Spanish Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Official Rules

The following specifications apply to Spanish passport and DNI applications at Comisarías de Policía Nacional and authorised Oficinas de Expedición across Spain.

• Size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (ICAO standard). Both shoulders should be visible.
• Background: Plain white, uniform with no patterns, gradients, shadows, or objects.
• Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown (including hair).
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted. Spain follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric photos. Clear contact lenses are acceptable.
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months, reflecting your current appearance.
• Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Head coverings: Not permitted unless worn for verified religious reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible.
• Print quality: Photographic print quality, minimum 300 DPI. No digital filters or retouching.

The Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) uses the same photo specifications as the passport. The modern DNI 3.0 (DNIe) contains a biometric chip identical in function to an e-passport, which is why ICAO-compliant photos are required for both documents. A single compliant photo taken within the last 6 months can be used for both the passport and DNI renewal simultaneously.

The DNI is valid for EU travel. Spanish citizens under 30 and over 70 receive a 5-year DNI. Adults between 30 and 70 receive a 10-year DNI. A new photo is required at each renewal.

Foreign nationals in Spain who need a NIE (tax and legal identification number) must provide a passport-style photo with their application. The photo requirements are the same as for the Spanish passport:

• 35×45 mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses
• Taken within 6 months
• Full colour, photographic print quality

NIE applications are processed at a Comisaría de Policía Nacional with an EU/NIE section, or at a Spanish consulate abroad. Book a cita previa (appointment) at policia.es. Bring one or two printed passport photos — confirm the exact number required with your specific office when booking.

Empadronamiento — registration on the municipal census (padrón municipal) at your local Ayuntamiento (town hall) — does not itself require a passport photo. Documents typically required for empadronamiento are:

• Valid identity document (passport, NIE card, or DNI)
• Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or property deed)
• Completed empadronamiento form

However, if you are simultaneously applying for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the physical residence card) or renewing your NIE at a police office, you will need to bring passport photos for that separate process.

Passport and DNI applications in Spain require a prior appointment (cita previa). Book your appointment online at:

• policia.es — official portal for passport and DNI cita previa, NIE and TIE applications
• Select “Expedición de Pasaporte” for a new passport or “Renovación de Pasaporte” for renewal
• Select “Renovación del DNI” for DNI renewal

At the appointment, bring two printed 35×45 mm passport photos, your current identity document, and proof of payment of the applicable fee. Appointment availability varies by city — book as early as possible, especially during summer months.