Spanish Passport Photo Guide

When applying for or renewing your Spanish passport, submitting a compliant passport photo is essential. The photo you provide is more than just an image, it is a key part of your official identification and must meet the strict requirements set by Spanish authorities. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Spain passport photo standards, including dimensions, background, pose, appearance, quality, common mistakes, and practical tips to ensure your photo is accepted the first time.

Essential Requirements

Here’s a quick overview of the core specifications you must satisfy:

• Size of photo: 30 mm x 40 mm
• Size of face in photo: Face height (chin to crown) should be approximately 70–80% of the photo height
• Age of photo: Taken within the last 6 months
• Background: Plain white, uniform and shadow-free
• Quality: High-resolution color photo, sharp focus, natural skin tones, no blur or pixelation
• Expression / pose: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, head straight and centered
• Accessories: No glasses, hats, or head coverings (religious exceptions apply), minimal jewelry only

Detail Breakdown

Photo size & face size

The passport photo must measure 30 mm wide by 40 mm high. Any deviation from this exact size may lead to rejection.
Your face should occupy approximately 70–80% of the total photo height, ensuring clear visibility of facial features.
Tip: Keep shoulders visible and avoid excessive headroom above the crown.

Background & lighting

A plain white background is mandatory for Spanish passport photos. The background must be even in color, with no textures, patterns, or shadows.
Lighting should be balanced and soft, illuminating the face evenly without glare or harsh shadows.
Tip: Stand slightly away from the background and use front-facing light to avoid shadows behind the head.

Pose, expression & appearance

Face the camera directly with your head upright and centered. Tilting or turning the head may result in rejection.
Eyes must be open and fully visible; mouth closed with a neutral expression (no smile, no visible teeth).
Hair must be neatly arranged and should not cover the eyes, eyebrows, or face contours.
Tip: Avoid shiny makeup or heavy contouring that can alter natural facial features.

Accessories, head coverings & glasses

• Glasses: Not permitted, even if worn daily
• Head coverings: Allowed only for religious reasons, and the full face (from chin to forehead) must remain visible
• Jewelry & piercings: Acceptable only if they do not obscure facial features or cause reflections

Print quality / digital requirements

Photos must be in true color, high resolution, and free from filters, retouching, or facial enhancement.
For printed photos, professional-quality printing is recommended to ensure sharp detail and accurate color reproduction.
Tip: Do not digitally alter facial features, skin texture, or proportions—photos must reflect your current appearance.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Some of the most frequent reasons Spanish passport photos are rejected include:

• Incorrect photo size (not 30 × 40 mm)
• Shadowed or off-white background
• Smiling or non-neutral expression
• Wearing glasses or head coverings without exemption
• Hair covering eyes or eyebrows
• Low image quality or digital retouching

Reviewing your photo carefully before submission can save time and avoid reapplication delays.