What Size Photos Do You Need for a NIE, Green Card or TIE Appointment in Spain?

If you’re attending a NIE number, EU green certificate, or TIE card appointment in Spain, one of the most common reasons for delays or rejection is incorrect passport photos.

Spanish immigration offices are very strict about photo size, format, and quality. Turning up with the wrong photos can mean being sent away, losing your appointment, or having to rebook weeks (or even months) later.

In this complete guide, we explain exactly what size photos you need, how many to bring, where to get them taken in Spain, and the most common mistakes people make — so you can attend your appointment fully prepared.

Why Correct Photos Matter for Spanish Immigration Appointments

Unlike some countries where photos are scanned or taken digitally on the day, Spanish police and immigration offices require physical printed photos for most procedures, including:

• NIE number applications
• EU Green Certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE)
• TIE cards (including Brexit Article 50 cards)
• Residency renewals
• Replacement cards

If your photos do not meet the exact specifications, your application can be rejected on the spot.

Official Photo Size for NIE, Green Card & TIE Appointments

✅ Standard Required Photo Size in Spain

The official and universally accepted photo size for NIE, Green Card and TIE appointments is:

📏 32 mm wide × 26 mm high

This is NOT the same as UK passport photos and NOT the same as US passport photos.

Photo Size at a Glance

• Width: 26 mm
• Height: 32 mm
• Colour: Full colour only
• Paper: Matte or semi-matte (not glossy)
• Background: Plain white
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

How Many Photos Should You Take?

Although requirements can vary slightly by office, you should always bring at least:

• 2 identical photos (minimum)
• 3–4 photos recommended (just in case)

Some offices will keep one photo, others may require two, and occasionally an additional photo is requested for internal records.

👉 Top tip: Extra photos cost very little and can save you from a wasted appointment.

Photo Requirements Explained (Very Important)

Spanish authorities are extremely particular about photo quality. Your photo must meet all of the following conditions:

✅ Background

• Plain white background only
• No shadows
• No patterns
• No off-white, cream, or grey tones

✅ Face & Position

• Face must be centred
• Looking directly at the camera
• Neutral facial expression
• Mouth closed
• Eyes open and visible

✅ Head Size & Cropping

• Head should fill around 70–80% of the photo
• Top of head fully visible
• Chin fully visible
• No excessive space above the head

✅ Glasses & Accessories

• Glasses are allowed, but:
  • No glare
  • No tinted lenses
  • Eyes must be fully visible
• No sunglasses
• No hats, caps, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)

✅ Hair & Clothing

• Hair must not cover eyes
• Clothing should contrast with the white background
• Avoid white tops if possible

Can You Use UK Passport Photos for a NIE or TIE?

❌ No — in most cases

UK passport photos are 35 mm × 45 mm, which is too large and the wrong ratio for Spanish immigration.

Many people are rejected because they assume “passport photo” means the same thing everywhere. In Spain, it does not.

Can You Use a Digital Photo or Phone Photo?

❌ No

Spanish immigration offices require printed physical photos.

• No digital uploads
• No phone photos
• No emailed images

You must bring printed photos that already meet the correct dimensions.

Where to Get Photos Taken in Spain

📍 Photo Booths (Fotomatón)

The easiest and most reliable option in Spain is a photo booth, often found:

• In shopping centres
• Near police stations
• Inside large supermarkets
• At transport hubs

These booths usually include a “Foto Carnet” option that automatically prints the correct Spanish size.

📸 Photography Shops

Local photography shops are also an excellent option. Simply say:

“Fotos tamaño carnet para extranjería”

They will know exactly what is required.

🚫 Avoid Online Photo Services

Online photo services are risky unless they specifically guarantee Spanish 32×26 mm photos. Many “passport photo” websites default to UK or EU passport sizes and can cause rejection.

Do Children and Babies Need the Same Photo Size?

✅ Yes

Children, infants, and babies must use the same 32 mm × 26 mm photo size.

However:

• Babies do not need to maintain eye contact
• Mouth may be slightly open
• Head support must not be visible

Common Photo Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Avoid these very common errors:

❌ Wrong size (UK or US passport photos)
❌ Cream or grey background
❌ Glossy photo paper
❌ Photos older than 6 months
❌ Shadows behind the head
❌ Over-cropped or zoomed-out face
❌ Digital or phone photos

Even one small issue can result in your application being refused.

Do All NIE, Green Card and TIE Appointments Use the Same Photo Size?

✅ Yes

The same 32 × 26 mm photo size is used for:

• NIE number applications
• EU Green Certificates
• TIE cards (including Brexit cards)
• Renewals and replacements

This standard applies across Spain.

What Happens If You Bring the Wrong Photos?

Depending on the office and staff member, you may:

• Be told to leave and return with correct photos
• Lose your appointment completely
• Have to rebook weeks later
• Be refused processing on the day

Given how hard appointments are to secure, this is a risk worth avoiding.

FAQ: NIE, Green Card & TIE Photo Requirements

What size photo do I need for a NIE appointment in Spain?

You need 32 mm × 26 mm printed photos with a white background.

How many photos should I bring to my TIE appointment?

Bring at least two, ideally three or four.

Can I take my own photo at home?

It is not recommended. Most rejections happen with self-taken or online photos.

Are UK passport photos accepted?

No. UK passport photos are the wrong size.

Do children need photos for NIE or TIE cards?

Yes — children and babies require photos in the same format.

Do police stations take photos on the day?

Almost never. You must bring your own photos.

Final Tips to Avoid Problems at Your Appointment

✔ Get photos taken in Spain
✔ Ask for “foto carnet para extranjería”
✔ Bring extra copies
✔ Check size before leaving the shop
✔ Keep photos flat and undamaged

Need Help With Your NIE or TIE Appointment?

Having the correct photos is just one part of a successful application. Many applicants struggle with:

• Booking appointments
• Correct paperwork
• Forms and payment models
• Office-specific requirements

Using a professional service can save weeks of stress and avoid costly mistakes.

Summary

• Photo size: 32 mm × 26 mm
• Background: White
• Format: Printed, colour
• Quantity: 2–4 photos
• Applies to: NIE, Green Card, TIE

Arriving prepared means your appointment is more likely to go smoothly — and the right photos are a small detail that makes a big difference.

Book your NIE-Number appointment today