Spain Passport Photo Size (35×45mm)

Spanish Passport & Visa Photo Maker

Create perfect 35×45mm fotos carnet for Spanish passport, DNI, NIE, and all government documents. Free, instant, and fully compliant! 🌞

Last updated: February 2026 | By Prabir Sarkar

Spain Passport Photo Requirements (2026)

Whether you're a Spanish citizen applying for a new pasaporte or a visitor needing a Schengen visa, you'll need photos that meet Spain's strict requirements. 🇪🇸

Spanish passport photos follow the standard European 35×45mm format, known as "foto carnet" in Spain. Our free tool ensures your photos are perfect for any Spanish government document!

Official Photo Specifications (Foto Carnet)

Photo Dimensions	35mm × 45mm
Digital Size	413 × 531 pixels (300 DPI)
Background	Plain white
Head Size	32-36mm (chin to crown)
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed
Glasses	Not allowed
Photo Age	Within last 6 months

Photos for Spanish Documents

Pasaporte Español

Spanish passport - valid for 5-10 years.

Create Now → Full Guide →

DNI (ID Card)

Spanish National Identity Document.

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NIE (Foreigners ID)

Número de Identidad de Extranjero for non-Spanish residents.

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Schengen Visa

For non-EU citizens visiting Spain.

Schengen Guide → Full Guide →

Special Spanish Requirements

No Glasses Since 2020!

Following EU regulations, Spain does not allow glasses in passport or ID photos. This applies to all glasses, including clear prescription lenses. The rule helps biometric recognition systems work more accurately.

Digital NIE Applications

Spain now offers digital NIE applications through the Extranjería online system. While physical photos were traditionally required, digital applications may accept digital photo uploads meeting the same specifications!

FAQs - Spanish Photo Requirements

What size is a Spanish passport photo?

Spanish passport photos must be 35mm × 45mm - the standard European "foto carnet" format. This is the same size used for DNI, NIE, and all official Spanish documents.

How many photos do I need for a Spanish passport?

You need 2 identical photos for a Spanish passport application. For NIE applications, typically 1-2 photos are required depending on the office.

Where can I apply for a Spanish passport?

Spanish citizens can apply at Comisarías de Policía Nacional in Spain, or at Spanish consulates abroad. Appointments can be booked through cita previa systems.

What's the difference between DNI and NIE?

DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is for Spanish citizens. NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is for foreigners - both EU and non-EU residents living or doing business in Spain. Both require the same photo format.

Spain Passport Photo Guide — Policía Nacional Requirements

30 for a Passport — Europe's Best Deal

Spain has one of the cheapest passport fees in the European Union: just €30. For comparison, the UK charges £82.50, Italy costs €116, and Germany charges €70. The Spanish Policía Nacional handles all passport issuance, and applications are processed at comisarías (police stations) across the country. Despite the low price, the photo standards are the same strict EU/ICAO biometric specifications as everywhere else in the Schengen zone.

The specs: 35×45mm, white background, face height 32-36mm from chin to top of head. Neutral expression with mouth closed — the Spanish police are particularly firm about this. No sunglasses, no tinted lenses, and while prescription glasses are technically allowed, the Policía Nacional recommends removing them to avoid glare issues. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

Where to Apply

Comisaría de Policía Nacional, Madrid — Calle de los Madrazo 9. The central Madrid office for passport applications.
Comisaría Barcelona — Rambla de Guipúscoa 74, 08020 Barcelona
Comisaría Valencia — Gran Vía de Ramón y Cajal 40, 46007 Valencia
Comisaría Sevilla — Plaza de España, Pabellón de Perú, 41013 Sevilla
Consulado de España en Nueva York — 150 East 58th Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10155
Consulado de España en Miami — 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 203, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Appointments are mandatory and booked through the Sede Electrónica de la Policía Nacional. Competition for slots is fierce in major cities — book weeks in advance during summer.

Rejection Triggers at the Comisaría

Face measurement outside 32-36mm — Spanish officers use a template to check this at the counter. No flexibility on the range.
Mouth not fully closed — Even slightly parted lips or visible teeth edges. The officer will ask for a new photo immediately.
Background with any tint — Must be white. Not off-white, not cream, not pale grey. In Spain, the term is "fondo blanco liso" — plain white background.
Photo from a photomatón (booth) with wrong settings — Spain has automated photo booths in metro stations and shopping centers. If the booth doesn't have a specific "pasaporte" or "DNI" mode, the sizing might be wrong.
Same photo as on DNI — While the size is the same (35×45mm), reusing a photo from your national ID card application is not allowed if it was taken more than 6 months ago.

Speed and Processing

Once your appointment goes smoothly, the Spanish passport is typically ready within 1-5 working days. Major city comisarías sometimes offer same-day collection for morning appointments. For Spanish citizens abroad, consular applications cost approximately €30-50 plus local handling fees, with processing of 4-8 weeks. The Spanish passport provides visa-free access to over 190 countries.