eyewear: no tinted lenses or sunglasses; ordinary eyeglasses only if non-reflective, thin-rimmed and eyes fully visible (medical certificate required).
• Head coverings: prohibited except for religious reasons; must not obscure hairline, forehead or sides of face.
• Photo quality & colour: high-resolution colour image, natural skin tones, no retouching, with at least 600 dpi when printed.
• Paper type & finish: professional-quality photo paper, glossy or matte, not laminated, and free of creases or scratches.
• Date of capture: photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance.
• Digital file (if applicable): JPEG format, 600 × 800 px (or multiple thereof), max 200 KB file size, no compression artifacts.

Step-by-Step Process

Content about Complete Belgium residence permit 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Requirements for BE - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Precise Head Proportions: Ensure your head (chin-to-crown) measures 32–36 mm (70–80% of the 45 mm height) and is perfectly centered; incorrect sizing is the top reason Belgian authorities reject photos.
• Uniform Light Background: Use a plain off-white or very light grey background with no shadows, patterns, or gradients; uneven lighting reduces facial contrast and often triggers automatic disqualification.
• Neutral Facial Expression: Keep your eyes open, mouth closed, and maintain a relaxed, natural expression—no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows; biometric systems require consistent facial landmarks for identity checks.
• No Glasses or Obstructions: Remove spectacles, tinted lenses, hats, scarves, and large jewellery (unless worn daily for religious reasons) so eyebrows, eyes, and ear contours are fully visible; any obstruction risks outright refusal.
• High-Quality, Recent Print: Submit a borderless, high-resolution (≥600 dpi) print on professional photo paper using a picture taken within the last 6 months; faded colors, pixelation, or outdated images can delay your residence permit application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, strict adherence to Belgium’s 35 × 45 mm residence permit photo requirements ensures your application proceeds smoothly and avoids costly delays.

• Dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with no borders
• Head size: 32–36 mm from chin to crown apex
• Background: uniform light grey (RGB ~217–224) free of patterns or shadows
• Facial expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, direct frontal gaze
• Accessories: no glasses or head coverings, except for documented medical/religious needs without obscuring facial features
• Lighting & quality: even lighting, no reflections/shadows, sharp focus, natural skin tones
• Print & digital specs: high-resolution (≥600 dpi) matte photo paper or JPEG digital file with minimal compression
• Colour & contrast: true-to-life colours, clear contrast between subject and background