51×51 mm Rules checked Oct 17, 2026 Spanish passport photo: size, rules and free sizer
A Spanish passport photo is 51 × 51 mm, printed. Plain white, no shadows. Glasses are allowed if there is no glare. Taken within the last 6 months. Size yours free with PassportOwl; we don't guarantee this Spain document yet.
- Cropped to the official 51×51 mm and checked against the rules
- Free download, no payment
- Not guaranteed yet: join the waitlist below for the guaranteed version
Top of head Chin Spanish passport photo requirements
From the official source. We check each one on your photo.
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white, no shadows |
| Colour, on matte or glossy photo paper | |
| Glasses | Allowed if there is no glare |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Head covering | Bare head |
| Taken | In the last 6 months |
Rules to know
- One colour photo, US passport size (2x2 in)
- Cut to size, not glued
- Clear lenses only, no glare; thick frames not accepted
- The consulate does not take photos
Source: Passport checklist - Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles , Passport checklist (January 2025) - Consulate General of Spain in Miami , Normativa fotografías pasaporte - Consulado General de España en Düsseldorf . Checked Oct 17, 2026. PassportOwl is not affiliated with any government.
How to take a Spanish passport photo at home
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Find a plain wall
The background rule is: plain white, no shadows. Stand a step or two in front of the wall, not against it, so your shadow does not fall on it.
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Use soft, even light
Face a window in daylight or a soft lamp, so both sides of your face are lit the same. Avoid light from above or behind you, which makes shadows on the face.
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Hold the camera at eye level
Hold the phone straight, at eye level and about an arm’s length away, or ask someone to take it. The owl guide on screen tells you when your head is straight, centred and the right size.
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Keep a neutral face
Look straight at the camera with your mouth closed and both eyes open. Do not smile. Glasses are allowed, but tilt them slightly or move the light if you see a reflection in the lenses. Head coverings: bare head.
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Size it free
We crop the photo to 51×51 mm, free. We do not guarantee this document yet, so compare it with the official rules before you use it.
Good and bad photo examples
20 common reasons a Spanish passport photo gets rejected. Tap any example to see why.
A good photo
Sharp and in color, with even light and no shadows. The head is straight, facing the camera and the right size, on a plain white background.
How to fix:
We check this on your photo:
Example photos, generated; not real people.
Common reasons for rejection
The free sizer checks each one.
- A print that is not exactly 51 × 51 mm, or that was cut unevenly.
- A background that does not match the rule: plain white, no shadows.
- Shadows on the face or on the wall behind you.
- Glare or reflections in glasses that hide the eyes.
- A smile, an open mouth or closed eyes.
- A photo that is too old: it must be taken in the last 6 months.
- An edited photo: filters, beauty modes, smoothing or a replaced background change how you look. We never retouch photos; we only crop and size them.
Printing your Spanish passport photo
Your download includes a 4 × 6 inch print sheet with 51 × 51 mm photos and cut lines. Print it as a standard 4 × 6 photo at any photo counter (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and others) or on a home photo printer, on matte or glossy photo paper, at 100% size with any crop or fill option turned off.
You need 1 photo for the application. Cut along the lines with a ruler and a sharp blade or scissors, and do not fold or staple the photo over the face.
Get the guaranteed version
We guarantee US photos today. Leave your email and we'll write once, when the Spanish passport is checked and guaranteed.
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Questions
What size is a Spanish passport photo?
51×51 mm (51 × 51 mm).
Can I use a US passport photo for my Spanish passport?
Often yes: both are 2 × 2 inches. Check the head size and background rules above, which can differ.
Is the sized photo free?
Yes. Take or upload a photo and we crop it to these measurements and check it against the rules, free. You can download it without paying.
Is it guaranteed?
Not yet: we couldn't confirm every rule on the official page. Join the waitlist and we'll email you once when the Spanish passport is checked and guaranteed.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are allowed if there is no glare.
What background does a Spanish passport photo need?
Plain white, no shadows. Stand a step or two away from a plain wall and use soft, even light so there are no shadows behind you.
Can I smile in my Spanish passport photo?
No. Keep a neutral face with your mouth closed and both eyes open.
Can I wear a hijab or other head covering in my Spanish passport photo?
Bare head.
How recent must my Spanish passport photo be?
Taken in the last 6 months, and it should look like you do now.
How many photos do I need for a Spanish passport?
1 photo, according to the official source. Check your application form, because some offices ask for more.
