Spain Visa Photo Requirements (Size & Specification)

A perfect visa photo is essential for a successful Spain (Schengen) visa application. If your photo doesn’t meet the official requirements, it could lead to delays, or even rejection of your application.

To make things easier, we’ve created the Atlys Spain Visa Photo Maker. This tool automatically adjusts your photo’s size, background, and format to match the official Spain (Schengen) visa guidelines, saving you time, stress, and effort.

To help you get started, we’ve outlined the official Spain visa photo specifications below.

Spain Visa Photo Requirements

Here are the official photo specifications for a Spanish visa:

Size: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.38 inches x 1.77 inches)
File Size: Typically under 120 KB
Colour: Colored photos are required
Background: Plain white or light-colored background
Face Position: Full face, front view, eyes open, and clearly visible
Head Coverage: The Head should take up about 70–80% of the photo
Recent Photo: Taken within the last 6 months
Photo Quality: High resolution, clear, sharp, and well-lit
Head Coverings: Not allowed, except for religious or cultural reasons
Expression: Neutral expression—no smiling, frowning, or showing teeth

Note: Atlys visa photo tool takes care of all the above specifications automatically to make your application process smooth. Atlys ensures your photo is perfect for submission, even for minors.

Here’s a more detailed explanation for each requirement related to the passport photo for the Spain visa:

Spain Visa Photo Size:

The Spain visa photo size must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in height (1.38 x 1.77 inches, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm in cms). Width of face shall be between 16 mm and 20 mm from ear to ear.

To ensure accurate facial recognition and verification, the face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown (not top of the hair), as well as left and right sides of the face should occupy 70% to 80% of the total photograph.

Note: Photos will be rejected if face measures less than 27 mm or more than 40 mm..

Face Size & Positioning:

Your face should cover approximately 70–80% of the photo, translating to about 32–36mm from the chin to the crown. Your head must be centred, and your eyes should be aligned horizontally, positioned around 60–70% up from the bottom edge of the photo. This alignment is crucial for proper biometric recognition.

Resolution

Photo resolution should be 400 dpi, so, when the image is scanned or uploaded, check this parameter carefully. However, the higher the resolution, the bigger the picture. The photo must be in sharp focus, clear, undamaged and of high quality with no ink marks or creases

Format

For online Spain visa applications, the digital photo must be in JPG or JPEG format and should not exceed 120 KB in file size.

Submitting files in unsupported formats such as BMP, TIFF, GIF, or PDF may result in application rejection. Photos can be black or white or color.

Photograph quality

The photo must be printed on high quality paper with a resolution of atleast 600 dpi [if clicked on digital camera]. The color photograph must have proper color balance (approriate brightness and contrast) and show natural skin tone.

The photograph must show only the applicant [no other persons or objects in the photograph].

Note: Digital camera photographs must be high-quality, in color, and printed on photo-quality paper preferably not glossy

Background

Photo background must be plain and light so that facial features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.

In the case of light coloured hair, a medium grey background is suitable and in the case of dark hair, light grey background is suitable. The background should not be patterned.

And shadows on the background is not acceptable.The Spain visa photo must not have any borders or extra margins. A clean, borderless image ensures it meets official formatting requirements and is suitable for biometric processing.

Recent Photo:

The photo must be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. If there have been any noticeable changes, such as a drastic haircut or significant alteration to facial hair, a new photo may be required to avoid delays or issues with identification.

Style and Lighting

Photographs must be taken with even lighting. Shadows, reflections and red-eye are not acceptable. The eyes in the photograph should be open and clearly visible. No hair across the face or eyes. Eyes must be in the upper half of the photograph (minimum distance between the center of the two eyes: 8mm)

Expressions and Frame

You should show your face square on to the camera, no portrait style (not looking over ones shoulder) or tilted and showing both edges of face clearly. The facial expression must be neutral, mouth closed and looking directly at the camera.

Glasses:

If you wear glasses for medical reasons, you must show your eyes clearly no reflections and no tinted lenses They should not create glare or obscure the eyes, as reflections can interfere with biometric accuracy. The edge of glasses or lenses should not cover any part of the eyes

Head Covers

Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons. They must be plain, pattern-free, and not obscure any facial features. The full face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, must be visible, including the edges. Shadows on the face are not acceptable

Spain Visa Photo Requirements for Minors

When submitting a visa photo for a child, especially infants and toddlers, there are specific guidelines you must follow to meet Spain’s visa photo requirements:

For children under 9, the face should take up to 50-80% of the photograph.
The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (not hair)should measure between 22mm and 36mm
Children under age 5 do not need to have neutral expressions or look directly into the camera, and their heads don’t have to be centred in the photo
Children under 1 do not need to have their eyes open.
The frame should not show hands, toys, a chair or other people—only the child.
Ensure the child's face is clear and facing forward.

Please note: If the child or baby needs support, the support must not be visible in the photo. The supporting hand can be hidden under the child’s clothing

Following these guidelines helps ensure the child’s photo is accepted by Spanish authorities and used correctly for identification.

How to use the Spain visa photo maker tool?

Applying for a Spanish visa? Make sure your photo meets all the official requirements with this easy-to-use and reliable tool:

Upload Your Photo

Choose a photo from your device (JPEG, JPG, or PNG format). You can also take a new selfie on the spot if needed.

Adjust & Resize

Click ‘Transform’ and let the tool automatically resize, crop, and adjust your photo to match the official Spain visa photo guidelines.

Download & Use

Once your photo is ready, download the Spain visa-compliant version and include it with your visa application. It’s quick, easy, and accurate.

Note: You can also apply for your Spain visa through Atlys in just a few simple steps.

Do’s & Don’ts of Spain Visa Photo

To avoid delays or rejection of your Spain (Schengen) visa application, make sure your photo follows the official guidelines. Here's a helpful list of what to do, and what to avoid:

Do’s:

Use even, natural lighting with no shadows, glare, or reflections.
Ensure the photo is recent (taken within the last 6 months).
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your eyes open and mouth closed.
Make sure the photo is sharp, clear, and in focus for accurate identification.
Keep your hair away from your face so all facial features are visible, including the edges.
Use a plain white or light-colored background that contrasts well with your face.
Head coverings for religious or medical reasons are allowed, but they must be plain and must not obscure any facial features.

Don’ts:

Do not use blurry, low-resolution, damaged, or creased photos.
Do not let hair cover your eyes, forehead, or cheeks.
Avoid photos with red-eye, or those that have been digitally edited or filtered.
Do not allow shadows on your face or in the background.
Avoid smiling, frowning, or showing teeth. Keep a calm, neutral expression.

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