Quantity
One photo
General Ministry checklist
Reviewed against Spanish government sources on 17 July 2026
Spain visa photo requirements
One recent colour ID photo; 35 × 45 mm is common, but local rules control
Spain's general rule asks for a recent, front-facing colour photo on a light background. Exact size, background colour, and capture method can change with the consulate, visa centre, and visa category.
Framing illustration only. Your filing-location checklist controls.
Do not assume every Spain visa photo is 35 × 45 mm. That size is common for Schengen applications, but current Spanish mission documents also publish 40 × 50 mm and 30 × 40 mm in published documents for particular locations or routes.
Official quick answer
What the Spanish Ministry publishes nationally
Recency
Recent
Some local lists specify six months
Pose
Front-facing
Facial oval fully visible
Background
Light-coloured
Local lists may require white
The Ministry's general Schengen page does not publish one universal pixel size, DPI, JPEG limit, or physical dimensions. It also notes that a facial image and fingerprints are collected during the application process, subject to the biometric exemptions.
Filing-location differences
Why Spain visa photo size answers conflict
| Official or authorised source | Published instruction | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Spain MFA general page | One recent ID-size photo; light background | National baseline; no exact mm value |
| Spain Embassy Tokyo | Approximately 35 × 45 mm; white background | Use for that published Schengen route |
| Spain Embassy La Paz | 40 × 50 mm for the cited short-stay list | Shows why the filing location matters |
| Spain Embassy La Paz study route | 30 × 40 mm in the cited study checklist | Visa category can also change the size |
Appearance checklist
Keep the photo natural and unobstructed
Use a recent colour photo that still reflects your current appearance.
Face the camera directly and keep the head straight.
Keep the full facial oval visible, with no clothing or hair obscuring it.
Avoid dark glasses, lens reflections, and glare over the eyes.
Use a plain light background; use white when the local checklist says white.
For a child, no part of the supporting adult may appear in the image.
Spain alteration note
The Spanish Embassy in La Paz states that computer-retouched photos are not accepted. The Ministry's Toronto route also requires the photo to be taken by a commercial or studio photographer. PassPhoto can still prepare the background and crop, but the result may be rejected under those rules. It never changes the face or identity; check your filing location before using the edited file.
FAQ
Spain visa photo questions
What size is a Spain visa photo?
There is no single numerical size published across every Spanish mission and visa route. The Tokyo Embassy and BLS India publish approximately 35 x 45 mm for Schengen applications, while a current La Paz Schengen checklist asks for 40 x 50 mm. Follow the checklist for the place where you file.
Is 35 x 45 mm accepted for a Spain Schengen visa?
35 x 45 mm is a common Spain Schengen format and appears in official Tokyo guidance and BLS India guidance. It should not override a different size printed on your consulate or visa-centre checklist.
How many photos are required for a Spain visa?
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs general Schengen and national visa pages normally ask for one recent colour ID photo. Some service-provider or local checklists may ask for a different quantity, so use the list generated for your filing location and visa category.
What background is required for a Spain visa photo?
The Ministry general rule says a light-coloured background. Several local checklists, including Tokyo, La Paz, and BLS India, specifically say white. Use the more specific background named by your filing location.
Can PassPhoto replace the background with AI?
PassPhoto can replace the background, but a current Spanish Embassy La Paz checklist says computer-retouched photos are not accepted and Toronto requires a commercial or studio photographer. The maker displays this note so you can decide whether the edited file fits your filing route.
Does Spain publish a universal pixel size or file limit?
No universal Spain visa pixel dimensions, DPI, JPEG limit, or maximum file size appears in the general Ministry guidance. Use digital dimensions or a file-size limit only when your official application portal explicitly requests them.
Can I wear glasses in a Spain visa photo?
The general rule prohibits dark glasses and reflections and requires the facial oval to remain visible. Some local checklists are stricter and say no glasses. Follow the stricter instruction shown for your filing location.
Does PassPhoto guarantee that Spain will accept my photo?
No. PassPhoto compares published requirements and filing-country differences. The Spanish consulate or authorised visa centre decides whether the submitted photo and application are acceptable.