Guide to Spain Photo Documents for Passport Approval

Spain passport photo requirements for children

For children, especially infants and young kids, Spain’s photo document requirements include a few additional considerations to accommodate their smaller size and less predictable behavior. These mainly pertain to positioning, background, facial expression, and objects in the frame.

• For babies who can’t sit up without help, you can take the photo while they lie down on a plain white or light-colored sheet with no patterns. Place the camera directly above them to avoid angles.
• If using a car seat or similar support, cover it with a plain, light-colored sheet to ensure a uniform background.
• It’s acceptable for infants’ eyes to be partially closed, but older children should have their eyes open, similar to the adult requirement.
• Ensure no other person, objects, or hands supporting the child are visible in the photo.

These adjustments help ensure that even the youngest applicants’ photos meet the necessary standards while accounting for the practical challenges of photographing children​​.

Online passport photo requirements

When applying for a passport online, the photo requirements largely align with those for traditional applications but with additional specifications.

Here’s what you need to know for digital submissions.

• Photos must be in JPEG format with a file size typically not exceeding 240KB to ensure quick upload without compromising quality.
• A minimum resolution of 600 dpi is necessary to maintain the clarity of facial features.
• The photo should be in color and not overly compressed because this can degrade image quality and affect the visibility of important details.

Ensure your digital photo maintains all the physical attributes required for printed photos—such as a plain white background, neutral expression, and correct sizing—while adhering to digital file standards.

Submitting your Spanish passport application offline

Here are the general steps and considerations for offline submission of your Spain passport application.

• Find the Spanish consulate or embassy that serves your area. This information is available on the official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at exteriores.gob.es.
• Check requirements and book an appointment. Each consulate might have slightly different requirements or processes. Many require you to schedule an appointment beforehand, which you can usually do through their official website.
• Gather the necessary documents. Typically, you will need your current passport, a completed application form (available on the consulate’s website), proof of residence in the consulate’s jurisdiction, and two recent passport photos that meet Spanish specifications.
• Submit your application in person. This is generally standard for passport applications. At the consulate, you must also provide biometric data such as fingerprints.
• Pay the applicable fee for passport issuance. The fees can vary depending on the consulate and the type of passport service requested. Check the consulate’s website for details on acceptable methods of payment.
• After submitting your application, the consulate will process it. Depending on the consulate’s policies, you may need to return to the consulate to collect your passport, or they may send it to you by mail.

If you are in Spain and need to apply for a Spanish passport, the process slightly differs from applying abroad. Residents must visit a local police station with a designated “Oficina de Expedición del DNI y Pasaporte.” It’s essential to schedule an appointment in advance, which you can typically do online via the official Policía Nacional website (policia.es).

You will need to bring the necessary documentation, including a completed application form, your current DNI (Spanish National ID) if applicable, and two recent passport photos that comply with the official specifications. The fees are generally paid at the appointment time, and biometric data such as fingerprints will be collected during your visit.

Submitting your Spanish passport application online

The Spanish government does not offer an option to fully complete the passport application process online, whether you’re outside or within Spain. However, you can use online resources to facilitate parts of the application process.

Here’s what you can do online, regardless of your location.

• You can use the official Spanish online appointment system to book your application appointment.
• Necessary application forms can be downloaded and filled out in advance from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the specific consulate’s website, depending on your location.
• Online platforms generally provide detailed lists of required documents and photo specifications.

These online features are designed to simplify the preparation phase of your passport application, reducing the time you need to spend during the in-person submission. However, the final submission of your application, payment of fees, and biometric data collection (if required) will still need to be completed in person at the designated passport issuing or consular offices.

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