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Germany vs Spain visa photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Germany and Spain both ask for 35 × 45 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the visa photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Germany and Spain publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Germany: Plain light; Spain: Plain white). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
Germany and Spain use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | Germany | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height≠ differs | 71–80% (32–36 mm) | 70–80% |
| Background | Plain light background. | Plain white background. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible. | No dark glasses or reflections. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Headwear must not hide the face. |
| Pose | Full face, no tilt or rotation. | Strictly full face, head without rotation or tilt, shoulders level. |
| Lighting / shadows | No shadows or reflections. | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing. | Neutral clothing, shoulders visible, without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| Authority | Federal Foreign Office of Germany | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain (exteriores.gob.es) — consulates |
| Last verified | 17 May 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Germany and Spain?
Germany and Spain publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Germany: Plain light; Spain: Plain white). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
Which photo is larger — Germany or Spain?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Germany and Spain require?
Germany requires: Plain light. Spain requires: Plain white. A plain white background satisfies both.