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

Requirements

• Photo size: must measure exactly 35 × 45 mm (±1 mm tolerance) with a 3:4 width-to-height ratio
• Head dimensions: face height (chin to crown) between 32 mm and 36 mm, with eye‐line positioned 19 mm–24 mm from the bottom edge
• Background: plain light-grey or white, uniform tone, matte finish, with no shadows, patterns or objects visible
• Lighting & focus: even, diffuse illumination with no red-eye, glare or harsh shadows; image must be razor-sharp and in crisp focus
• Pose & expression: full-face view, head centered and straight, eyes open and looking directly at the camera, neutral expression with closed mouth
• Glasses & eyewear: thin-framed, clear prescription glasses permitted if eyes are fully visible; no tinted or mirrored lenses, no sunglasses
• Head coverings: only allowed for documented religious reasons; covering must not obscure hairline, forehead, or any facial feature from chin to chin
• Color & retouching: natural skin tones, accurate color balance, no filters or excessive editing; minor blemish removal acceptable but facial features must remain unaltered
• Photo quality & paper: printed on high-quality, tear-resistant photographic paper (semi-matte or glossy), minimum 600 dpi resolution, no creases, scratches or ink marks
• Currency & consistency: taken within the last six months; submit two identical copies free from defects or damage

Step-by-Step Process

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

Tips and Best Practices

• Background uniformity: use a plain light gray or white background with no shadows or patterns, as Belgian authorities require a neutral backdrop to ensure facial features are clearly distinguished during biometric verification and avoid rejection.
• Head size and positioning: center the face, measuring 32–36 mm from chin to crown within the 45 mm image height, because misalignment or incorrect scaling leads to automated system failures and costly retakes.
• Lighting and exposure: provide evenly distributed lighting with no harsh shadows or overexposed areas, ensuring natural skin tones so biometric systems can accurately read facial landmarks, preventing manual review delays.
• Expression and eye visibility: adopt a neutral expression with closed lips and wide-open eyes looking directly at the camera, as smiling or obscured eyes can interfere with facial recognition and will result in photo rejection.
• Glasses and head coverings: remove tinted, mirrored, or thick-frame glasses and ensure any religious head covering does not obscure facial features from chin to forehead, since obstructions trigger rejections under Belgian residence permit guidelines.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Ensure your Belgium residence permit photo meets these core requirements

• Dimensions: 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) with no borders
• Head size: 31–36 mm from chin to crown, centered vertically
• Background: Plain white or light grey, no shadows or patterns
• Expression: Neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Head position: Straight on, no tilt, full face in view
• Eyewear: Remove glasses or use clear lenses only, no glare or reflections
• Headwear: Only permitted for religious reasons, must not obscure facial features
• Photo quality: High-resolution color, natural skin tones, no filters or heavy retouching
• Currency: Taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance

By adhering strictly to these specifications, you minimize the risk of photo rejection and ensure a smooth processing of your Belgian residence permit application.