Get photo for Spain TIE Card

Intro

The Spain TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the official identity document issued to non-EU foreign nationals residing legally in Spain. Also known as the Spain residence card or Spain foreigner identity card, it is proof of legal status for banking, housing, healthcare, and other everyday needs. The Spanish Embassy confirms that applicants must submit the application within one month of arriving in Spain. Meeting the Spain TIE card requirements starts with the photo: two recent carné-format color photographs measuring approximately 32 mm tall by 26 mm wide, on a plain white background.

Photo requirements at a glance

Specification	Requirement
Dimensions	32 mm tall × 26 mm wide (approx.)
Background	Plain white, smooth and uniform
Color	Full color
Recency	Recent, taken close to application date
Format	Carné (ID card) style

Why these specs matter

Spanish government guidance published by UCM specifies the TIE card photo must be recent, in color, with a plain smooth white background, at approximately 32 mm tall by 26 mm wide. These are smaller dimensions than a standard passport photo, so check the print size before attending your appointment.

The 1997 ministerial regulation (Orden de 7 de febrero de 1997) establishing the tarjeta de extranjero framework specifies that the card carries a color-coded reproduction of the photograph, embedded using a special adhesive surface on the card itself. The photo you submit doesn't go into a file; it's reproduced directly on the card face. A photo with an off-white background, uneven lighting, or poor contrast produces a weaker embedded reproduction and may not meet the issuing authority's standard.

The same regulation establishes the biometric nature of the TIE card: a microchip storing the holder's personal data and fingerprints. The photo forms part of that biometric identity record, which is why the official guidance requires both color accuracy and a specific format.

How to take the photo with iShotAPhoto

1. Open iShotAPhoto and select Spain TIE card from the document list.
2. Take or upload a photo using your phone or computer.
3. The AI compliance check validates your image against the official specifications (background, framing, and format).
4. Preview and download your compliant photo for free.
5. If your police station requires printed photos, order optional printed delivery to your address so you arrive with a photo that matches the official 32×26 mm spec.

How to take it yourself with a phone

Set up a white background. Find a plain white wall or hang a clean white sheet behind you. There should be no patterns, furniture, or door frames visible, and the background should be smooth and unbroken.

Use even, natural light. Position yourself facing a window, not with the window behind you. Backlight will cast your face in shadow. Light from the side or overhead can throw shadows across your cheek or jaw. Frontal, diffused natural light gives the cleanest result.

Get the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to hold the phone at your eye level, pointing directly at your face. A camera angled upward or downward distorts facial proportions and affects framing.

Keep a neutral expression. Look directly into the camera lens, not at your own image on the screen. Relax your mouth into a closed, neutral position.

Choose your clothing carefully. Avoid white or very light-colored tops. When clothing blends into the white background, the outline of your head and shoulders becomes difficult to distinguish clearly.

Review the photo before submitting. Check for shadows falling across your face or visible behind you. Make sure the top of your head isn't cut off at the frame edge. The background should be uniformly white from corner to corner. A few moments here prevents a wasted appointment later.

Common rejection reasons

Wrong photo dimensions. The official size is approximately 32 mm tall by 26 mm wide. This carné format is smaller than a standard passport photo. Printing at the wrong size produces a non-compliant submission.

Non-white or non-plain background. The official requirement is a plain, smooth, white background ("fondo blanco y liso"). A background that is grey, textured, or unevenly lit does not meet this specification.

Black-and-white or greyscale photo. The guidance specifies a color photo ("en color"). The card carries a color reproduction of the image; a monochrome photo cannot fulfill this requirement.

Photo not recent. UCM guidance specifies "recent" photographs ("fotografías recientes"). A photo that no longer reflects your current appearance may be flagged at the window.

Insufficient contrast between subject and background. The 1997 ministerial regulation describes a color-coded photo reproduction embedded directly in the card surface. A photo where the subject's coloring is visually close to white (very light or white hair against a white background, for example) may produce an unusable embedded image. Make sure your hair and face are clearly distinguishable from the background before submitting.

How iShotAPhoto compares to other options

Taking a Spain TIE card photo involves the carné format (32×26 mm), which is smaller than a standard passport photo. Not every pharmacy or self-service booth will offer this size by default.

Option	Cost	Time	Approval likelihood	Convenience
iShotAPhoto	Low	Quick	High when AI check passes	Take at home; print or have delivered
Pharmacy or supermarket	Low to moderate	Quick	Varies (depends on whether staff know the TIE carné spec)	Available across Spanish cities
Photo studio	Moderate to premium	Moderate	Higher when the studio is familiar with TIE requirements	Usually requires a visit or appointment
Self-service photo booth	Low	Quick	Varies; booths often default to passport size, not TIE carné size	Common in train stations and shopping centres

Costs and times vary by region.

Country-specific notes

How to get the TIE card in Spain

UCM guidance and the Spanish Embassy in Ottawa set out the core procedural requirements:

• One-month deadline. The application must be submitted in person within one month of entering Spain or of the authorization becoming effective. Both official sources confirm this deadline independently.
• In-person submission. Applications are submitted in person at the relevant police station (comisaría) or immigration office in the province where the authorization was processed.
• Application fee. The fee is paid via Modelo 790, código 012. UCM cites €16.08 for the initial application; fee amounts are reviewed annually. Check the current figure via the official Interior Ministry or AEAT fee schedule before your appointment.
• Photo at the police station. UCM notes that at some police stations, photos can be taken on-site at the comisaría. Ask when booking whether you need to bring printed photos or whether they will photograph you on the day.

Spain TIE card renewal

The TIE card expires at the end of its validity period and must be renewed before expiry. The renewal application follows the same general procedure as the initial application and requires updated photos meeting the same specifications: color, plain white background, approximately 32 mm tall by 26 mm wide.

A note on the fee

UCM states €16.08 as the initial application fee via Modelo 790 código 012. Fee amounts change with each annual update, so always confirm the current rate at the bank branch or official government portal where the Modelo 790 is processed before attending your appointment.

Background: the 1997 regulation

The tarjeta de identidad de extranjero was formally established by the Ministerial Order of 7 February 1997 (Orden de 7 de febrero de 1997). This regulation defines the card's physical characteristics, the photo embedding process, and the biometric data requirements. The card's structure (including the color-coded embedded photo and the microchip storing fingerprints) originates in this regulation.

Special cases

Official guidance for the Spain TIE card does not set out distinct photo requirements for particular applicant groups such as children, applicants who wear glasses, or those with religious dress requirements. The core requirements (color photo, plain white background, approximately 32 mm tall by 26 mm wide) apply across all applications.

UCM guidance notes that at some police stations, photos can be taken on-site during the appointment. For applicants who have difficulty preparing a compliant photo in advance, ask when booking whether on-site photography is available. The 1997 ministerial regulation requires the photo to be embedded directly in the card material; the image must clearly represent the applicant as they appear at the time of application. If you have specific accommodation requirements, contact your local police station before the appointment.

Frequently asked questions

What size photo is required for the Spain TIE card?

The official size is approximately 32 mm tall by 26 mm wide, in full color, on a plain white smooth background. This is the carné format specified in government guidance, and it is smaller than a standard European passport photo.

How many photos do I need to bring to the TIE card appointment?

UCM guidance citing government requirements states two recent carné-format photos. Some police stations take the photo on-site; check with your local station before the appointment whether printed photos are required.

When do I need to apply for the TIE card after arriving in Spain?

Within one month of entering Spain or of the authorization becoming effective. UCM and the Spanish Embassy in Ottawa both confirm this one-month deadline.

How much does the Spain TIE card cost?

The fee is paid via Modelo 790, código 012. UCM cites €16.08 for the initial application. This figure changes with annual fee reviews; verify the current amount before attending.

How do I get the TIE card in Spain?

Per official guidance, apply in person at the police station or immigration office in your province of residence within one month of arrival. You will need your passport, application documents, photos meeting the official spec, and the Modelo 790 código 012 fee receipt.

How long does Spain TIE card processing take?

Processing times are not specified in the official government sources available for this article. Timing varies by province and current application volume. Contact your local police station or immigration office for current estimates after your appointment.

What is the difference between the NIE and TIE in Spain?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal identification number assigned to foreign nationals. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residency card. The TIE card displays the NIE number on its face, but they are separate: the number is permanent, and the card is a renewable physical document that proves legal residency status.

Is the Spain TIE card biometric?

Yes. The 1997 ministerial regulation specifies that the card stores the holder's personal data and fingerprints on a microchip and carries a color-coded embedded reproduction of the photograph on the card surface.

What is the Spain TIE card photo size in centimetres?

The official photo size is 3.2 cm tall by 2.6 cm wide (32 mm × 26 mm). This is smaller than the standard European passport photo (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm), so confirm the print dimensions before submitting.

Do I need to renew my Spain TIE card, and what photos are needed?

Yes, the TIE card expires and must be renewed before expiry. Spain TIE card renewal requires updated photos meeting the same official specifications: color, plain white background, approximately 32 mm tall by 26 mm wide. The renewal follows the same general application procedure as the initial card.

Related documents

• Spain NIE card
• Spain Passport
• Spain DNI
• Spain Visa

Official sources

• UCM — Tarjeta de Identidad como Extranjero (TIE) — Government requirements for the TIE application, including photo specifications, fee, and deadline
• BOE — Orden de 7 de febrero de 1997 por la que se regula la tarjeta de extranjero — 1997 ministerial order establishing the tarjeta de extranjero framework, card structure, and biometric requirements
• Spanish Embassy in Ottawa — Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) — Embassy guidance confirming the TIE application deadline and procedure