Photo for the TIE, NIE and temporary protection in Spain for Ukrainians: 2026 requirements

If you are obtaining a TIE resident card (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero), a foreigner's number NIE or temporary protection (protección temporal) in Spain as a citizen of Ukraine, the photograph must meet a single official standard. An incorrect photo is one of the most common reasons for a person to be turned away from the police window without having their document processed.

Photo requirements

• Size: 32×26 mm (the Spanish carné format / tamaño carné).
• Quantity: usually one photograph; bring two copies as a backup.
• Colour: in colour, printed on quality photo paper.
• Background: plain, smooth, white, with no shadows, objects or patterns.
• Pose: strictly front-on, face centred, neutral expression.
• Head: fully uncovered (cabeza descubierta).
• Glasses: dark glasses are prohibited; clear lenses are permitted, but without reflections, and the frame must not cover the eyes.
• Recency: the photo must be recent (no older than two years) and match your current appearance.
• No accessories that make it harder to recognise the face.

Where to apply

The application and documents are submitted in person, by prior appointment (cita previa). Available locations:

• National Police station (Comisaría de Policía Nacional) — fingerprints (toma de huellas) for the TIE are also taken here.
• Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería).
• For temporary protection — also the CREADE reception centres (Centros de Recepción, Atención y Derivación) of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration; they operate in Alicante, Málaga, Barcelona and Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid).

The standard package for the TIE: form EX-17, the receipt for the fee payment (tasa 790, código 012), passport with a copy, confirmation of the appointment and a 32×26 mm photo.

Important for Ukrainians: under Orden INT/96/2026 (of 12 February), the validity of TIE cards for persons under temporary protection has been automatically extended until 4 March 2027. There is no need to obtain a new card solely because of the expiry of the term.

Why photos are rejected

• The size is not 32×26 mm (cropped to a different format).
• A grey, coloured or uneven background, shadows behind the head.
• The head turned or tilted, gaze to the side — not front-on.
• Dark glasses, reflections on the lenses, the frame over the eyes.
• An old photo that does not match the current appearance.
• Headwear, hair or accessories covering the face.

How to prepare your photo

Choose even light without shadows, stand in front of a white wall, look straight into the camera with a neutral expression and an uncovered face. Remove dark glasses and anything covering the outline of the face. Check that the shot is cropped exactly to 32×26 mm with enough margin around the head, and print it on quality photo paper.