What is the exact photo size for the Spanish TIE card?

32×26 mm — this is the standard Spanish carné format. The photo must be in colour, recent, on a plain white background, front-on, with the head uncovered and no dark glasses.

Can I be photographed wearing glasses?

Dark glasses are prohibited. Clear lenses are permitted, but without reflections, and the frame must not cover the eyes. If in doubt, be photographed without glasses.

Where do I submit documents for the TIE or temporary protection?

In person and only by prior appointment (cita previa): at a National Police station, at the Immigration Office, and for temporary protection — also at the CREADE reception centres (in Alicante, Málaga, Barcelona and Madrid).

Photo standards

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

Published Jun 17, 2026 · Updated Jun 17, 2026 · 5 хв read

Source: Sede Electrónica de la Policía Nacional — TIE (residencia y trabajo) Verified Jun 17, 2026 Affects:

Spain

In short. The Spanish TIE card (as well as the NIE and temporary protection) requires one recent colour photo measuring 32×26 mm on a plain light white background, front-on, with the head uncovered and no dark glasses. You apply in person by prior appointment (cita previa) at a National Police station or at the Immigration Office.

The official photo size for the TIE is 32×26 mm (carné format), in colour, recent.
The background must be plain, smooth and white, with no shadows or patterns.
The shot must be strictly front-on, the head fully uncovered, with no dark glasses and no accessories that hinder identification.
Documents are submitted in person by prior appointment (cita previa) at the National Police, the Immigration Office, and for temporary protection — also at CREADE reception centres.
For Ukrainians under temporary protection, the validity of TIE cards has been automatically extended until 4 March 2027 (Orden INT/96/2026) — you do not need to obtain a new card for this.

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.

Related guides

Official sources

Questions

What is the exact photo size for the Spanish TIE card?: 32×26 mm — this is the standard Spanish carné format. The photo must be in colour, recent, on a plain white background, front-on, with the head uncovered and no dark glasses.
Can I be photographed wearing glasses?: Dark glasses are prohibited. Clear lenses are permitted, but without reflections, and the frame must not cover the eyes. If in doubt, be photographed without glasses.
Where do I submit documents for the TIE or temporary protection?: In person and only by prior appointment (cita previa): at a National Police station, at the Immigration Office, and for temporary protection — also at the CREADE reception centres (in Alicante, Málaga, Barcelona and Madrid).
Do Ukrainians under temporary protection need to replace their TIE in 2026?: No. 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 term.