Malta Schengen visa photo requirements
Malta uses the shared Schengen photo standard — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric framing, plain light background. This page covers the photo standard plus how Malta consulates handle Schengen visa applications: where to apply, processing times, fees and consulate-level handling.
Photo format
35 × 45 mm
In this article · 7 sections
- —35 × 45 mm photo · VFS Global in major markets; Italian representation in markets without a Maltese post · €90
- 01Application route
- 02Photo specification
- 03Malta consulate handling
- 04Malta national document photos
- 05Frequently asked questions about Malta Schengen visa photos
- 06Compare other Schengen countries
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · VFS Global in major markets; Italian representation in markets without a Maltese post · €90
Prepare a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo on a plain light background. Apply through Maltese diplomatic missions (Ministry for Foreign Affairs) + VFS Global. Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Processing time 15 calendar days standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Issuing authority | Maltese diplomatic missions (Ministry for Foreign Affairs) + VFS Global |
|---|---|
| Visa application centre | VFS Global in major markets; Italian representation in markets without a Maltese post |
| Processing time | 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review |
| Standard fee | €90 |
| Reduced fee | €45 for children 6–12 |
| Application languages | English, Maltese |
| Official portal | Malta short-stay visa portal ↗ |
Photo specification
Schengen 35 × 45 mm. Maltese missions apply the shared Schengen photo standard for short-stay visa applications.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of frame height (32–36 mm chin-to-crown) |
| Background | plain light grey or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Glasses | Strongly discouraged; remove for the shot. See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Checked against primary sources. Updated . | |
Malta consulate handling
Schengen type C visas are handled by the Maltese diplomatic missions, not by the Identità agency — Identità processes national type D visas only. In regions without a Maltese post, another Schengen state represents Malta; Italy does so in many of them.
Malta national document photos
Frequently asked questions about Malta Schengen visa photos
01What size is the Malta Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. Malta uses the shared Schengen biometric photo standard — the same as every other Schengen state. The head must occupy 70–80% of the frame height with a plain light background.
02Where do I apply for a Malta Schengen visa?
Apply through the Maltese diplomatic missions (Ministry for Foreign Affairs) + VFS Global. Schengen type C visas are handled by the Maltese diplomatic missions, not by the Identità agency — Identità processes national type D visas only. In regions without a Maltese post, another Schengen state represents Malta; Italy does so in many of them.
03How long does Malta take to process a Schengen visa?
For Malta, 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for additional review. First-time applicants and applications submitted during peak travel seasons tend to fall toward the upper end of this window.
04What does the Malta Schengen visa cost?
Malta's standard fee is €90, €45 for children 6–12. Some markets add a VAC service fee on top of the consular fee paid to VFS Global in major markets; Italian representation in markets without a Maltese post.
05Can I wear glasses in a Malta Schengen visa photo?
Malta follows the shared Schengen baseline: glasses are strongly discouraged because of glare and frame-related rejection risk. The safest choice at every consulate is to remove glasses before the shot.
Compare other Schengen countries
Prepare your Malta Schengen visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to the 35 × 45 mm Schengen biometric frame and checks the background automatically.