Spain Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to spain passport photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.
Spanish passport photos must be 35x45mm with a plain white background, while the separate DNI (national identity card) uses a smaller 32x26mm format. Since 2020, glasses are no longer permitted in passport photos, and the face must occupy 70-80% of the vertical frame. Digital submissions require 600x750 pixels at 300 DPI in JPEG format, with file sizes between 50 KB and 5 MB, and must comply with the ICAO 9303 biometric standard. These specifications are enforced by the Policia Nacional, which processes both passport and DNI applications across Spain. PassportPic formats your photo to Policia Nacional standards automatically, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 35mm x 45mm |
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 750 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | White |
| Head Size | 70-80% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 50 KB - 5 MB |
| Document Type | Passport |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed, facing forward
Glasses
Not allowed since 2020
Head Covering
Not allowed unless for religious reasons
Additional Requirements
- Passport photos use standard 35x45mm format
- DNI (national ID) uses 32x26mm format
- Must comply with ICAO 9303 standard
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- White uniform background with no shadows
- Face must occupy 70-80% of the frame vertically
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be white — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 70-80% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for Spain Passport photos: not allowed since 2020. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression, mouth closed, facing forward. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 35mm x 45mm; digital submissions need 600x750 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
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Last updated
2026-01-10