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The Challenge
Spain uses a unique 26×32mm photo format for passports, DNI (national ID), and TIE (foreigner ID)—different from both EU standard (35×45mm) and the incorrect 30×40mm shown on many websites. Using the wrong size = automatic rejection at the Policía Nacional office.
Spain uses 26×32mm—NOT 30×40mm or 35×45mm
- Spanish passport/DNI/TIE: 26×32mm (unique Spanish format)
- Many websites incorrectly list 30×40mm or 35×45mm—these will be REJECTED
- Spain Schengen visa uses different 35×45mm format (see separate tool)
- Do NOT use EU standard passport photos for Spanish domestic documents
One photo format for Spanish passport, DNI, and TIE
Spain's Policía Nacional uses a unique 26×32mm format for all domestic identity documents: passports (pasaporte), DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) for Spanish citizens, and TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) for foreign residents. This smaller format is specific to Spain and differs from the standard EU 35×45mm used by most European countries. The same 26×32mm photo works for all three documents. If you need a Schengen visa photo, use the separate Spain Visa tool—visa applications require a different 35×45mm format.
Spanish passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 26×32mm dimensions exactly (not 30×40mm, not 35×45mm)
- Face occupies 70–80% of photo height (22–26mm chin to crown)
- Plain white background with no shadows or patterns
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible, no hair covering face
- No glasses (removed unless medical exemption with doctor's note)
- No headgear unless religious or medical with documentation
- Colour photo with natural skin tone—no filters or retouching
- At least 614×756 pixels at 600 DPI for printing
- JPEG format, maximum 240KB for digital submissions
- Even lighting without shadows on face or background
Common rejection reasons at Policía Nacional
- Wrong dimensions—using EU 35×45mm or incorrect 30×40mm instead of 26×32mm
- Wearing glasses (Spain prohibits glasses in ID photos since 2020)
- Head size outside 70–80% of frame height
- Shadows on face or white background
- Photo older than 6 months
- Background not pure white (cream, grey, or off-white rejected)
- Digital file exceeds 240KB maximum
- Smiling or teeth showing
- Low resolution causing pixelation
- Head tilted or not facing camera directly
Spain's no-glasses rule
Since 2020, Spain does not allow glasses in passport, DNI, or TIE photos. This is stricter than many European countries. You must remove all glasses for the photo regardless of prescription. The only exception is a documented medical condition preventing removal, which requires a signed doctor's statement submitted with your application. Sunglasses, tinted lenses, and photochromic lenses are never permitted under any circumstances.
Good vs bad Spain passport photo examples
How to print Spanish passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (matte or glossy both accepted). Available at FNAC, MediaMarkt, El Corte Inglés, or online.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for maximum photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 26×32mm. Use ruler to confirm—this is smaller than you expect.
- Alternative: Use photo kiosks (fotomatón) found in metro stations, shopping centres, and near police stations throughout Spain (€4–8).
- Professional photographer: €8–15 at foto carnet services near any Policía Nacional office.
DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) photo requirements
The DNI is Spain's national identity card, issued by the Policía Nacional to Spanish citizens. First-time DNI applications and renewals both require recent 26×32mm photos with white background. You must book an appointment (cita previa) at citapreviadnie.es. Bring your photos, previous DNI (if renewing), and proof of address if it has changed. The DNI fee is currently €12. DNI and passport use identical photo specifications—the same photo works for both if applied within 6 months.
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) photo requirements
The TIE is the foreign resident identity card required for non-EU citizens staying in Spain longer than 6 months. It uses the same 26×32mm photo format as Spanish passports and DNI. TIE applications require 1–3 photos depending on the office. Book an appointment at sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es. You'll need passport photos alongside form EX-17, your visa, passport copies, empadronamiento, and Modelo 790 fee receipt (€16.32). Processing takes 4–6 weeks. Digital nomad visa, student visa, work visa, and family reunification applicants all need TIE photos in this format.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white blanket or sheet on the floor.
- Photograph from directly above with face centred in frame.
- Use natural light or even overhead lighting—no flash.
- Face must occupy 70–80% of the 26×32mm frame (same as adults).
- For infants: eyes not fully open may be acceptable.
- No other person visible in photo—supporting hands must be out of frame.
- Remove pacifiers, toys, and hats before photographing.
- White background required—use a plain white sheet, not patterned.
- Take many shots—10–20 attempts normal for babies.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Spain
- Fotomatón (photo kiosk): €4–8 for 4–8 photos
- Foto carnet shop near Policía Nacional: €8–15
- El Corte Inglés photo service: €10–15
- Borgerservice-style Citizen Service photo: Not available in Spain
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or at a print shop
- Home printing cost: €0.20–0.50 per sheet (paper + ink)
- Print at copy shop: €1–3 for a custom-size print
- Savings: €4–15 per application using DIY approach
Need a Schengen visa photo for Spain?
This tool is for Spanish domestic documents (passport, DNI, TIE) which use 26×32mm format. Schengen visa applications for Spain require a different 35×45mm format. Use the Spain Visa Photo tool for visa applications. The two formats are NOT interchangeable.
Official Spanish Government Resources
- DNI Appointment Booking – Cita Previa Book appointment for DNI and passport at Policía Nacional
- DNI Electronic – Policía Nacional Official DNI information from Spanish National Police (English)
- TIE Application – Sede Electrónica Book TIE appointment and download EX-17 form
- Passport and DNI Fees – Policía Nacional Current fees and requirements for Spanish identity documents
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (70–80% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 26×32 mm (width × height)
- Resolution
- 614×756 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 70–80% of frame (22–26mm)
- Background
- Plain white, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses
- Not allowed (medical exemption only)
- Photos Required
- 2–3 identical photos per application
- Digital Format
- JPEG, max 240KB
- Valid For
- Passport, DNI, TIE, NIE card
Best Practices
- Spain uses 26×32mm—smaller than EU standard. Many websites incorrectly show 30×40mm or 35×45mm
- Glasses are NOT allowed in Spanish ID photos since 2020—remove them before photographing
- Same 26×32mm photo works for passport, DNI, and TIE applications
- Schengen visa photos are a DIFFERENT size (35×45mm)—do not mix them up
- Pure white background required—no grey, cream, or off-white
- JPEG max 240KB for digital submissions—tool auto-compresses if needed
- Face must fill 70–80% of frame—larger coverage than most European countries
- Print extra copies—passport needs 2, TIE may need 3
- Fotomatón kiosks near metro stations are the cheapest option in Spain (€4–8)
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Spanish passport photos?
Spanish passport photos are 26×32mm (2.6×3.2cm). This is a unique Spanish format—smaller than the EU standard 35×45mm. Many websites incorrectly list 30×40mm which is wrong and will be rejected. Always verify: 26mm wide, 32mm tall.
Can I use the same photo for passport, DNI, and TIE?
Yes. Spanish passport, DNI, and TIE all use identical 26×32mm specifications with white background. One photo works for all three if taken within 6 months.
Can I use EU 35×45mm photos for a Spanish passport?
No. Spain uses its own 26×32mm format. EU standard 35×45mm photos will be rejected. Similarly, 30×40mm (commonly shown on competitor websites) does not match any official Spanish document specification.
Can I wear glasses in Spanish passport photos?
No. Spain banned glasses in passport and ID photos. You must remove all glasses. The only exception is a documented medical condition with a signed doctor's statement. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted.
What background for Spanish passport photos?
Pure white background only. Spain does not accept light grey, cream, or off-white. Ensure no shadows on the background—use even lighting from the front.
What is a TIE and what photos does it need?
TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the foreign resident identity card for non-EU citizens in Spain. It uses the same 26×32mm photo format as Spanish passports and DNI. Required for stays over 6 months—digital nomad visa, student visa, work visa, and family reunification all need TIE.
How many photos do I need?
Passport applications require 2 identical photos. TIE applications require 1–3 depending on the office. DNI requires 1–2. Print extras—photo kiosks and this tool generate multiple copies per sheet.
What is the digital file size limit?
JPEG format, maximum 240KB. This tool auto-compresses to meet the limit. If manual compression needed, use 85–90% JPEG quality.
Where can I print 26×32mm photos in Spain?
Fotomatón kiosks in metro stations and shopping centres (€4–8), foto carnet shops near police stations (€8–15), or print at home on photo paper. Specify '26×32mm foto carnet' when ordering at print shops.
Is this the same as a Schengen visa photo?
No. Spanish domestic documents (passport, DNI, TIE) use 26×32mm. Schengen visa applications use 35×45mm. They are completely different sizes and not interchangeable. Use the correct tool for each.