Passport and Biometric Photos in Ghent | Jaweed Studio

Photo requirements can vary for passports, identity documents, residence applications and visas. This guide explains when you need to provide your own passport photo, what to look out for and how to choose the right service.

For foreign passports, visas and online forms in particular, the country, document type and required image dimensions are important.

A passport photo may seem straightforward, but a photo that looks good is not automatically suitable for an official document. Its size, head position, lighting and the requirements of the relevant authority determine whether it can be used. Always check exactly what you need the photo for first.

What is a biometric passport photo?

A biometric passport photo shows your face clearly and recognisably, following the rules for the document in question. The photo is assessed on factors including cropping, background, sharpness, lighting and posture. The exact specifications vary by country and application.

The usual size for a standard Belgian passport photo is 35 × 45 mm. A visa application or foreign passport may require a different size or a digital file with specific requirements. Do not assume you can use the same photo for every application.

Do you need to bring your own passport photo in Ghent?

Not always. The City of Ghent takes a digital photo at the counter for many Belgian identity and travel documents. However, for certain exceptions, foreign documents, embassy applications or specific online forms, you will need to provide a suitable photo yourself. Check the authority’s instructions before booking a photo session.

A useful question to ask beforehand: does the authority require prints, a digital file or both? Make a note of the document type and country too. This will help you choose the right service straight away.

Passport photos for official documents

For applications where you need to provide your own passport photo, with careful attention to the document’s requirements.

Baby and child passport photos

A calm, patient approach for Kids-ID, children’s passports, residence documents and visas.

What checks apply to an official photo?

• Cropping and size: the head and shoulders must appear in the frame according to the required dimensions.

• Posture and gaze: the face must be straight and clearly visible; facial expression requirements may vary by document.

• Lighting and background: the image must be sharp, evenly lit and free from distracting shadows.

• Recognisability: filters and heavy retouching that alter facial features are unsuitable.

• Recency: check how recent the photo needs to be for your particular application.

A photographer can prepare the photo to meet the technical requirements. The relevant authority ultimately decides whether to accept it for your application.

Passport photos for babies and children

Taking an official photo of a young child requires extra patience. The child must be clearly recognisable, although their age and the document type may allow exceptions to the usual photo rules. For a Kids-ID in Ghent, you must bring your own photo if your child is under three or if an older child cannot sit still unaided.

If possible, choose a time when your child is usually calm. For a foreign application, bring the official instructions with you; the rules for a Belgian Kids-ID do not automatically apply to other documents. Read our guide to Kids-ID photos in Ghent too.

Visa photos and photos for foreign passports

A visa photo can differ significantly from the standard Belgian format. Sometimes the embassy requires a printed photo with specific dimensions; sometimes you need to upload a digital file that meets requirements for pixel dimensions, file type and file size. Always check the latest instructions from the embassy or application portal.

Bring these instructions to the studio. Tell us not only the country, but also whether the photo is for a visa, passport, residence permit or another application. You can find more information about the options on our adult passport photos page.

How to prepare for your visit to Jaweed Studio

• Check with the relevant authority whether you need to bring your own photo.

• Save the official photo requirements, especially for foreign or digital applications.

• Choose the right service: adults or babies and children.

• Plan your visit in advance; the studio operates by appointment only.

Jaweed Studio is located at Charles de Kerchovelaan 193 in Ghent. For directions, see our information on getting here and parking.

More about passport photos and documents

Which passport photo do you need?

Choose the service that suits your application and specify the document and its requirements when booking. This helps us tailor your photo to its intended use.

Photo requirements and procedures can change. Always check the latest information from the relevant authority before applying.