Biometrics appointment: photo, signature and fingerprints

Last update: 16 June 2023

You have received a letter from the IND that says the IND needs your photo, signature and/or fingerprints. We use this data to create your residence document. On this page you make a biometrics appointment at an IND desk or expatcenter.

When you need to make a biometrics appointment 

  • For every new application you submit, the IND needs new biometrics from you. You do not need to make an appointment in the following situations:
    • Your biometrics have been taken at an IND desk or embassy abroad less than 6 months ago. 
    • You apply for a Foreign Nationals Identity Document (Type W and Type W2). Your biometrics have been taken at an IND desk or embassy abroad less than 5 years and 3 months ago. With a Foreign Nationals Identity Document you show that you are allowed to be in the Netherlands because you are waiting for a decision on your application.
  • You are over 1 year old and have never had a residence document from the IND. Your biometrics have not been taken before by the Dutch representation abroad, or the police or the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar) during an asylum application.
  • You have had a residence document before, but you have since become 6, 12 or 18 years old. You must have new fingerprints taken, because they change as you grow older.
  • It says in your letter that your photo, signature and/or fingerprints are missing or are not good enough.

Photo taken at IND desk

The IND will take your digital photo at the desk. Therefore, we do not accept photos taken by a photograper elsewhere.

Best clothes for photo

For the photo you may keep your head covered because of your religion or belief. Due to the background colour of the photo we ask you not to wear totally white or light gray clothes. 

Make appointment at IND desk or expatcenter

Make online appointment

Photo form by post

Is the residence document for a child under 1 year old? Then do not make an appointment. Please always use the Appendix Passport photo form to send a passport photo of the child to the IND by post. The passport photo which you send must be taken by a photographer.

What to bring to the appointment

  • Your valid passport or other travel document.
  • Your appointment code. You will receive this in an email confirmation when you make an appointment online.
  • Your (expired) residence document. Or the official report of loss or theft from the police concerning your residence permit.
  • Your (old) Foreign Nationals Identity Document (type W or W2) if you do not have a residence document. Or the official report of loss or theft from the police concerning your  Foreign Nationals Identity Document. 

What to bring for a child born in the Netherlands

 

  • Your (the parents) valid passport or residence document.
  • The valid passport or (copy of) birth certificate/proof of registration at the municipality (BRP) of the child.

Costs

Providing biometrics is free of charge.

Directions

​The IND has several locations in the Netherlands. Check directions for all IND desks.

Limburg

​Residents of Limburg may be able to make an appointment at the Maastricht International Centre.

Cancel appointment

​Are you unable to attend? Cancel your appointment using the link in the email confirming your appointment.
You can only cancel the complete appointment, not just for 1 person.

Rescheduling of appointment not possible

Technically it is impossible to reschedule your appointment. Please cancel the appointment and plan the appointment for another date.