Spain Schengen visa photo requirements
Spain issues short-stay Schengen visas under the common EU rules: a 35 x 45 mm photo (35–40 mm wide) with the face taking up 70–80% of the photo on a plain light-coloured background. Consulates may add local requirements.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 70–80% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | plain light-coloured |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing allowed | No — crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-09-28 |
Official source: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu
How to take your Spain Schengen visa photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain light-coloured wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- Can I take my Spain visa photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: plain light-coloured. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/5bb16566-c8c2-4afb-b038-530f488cb72a_en?filename=icao_photograph_guidelines_en.pdf. Last verified: 2026-09-28.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.