Everything you need to know about the Spain TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) photo requirements. The TIE is the foreigner identity card required for non-EU/EEA nationals living in Spain for more than 6 months. Photo size: 26×32 mm with a plain white background.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain (España) |
| Document Type | TIE Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) |
| Photo Size | 26 × 32 mm |
| Head Size | 70–80% of the photo |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| 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 | 3 identical photos (for the TIE application) |
| Recency | Recent (taken within last 6 months) |
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is mandatory for non-EU/EEA nationals who plan to reside in Spain for more than 6 months. It is a credit-card sized document that contains your photo, NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), and residence details. The application is processed by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) at the Oficina de Extranjería or designated police stations. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your TIE photo is accepted.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Spain TIE card photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses, before taking the photo.
The TIE is linked to your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which is your unique foreigner identification number in Spain. Important details about the TIE application:
Source: Policía Nacional — Extranjería
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Spain TIE card 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 TIE card photos
A Spain TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) photo must be exactly 26×32 mm. The face must occupy 70–80% of the photo. This is the same size as the Spanish DNI photo.
You need 3 identical recent photos in 26×32 mm format for a Spain TIE card application. All three photos must meet the same requirements: white background, neutral expression, no glasses, and printed on photo-quality paper.
No. Glasses are not allowed in Spain TIE card photos. You must remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, before taking the photo.
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is mandatory for non-EU/EEA nationals who plan to reside in Spain for more than 6 months. It serves as the foreigner identity card and is linked to your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). You must apply within 30 days of arriving in Spain at the Oficina de Extranjería or a designated police station.
Yes, you can bring your own photos as long as they meet the official requirements: 26×32 mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, and printed on photo-quality paper. You can use PassportPhoto.help to ensure your photos meet all requirements.
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.
Yes, the TIE card photo is the same size as the Spanish DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) photo — both are 26×32 mm with similar requirements including white background, neutral expression, and no glasses.
