Dysprosium (Dy3+)-doped tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully synthesized using the chemical polymer precursor method. This material blends the holding matrix’s electronic properties with dysprosium’s optical and magnetic properties, making it a promising material for technological applications. X-ray diffraction patterns and the Raman spectra of all NPs indicated the formation of only the SnO2 phase. The decrease in particle size (from ~ 11 to ~ 6 nm) and increase in lattice parameters depending on the Dy content were determined. The latter proves the solid solution between Sn and Dy ions, which is in agreement with the ionic radii mismatch between them. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirms the particle size and size reduction observed through XRD. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results suggest a change of the oxidation state from Sn4+ to Sn2...