Malta visa photo requirements for Indians
Indian passport holders applying for Schengen short-stay (C) visa via VFS Global India need a photo that meets Malta's rules. Below are the exact size, background and file rules from the official source, with a worked example and a checklist.
VERIFIED · OFFICIAL SOURCE · 17 OCT 2026Malta photo rules at a glance
What the photo should look like
Drawn to the official measurements where they are published.
Head: Face 70-80% of the photo (32-36 mm); face height not less than 32 mm. The authority does not publish an exact size for this route.
Full Malta visa photo requirements
| Route for Indians | Schengen short-stay (C) visa via VFS Global India |
|---|---|
| Printed photo size (mm) | Not stated by the official source |
| Digital size (pixels) | Not stated by the official source |
| File format | Not stated by the official source |
| File size | Not stated by the official source |
| Background | Single bright colour, ideally neutral grey (medium grey for light hair, light grey for dark hair), no pattern or shadows |
| Head / face size | Face 70-80% of the photo (32-36 mm); face height not less than 32 mm |
| How recent | Not stated by the official source |
| Glasses | No reflections, tinted lenses or sunglasses; eyes clearly visible and not covered by frames |
| Head covering | Generally not permitted; exceptions possible, especially for religious reasons, with the face visible from chin to forehead and no shadows |
| Expression and pose | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera; head not tilted or turned |
| Copies | 1 (2 for children under 1 year) |
Other official rules
- Biometric photo is also captured at the VFS centre
- Printed on high-quality paper, at least 600 dpi
- No creases or impurities; natural skin tones
- Only the applicant in the photo
Do and avoid
Built from the official rules and the rejection reasons the source lists.
Do
- Use a single bright colour, ideally neutral grey (medium grey for light hair, light grey for dark hair), no pattern or shadows background
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera; head not tilted or turned
- Biometric photo is also captured at the VFS centre
- Printed on high-quality paper, at least 600 dpi
- No creases or impurities; natural skin tones
- Only the applicant in the photo
Avoid
- Blurred, low-contrast, too light or too dark
- Flash reflections or shadows on the face or background
- Hair or glasses frames covering the eyes, or tinted glasses
- No reflections, tinted lenses or sunglasses; eyes clearly visible and not covered by frames
Worked example: getting the photo right first time
Order at least 1 copies, plus one spare in case the centre asks for a retake.
How to make your photo in 5 steps
- Stand against a plain wall with even light, or visit a photo studio
- Crop to the required size
- Check the background is single bright colour
- Print on photo paper
- Run the Krosz photo checker before you submit
Free tools: passport photo maker · photo checker · photo resizer
Frequently asked questions
What is the Malta visa photo size for Indians?
The official source does not publish an exact size for this route. Use a standard passport-style photo and follow the other rules on this page.
What background colour is needed for a Malta visa photo?
Single bright colour, ideally neutral grey (medium grey for light hair, light grey for dark hair), no pattern or shadows.
Can I wear glasses in my Malta visa photo?
No reflections, tinted lenses or sunglasses; eyes clearly visible and not covered by frames
How many photos do I need?
1 (2 for children under 1 year).
Where do these rules come from?
From VFS Global – Malta Visa Information India and photo specification PDF, checked by the Krosz visa desk on 17 Oct 2026. Requirements can change, so the official page always has the final word.
Source and verification
Official source: VFS Global – Malta Visa Information India and photo specification PDF
Also checked: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/malta/india/english/index.html
Checked by the Krosz visa desk on 17 Oct 2026 · confidence: medium.
Krosz is a private visa service and is not affiliated with any government. Rules change; the authority's own page always has the final word.
2026 guide · last checked 17 Oct 2026