Preparing a Compliant Maltese Child Passport Photo
Getting a passport photo for a child in Malta requires careful attention to official rules. The tool above helps you prepare your image correctly before you print it at home or at a local shop.
Official Size and Submission Rules
For children under 14, Identità says submitted photos should measure 30 × 40 mm (about 1.18 × 1.58 inches)[1].
For children under 14, submit a printed photo for scanning[1]. This size is smaller than standard adult passport photos, so you need to check your crops carefully to avoid printing errors.
Age Rules and Office Attendance
Children under 6 do not attend for photo capture; submit a compliant printed photo for scanning[1].
For children under 14, submit a recent printed photo for scanning[2][1]. The photo must be recent; the cited guidance does not say that taking it close to the application date prevents delays.
Background and Framing Requirements
Use a plain white background. The child must appear alone, with no other people, chair backs, or toys visible[2][1].
The child must be the only subject in the photo; no other people, chair backs, or toys should be visible[1]. Keep the child’s head upright and centered[1]. If you use a sheet at home, stretch it tight so you do not see folds or patterns that might distract the scanner.
Expression, Mouth, and Headwear
The photo should show a neutral expression with the child’s mouth closed[1]. You may need to take several photos to capture this.
Head coverings are allowed for religious reasons only[2]. The cited guidance says glasses should be removed[2].
Taking the Photo at Home
You can take the photo at home with a camera or smartphone. Use a plain white background[2][1].
Place the camera at the child's eye level and keep it about one to one and a half meters away. Use soft, even light from a window to prevent harsh shadows on the face or the background behind them. Avoid using a direct flash, which can cause red eye or bright shadows on the wall behind the child.
Printing Your Photo at a Kiosk
After you capture a good picture, you can use the tool above to format your image into the correct dimensions. The tool arranges your cropped photo onto a standard 4 x 6-inch template.
Have the photo printed at 30 × 40 mm[1], then cut it out carefully.
Common Reasons for Photo Refusal
A photo may make the application incomplete or lead to it being turned down if it does not meet the stated requirements. For children under 14, no other people, chair backs, or toys should be visible[1].
Check that the photo has a closed mouth and neutral expression[2][1]. The cited sources do not list poor lighting as a frequent refusal reason.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact photo size for a Maltese child passport?
Do babies under 6 need to visit the passport office?
Can I have toys or furniture visible in the background?
No. The photo must have a plain white background, and the child must be the only subject. No other people, chair backs, or toys should be visible[1].