When applying for residency cards, driving licences, or transit cards in Spain, you must provide physical photographs. This guide explains where to get passport photos in Madrid and the exact requirements.
You must ensure your photos meet the strict size regulations to avoid government rejection.
Why you need passport photos (Fotos carné)
Spanish government offices require physical photos for several administrative procedures.
These photos are commonly called fotos carné or fotos tamaño carné.
You will need these photos for the following tasks:
- Applying for your physical residence card (TIE). TIE card guide
- Applying for a Spanish driving licence. driving licence guide
- Requesting a personal public transport card. transport card guide
- Applying for a public health card (tarjeta sanitaria).
Photobooths in Metro stations
The quickest and cheapest way to get passport photos is by using a self-service photobooth.
These booths are commonly called fotomatones.
You can find them in almost all major Metro de Madrid stations.
They are typically located near the entrance turnstiles or ticket machines.
Major stations with photobooths
You can find at least one photobooth in the following busy transport hubs:
- Sol (lines 1, 2, and 3)
- Atocha (line 1 and Cercanías trains)
- Moncloa (lines 3 and 6)
- Chamartín (lines 1 and 10)
- Nuevos Ministerios (lines 6, 8, and 10)
- Plaza de España (lines 3 and 10)
- Avenida de América (lines 4, 6, 7, and 9)
How to use a photobooth
Enter the booth and select your preferred language on the screen.
Adjust the seat height so your eyes align with the camera guidelines.
Pay the fee using cash, coins, or a debit card.
The machine will take three photos and print a sheet of six or eight photos within one minute.
Cost of photobooth photos
A sheet of standard passport photos costs between €5.00 and €8.00.
The machines do not give change if you pay with cash.
Ensure you have the exact amount in coins or pay with a card.
Professional photo studios
If you want high-quality photos, visit a professional photo studio.
These shops are called tiendas de fotografía.
They are the best option if you need to guarantee that your photos pass official checks.
Standard photo chains
Fotoprix is the largest photo printing chain in Spain.
They have multiple stores in central Madrid.
Their staff are trained in government photo requirements.
They will take your photo, adjust the lighting, and print them to the exact legal dimensions.
Independent neighborhood studios
You can find independent photo shops in almost every neighborhood in Madrid.
Look for signs saying Estudio Fotográfico or Revelado de Fotos.
A professional shoot and print package usually costs between €8.00 and €15.00.
One famous independent shop is Foto Centro located near Gran Vía.
Locutorios and copy shops
You can also get cheap passport photos at local call shops and copy shops.
These shops are called locutorios and copisterías.
Many of these shops have a small photo corner with a digital camera and a photo printer.
They are common in expat-heavy neighborhoods like Lavapiés and Tetuán.
A sheet of photos at a locutorio usually costs between €5.00 and €8.00.
Passport photos for babies and children
Getting passport photos for babies is difficult.
Most automatic photobooths are not suitable for infants.
The camera cannot align with their face if they cannot sit still.
Using a professional studio
You should visit a professional studio for baby photos.
The photographer can lay the baby on a white sheet on a table.
They will take the photo from above.
This method ensures the background remains solid white and the baby is safe.
Cost for children photos
Photo studios usually charge slightly more for baby photos.
Expect to pay between €10.00 and €18.00.
This price covers the extra time needed to take the photo.
Comparison of options and costs
This table compares the different places where you can get your photos.
| Option | Average Cost | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fotomatón (Metro booth) | €5.00 to €8.00 | 1 minute | Speed and low price |
| Locutorio (Call shop) | €5.00 to €8.00 | 5 minutes | Cheap neighborhood option |
| Fotoprix (Photo chain) | €8.00 to €12.00 | 5 to 10 minutes | Guaranteed quality |
| Independent Studio | €8.00 to €15.00 | 5 to 10 minutes | Custom adjustments |
| Baby Photos (Studio) | €10.00 to €18.00 | 10 to 15 minutes | Infants and young kids |
Checklist of official photo requirements
Spanish authorities are very strict about photo specifications.
The DGT and Extranjería will reject photos that do not match these criteria.
Official photo specifications
Ensure your photo matches these requirements before your government appointment:
- Dimensions : The photo must be exactly 32 millimetres high by 26 millimetres wide.
- Background : The background must be a solid, uniform white. No shadows or textures are allowed.
- Paper : The photo must be printed on high-quality photographic paper. Laser printer paper is rejected.
- Face visibility : Your face must cover 70% to 80% of the photo space.
- Headwear : No hats, caps, or head coverings are allowed, except for documented religious reasons.
- Glasses : You should remove your glasses to prevent glare or shadows over your eyes.
Mobile applications and home printing
You can take your own passport photo at home using a smartphone app.
Search for passport photo maker in your app store.
These apps help you align your face and crop the image to the correct Spanish dimensions.
However, you must print the image on professional photo paper.
You can print your digital file at self-service photo kiosks located inside supermarkets or shops like Fnac.
You must cut the photos precisely. Uneven borders will lead to rejection at government offices.
Questions and answers
What is the exact size of a Spanish passport photo?
32 by 26 millimetres. This is smaller than the standard size in many other countries. For example, UK photos are 45x35mm, and US photos are 51x51mm.
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
No. The traffic authority and immigration offices recommend removing glasses. Glare on the lenses or thick frames blocking your eyes will cause your photo to be rejected.
Can I smile in my photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Do not smile or show your teeth.
How recent must the photos be?
Less than six months old. The photo must represent your current physical appearance. If you have changed your hair color or facial hair significantly, take new photos.
Can I use a photo with a light grey background?
No. The background must be pure white. Off-white, grey, or blue backgrounds are common reasons for rejection at the TIE appointment.
What should I do if my photo is rejected?
Find a nearby photobooth. Most government offices have a photobooth located inside the building or at a nearby metro station. You can quickly print new photos and return.
Can I print my passport photos on regular office paper?
No. You must print the photos on professional glossy photographic paper. Government offices will reject photos printed on matte office paper or cardstock.
Do I need to cut the photos before my appointment?
No. You can leave the photos on the printed sheet. The government official will cut the photo they need using a special tool at their desk.
Can I wear a white shirt for the photo?
No. A white shirt will blend into the white background. This makes it difficult to see your shoulders. Choose a dark shirt for better contrast.
