Everything you need to know about the smaller 26×32 mm Spain passport photo format. This compact size is sometimes required for specific Spanish government documents and certain passport application types. Includes exact dimensions, background requirements, ICAO biometric standards, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain (España) |
| Document Type | Passport (Pasaporte) — Small Format |
| Photo Size | 26 × 32 mm |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photo (approx. 21–25 mm from chin to crown) |
| Background Color | Plain white or light grey |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral with mouth closed |
| Number of Photos | 2 identical photos |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The 26×32 mm format is a smaller variant of the standard Spain passport photo. While the most common Spanish passport photo size is 30×40 mm, this compact 26×32 mm format is occasionally required for specific Spanish government documents, certain consular applications, or particular passport renewal processes. The biometric and quality requirements remain identical to the standard format, governed by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards and enforced by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional).
Glasses are NOT allowed in Spain passport photos, regardless of the format size. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. This is an ICAO biometric requirement that applies to all Spanish passport photo formats.
Spain issues biometric passports that include a microchip with your facial biometric data. The 26×32 mm format must meet the same ICAO standards for facial recognition as the standard format:
The 26×32 mm format may be requested in the following situations:
If you are unsure which size to use, the standard 30×40 mm format is the most widely accepted for Spanish passport applications. Always verify the required dimensions with the issuing authority before submitting your photos.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Spain passport photo at home using your smartphone. The process is the same regardless of whether you need the 26×32 mm or 30×40 mm format — our tool handles the precise cropping for you.
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
This smaller Spain passport photo format is exactly 26×32 mm. The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo, with the head measuring approximately 21–25 mm from chin to crown. This is smaller than the standard 30×40 mm format most commonly used.
The 26×32 mm format is a smaller variant sometimes required for specific Spanish government documents, certain consular applications, or particular administrative procedures. The standard 30×40 mm size is used for most passport applications. Always check with the issuing authority which size they require.
No. Glasses are not allowed in Spain passport photos regardless of the format size. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, before taking the photo. This is an ICAO biometric requirement.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are permitted.
Yes! You can take your passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the correct 26×32 mm size, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Spanish passport photo requirements.
The background must be plain white or light grey, consistent with ICAO biometric standards. 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.
You need 2 identical recent passport photos for a Spain passport application. Both photos must meet the same 26×32 mm biometric requirements and be printed on photo-quality paper.
No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
If your passport photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo is precisely cropped to 26×32 mm and meets all official requirements before you submit your application, saving you time and hassle.
