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The Challenge
Spain Schengen visa uses standard 35×45mm format—completely different from Spain's domestic 26×32mm passport/DNI format. Using the wrong size means automatic rejection. Many websites incorrectly show 30×40mm which doesn't match either format.
Spain visa photo is DIFFERENT from Spain passport photo
- Visa: 35×45mm (Schengen standard format)
- Passport/DNI/TIE: 26×32mm (unique Spanish domestic format)
- Cannot use passport photos for visa applications—dimensions don't match
- Many websites show 30×40mm which is wrong for BOTH documents
Spain Schengen visa photo requirements
Spain Schengen visa applications follow standard EU/Schengen photo specifications: 35×45mm, white background, head height 32–36mm occupying 70–80% of frame. This applies to all visa categories: Type C short-stay tourist visas, work visas, student visas, family reunification visas, and airport transit visas. Two identical printed colour photos must be submitted with the application form. Schengen visa applications cannot be submitted online—photos must be printed on high-quality photo paper, ideally using dye sublimation. Home inkjet printing is not recommended by Spanish authorities.
Spain visa photo requirements – will your application be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions (NOT 26×32mm passport format)
- Head height 32–36mm from chin to crown (70–80% of frame)
- Plain white background with no shadows or patterns
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and in upper half of photo (minimum 8mm between eye centres)
- No glasses (medical exemption only—no glare or shadows)
- No headgear unless religious or medical with documentation
- Colour photo—black and white not accepted
- At least 600 DPI, sharp focus, no pixelation
- Printed on high-quality photo paper (dye sublimation preferred)
- No borders, frames, or decorative elements
- Face and top of shoulders visible
Common visa photo rejection reasons
- Using 26×32mm Spanish passport format instead of 35×45mm
- Head smaller than 32mm or larger than 36mm
- Printed on regular paper or home inkjet (low quality)
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo stapled to application form (must be attached properly)
- Wearing glasses
- Eyes not in upper half of photo
- Low resolution or blurry focus
- Photo older than 6 months
- Black and white instead of colour
How to print Spain visa photos
- Spanish authorities recommend dye sublimation printing over home inkjet printers.
- Best option: Print at photo shop, print kiosk, or one-hour photo service.
- If printing at home: Use highest quality photo paper, maximum print quality setting.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cut precisely to 35×45mm along grey guide lines.
- Verify size with ruler before submitting.
- Attach to application form—do not staple through the photo.
Schengen visa types accepting this photo format
All Schengen visa applications for Spain use the 35×45mm format: Type C short-stay visa (tourism, business, up to 90 days in 180-day period), work visas, student visas, family reunification visas, transit visas, and medical treatment visas. The Schengen visa covers travel to all 27 Schengen countries, not just Spain. Two identical photos required per application. Currently, Schengen visa applications must be submitted in person—online applications are not available.
Spain visa photo vs passport photo
Taking visa photos of babies and children
- Each child needs their own visa and own photos—even infants.
- Lay baby on plain white sheet on floor. Photograph from above.
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and 32–36mm head height apply.
- Natural light preferred—avoid flash creating shadows.
- Infants: slightly relaxed expression acceptable.
- No other person, hands, toys, or objects visible in photo.
- Take multiple shots—10–20 attempts normal for young children.
Cost comparison for visa photos
- Professional photo studio: €8–15 for visa photo set
- Fotomatón kiosk (check format availability): €4–8
- One-hour photo service: €6–12
- This tool: Free—print at photo shop for €1–3
- Note: Spanish authorities discourage home inkjet printing for visa photos
- Best value: Download from this tool, print at professional print service
Need a Spanish passport, DNI, or TIE photo?
This tool is for Schengen visa applications (35×45mm). Spanish passports, DNI (national ID), and TIE (foreigner ID) all use a different 26×32mm format. Use the Spain Passport & DNI Photo tool for domestic documents. The formats are NOT interchangeable.
Official Spanish Government Resources
- Consular Services – Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official consular services portal including visa types and requirements
- Spanish Consulate Los Angeles – Schengen Visa Example consulate Schengen visa page with detailed requirements
- BLS International – Spain Visa Application Centres Visa application centres for many countries
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (Schengen standard)
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32–36 mm (71–80% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white, no shadows
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Photos Required
- 2 identical colour photos
- Paper Type
- High-quality photo paper (dye sublimation recommended)
- Valid For
- Schengen tourist visa, work visa, student visa, transit visa
Best Practices
- Spain visa is 35×45mm—completely different from 26×32mm passport/DNI format
- Many websites incorrectly show 30×40mm—this is wrong for ALL Spanish documents
- Spanish authorities recommend professional printing, not home inkjet
- Head height must be 32–36mm—use crop guidelines to position correctly
- Eyes must be in the upper half of the photo with minimum 8mm between centres
- Do not staple photos to application form—attach properly
- Same photo works for all Schengen visa types (tourist, work, student, transit)
- Schengen visa photos must be printed—no online submission currently available
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Spain Schengen visa photo?
35×45mm—the standard Schengen format. This is different from Spanish passport/DNI photos which are 26×32mm. Many websites incorrectly list 30×40mm which is wrong for both.
Can I use my Spanish passport photo for a visa application?
No. Spanish passport photos are 26×32mm, visa photos are 35×45mm. They are completely different dimensions and not interchangeable.
Can I print visa photos at home?
Spanish authorities recommend against home inkjet printing for visa photos. They prefer dye sublimation or professional photo printing on high-quality paper. Download from this tool and print at a photo shop or one-hour service for best results.
How many photos for a Spain visa?
Two identical colour photos required per application. Print extras in case of damage or additional requirements.
Can I apply for a Schengen visa online?
No. Schengen visa applications for Spain must currently be submitted in person with printed photos. Online visa applications are not available for Schengen visas.
Can I wear glasses in Spain visa photos?
No. Glasses are not permitted. Medical exemption requires a signed doctor's statement. Even with exemption: no tinted lenses, no glare, eyes fully visible.
Does this visa photo work for all Schengen countries?
Yes. The 35×45mm format is the standard Schengen specification. A Spain visa photo works for any Schengen country visa application.
What background for Spain visa photos?
Plain white background only. No shadows, patterns, or textures. Ensure sufficient contrast between your face and the background.