Spain uses a unique passport photo size: the official specification is 26 × 32 mm (2.6 × 3.2 cm), which is significantly smaller than the 35×45mm standard used by most European countries. At 300 DPI, this translates to 307 × 378 pixels.
In practice, 30 × 40 mm photos are also widely accepted — this is the standard "carné" size produced by most photo booths in Spain. Both formats are valid at the comisaría when applying for a passport.
Important distinction: A Spanish passport photo and a Schengen visa photo are not the same size. Schengen visas require the standard 35×45mm format. If you need both, you need two different photos.
Exact Spanish Passport Photo Dimensions
| Format | Official (26×32mm) | Also accepted (30×40mm) |
|---|---|---|
| MM | 26 × 32mm | 30 × 40mm |
| Inches | 1.02 × 1.26″ | 1.18 × 1.57″ |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 307 × 378px | 354 × 472px |
The official 26×32mm is the size specified by the Policía Nacional. The 30×40mm format is the size produced by automated photo booths and most photo studios in Spain, and is widely accepted.
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Head Height Requirements for Spanish Passport Photos
The Policía Nacional specifies:
- Head height: 63–78% of the image vertically (chin to top of head)
- In print terms (26×32mm): approximately 20–25mm from chin to crown
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
- Centering: Head centered horizontally
This is a tighter range than the ICAO standard of 60–80% used by most countries. The small frame size means even 1–2mm of positioning error can push you outside the acceptable range.
Spanish Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Head height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain (official) | 26×32mm | 63–78% | Smallest in EU |
| Spain (accepted) | 30×40mm | — | Photo booth standard |
| France / Germany | 35×45mm | 60–80% | Schengen standard |
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | Square |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | Square |
Spain has the smallest passport photo format among EU countries. A photo sized for France or Germany will be too large for a Spanish passport application.
Schengen Visa vs Spanish Passport Photo Size
This is the most common point of confusion:
- Spanish passport: 26×32mm (or 30×40mm)
- Schengen visa (for any country): 35×45mm
If you are a Spanish citizen applying for a passport, use the Spanish size (26×32mm or 30×40mm). If you are applying for a Schengen visa to visit Spain (or any Schengen country), use 35×45mm. These are different documents with different photo requirements.
This also means a photo taken for a French, German, or Italian passport (all 35×45mm) is too large for a Spanish passport — even though all four countries are in the EU. Spain is the only EU member state that uses its own smaller format rather than the standard Schengen dimensions.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Spanish Passport Photos
- Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. This is enforced at the comisaría.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face or forehead.
- Head coverings: Only for religious reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible.
The small frame size (26×32mm) means the face occupies almost the entire photo. Any deviation in expression, hair coverage, or head angle is more visible than on a larger format.
Common Spanish Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Using the Schengen 35×45mm format. The most common error for residents of Spain who aren't familiar with the carné size. The 35×45mm photo is too large for a Spanish passport application — it won't fit the designated space on the form.
Confusing passport and visa sizes. A Schengen visa requires 35×45mm, but a Spanish passport requires 26×32mm (or 30×40mm). If you're applying for both (e.g., a Spanish passport and a visa for a non-Schengen country), you need two different photo sizes.
Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted. Remove all eyewear before the photo is taken — this includes prescription glasses, not just sunglasses.
Using a US or Indian photo. The US uses 51×51mm and India uses 35×35mm. Neither is anywhere close to Spain's 26×32mm format.
Face too small in the frame. On a 32mm frame, even 1-2mm of positioning error can push you outside the 63-78% range. If your face fills less than 63% of the frame height (about 20mm from chin to crown), the photo will be rejected. Position yourself closer to the camera than you would for a standard European photo.
Where to Get Correctly Sized Spanish Passport Photos
Photo booths (fotomatón). Available in metro stations, shopping centres, RENFE train stations, and near government offices throughout Spain. These machines produce the standard 30×40mm carné format, which is accepted for Spanish passports. Cost is typically €5-8 for a set of photos.
Photo studios (fotografías). Professional photographers in most Spanish cities offer "fotos de carné" services. Specify "para pasaporte" to ensure the correct format. Prices range from €8-15. Studios near comisarías (police stations where passport applications are processed) handle passport photos daily.
Online services and DIY. If photographing yourself, the target is 307×378 pixels at 300 DPI (or 354×472 for the 30×40mm format). Stand against a white wall in good natural light. The small frame makes proper centering critical — use a tripod at eye level about 1.2 metres away.
Outside Spain: Most international photo services don't stock the 26×32mm or 30×40mm format. You'll need to specify dimensions explicitly. Provide the exact pixel dimensions (307×378) and DPI (300) if the studio doesn't have the size pre-configured.
Spanish Passport Photo Digital Submission Requirements
Spain's online passport application system accepts digital photo uploads:
- JPEG format, 307×378 pixels minimum at 300 DPI (or 354×472 for 30×40mm)
- White background, no shadows
- The system checks dimensions and face positioning before accepting the upload
- For cita previa (appointment) applications, you upload the photo during the online booking process
For in-person applications at the comisaría, bring printed copies on photo paper. Prints must be exactly 26×32mm or 30×40mm.
Spanish Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Children's Spanish passport photos follow the same size and head height requirements. The small frame makes children's photos particularly challenging.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. The 63-78% head coverage on a 32mm frame means the baby's face must measure approximately 20-25mm from chin to crown — very precise positioning is required.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centered. The small frame size amplifies any head tilt or off-centre positioning. Studios near comisarías handle children's photos regularly.
All children under 5: Spanish children's passports for children under 5 are valid for only 2 years. Children aged 5-30 get 5-year passports. This means very frequent photo requirements for young children.
Verifying Your Spanish Passport Photo Size
Use our passport photo checker to validate your photo against Spanish passport requirements. Pay particular attention to the dimensions — Spain's unique size means photos from other countries are almost never compatible.
For background colour requirements, see our guide to Spain passport photo background. View all Spanish passport specifications on the Spain passport photo hub.
