Everything you need to know about the photo requirements for the Spain NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — the identification number assigned to foreigners for tax, property, and business purposes in Spain. This guide covers the exact photo dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant NIE document photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain (España) |
| Document Type | NIE Document (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) |
| Photo Size | 26 × 32 mm |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photo |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral with mouth closed |
| Number of Photos | 2 identical photos |
| Recency | Recent |
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a tax identification number assigned to foreigners (non-Spanish nationals) who need to conduct financial, legal, or administrative activities in Spain. It is required for buying property, opening a bank account, starting a business, obtaining employment, filing taxes, and many other official procedures. The NIE certificate is issued as a green A4-sized paper document with your photo attached. This is different from the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is the physical identity card for non-EU residents.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Spain NIE document photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses.
The NIE certificate is a green A4-sized paper document that confirms your NIE number has been assigned. It is not an identity card — it is a certificate proving you have been assigned a foreigner identification number. The photo is attached to this certificate when you apply.
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a physical credit-card-sized identity document issued to non-EU foreigners who are legal residents in Spain. It contains your NIE number, photo, and personal details. Having a NIE does not automatically mean you have a TIE — the TIE is only for those with legal residency.
You can apply for a NIE at the Oficina de Extranjería (Foreigners' Office) in Spain or at a Spanish consulate abroad. You will need to submit the application form (EX-15 or EX-18 depending on your situation), your passport, the required fee payment, and 2 identical photos in 26×32 mm format.
Source: Policía Nacional — Extranjería
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Spain NIE document photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.
Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile or show teeth. Remove your glasses before taking the photo.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Spain NIE document photo must be exactly 26×32 mm. The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo, with the head centered against a plain white background.
NIE stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero. It is a foreigner identification number assigned to non-Spanish nationals who need to conduct activities in Spain such as buying property, opening a bank account, starting a business, obtaining employment, or filing taxes. It is not an identity card — it is a unique number that identifies you in Spanish administrative systems.
Yes, you need a NIE if you are a foreigner planning to buy property in Spain, open a Spanish bank account, start a business, obtain employment, file taxes, inherit assets, or conduct any official financial or legal transaction in Spain. EU and non-EU citizens alike may need a NIE for these activities.
You need 2 identical recent photos in 26×32 mm format for a Spain NIE certificate application. Both photos must meet the same requirements: white background, neutral expression, no glasses.
No. Glasses are not allowed in Spain NIE document photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, before taking the photo.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is just an identification number assigned to foreigners — it is not a physical card. The NIE certificate is a green A4-sized paper document confirming your number. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical credit-card-sized identity card issued to non-EU foreigners who are legal residents in Spain. The NIE number appears on the TIE card, but having a NIE does not mean you have a TIE.
