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Spain vs Italy visa photo: both 35 × 45 mm
Spain and Italy 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?
Spain and Italy publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Spain: Plain white; Italy: Plain, one colour). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
Spain and Italy 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 | Spain | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height= same | 70–80% | 70–80% |
| Background | Plain white background. | Even plain background without shadows. |
| Glasses | No dark glasses or reflections. | Eyes must be fully visible without strong reflections. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Headwear must not hide the face. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Pose | Strictly full face, head without rotation or tilt, shoulders level. | Full face, no noticeable tilt; face turned towards the lens. |
| Lighting / shadows | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. | No harsh shadows or overexposure. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing, shoulders visible, without uniform or distracting accessories. | Keep the original clothing and a visible shoulder line. |
| Authority | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain (exteriores.gob.es) — consulates | Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale |
| Last verified | 1 Oct 2026 | 25 Sep 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Spain and Italy?
Spain and Italy publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (Spain: Plain white; Italy: Plain, one colour). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
Which photo is larger — Spain or Italy?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do Spain and Italy require?
Spain requires: Plain white. Italy requires: Plain, one colour. A plain white background satisfies both.