Malta Student National Visa Photo Requirements
Prepare the correct photo for your student visa application to Malta by following the official standards and guidelines.
Understanding the Visa Photo Rules
For a Malta student national visa, the Central Visa Unit checklist asks for specific documents[1]. The visa is called Viża Nazzjonali għall-Istudenti.
The checklist asks for one passport photo that follows International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards[1]. It does not specify dimensions. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a common estimate, not an official size.
You should always check with the issuing office or organisation to confirm what they accept before you submit your paperwork[1]. Knowing these details ahead of time helps you avoid delays in your student visa process.
Official Size and Dimensions
The size commonly used for this student visa application is 35 by 45 mm, which translates to about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
The checklist does not specify a head-height measurement[1].
Because of this lack of a set measurement, you should keep your face well-centered and leave a balanced amount of space around your head and shoulders.
You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the 35 by 45 mm size quickly and accurately right in your web browser.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The official checklist calls for a passport photo according to ICAO standards, and it does not specify background colour or exact background dimensions[1].
The checklist does not specify a background colour[1].
Good lighting makes a big difference in the quality of your photo. Try to face a window or use soft, even indoor lighting to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head.
The checklist does not specify a background colour[1].
Steps to Take Your Photo at Home
Taking your own photo at home is simple if you follow a few practical steps. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid distortion.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of taking a selfie, because selfies often distort facial features and camera angles.
Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level. Look straight ahead with a relaxed expression and keep your mouth closed.
How to Print Your Photo
The checklist requires one passport photo according to ICAO standards[1].
You can format your cropped 35 by 45 mm photo onto an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo sheet. Once you have your sheet prepared, you can print it at any local store or standard photo kiosk.
Make sure the final print is sharp, clear, and free from any ink smudges, lines, or pixelation. Keep the printed photo clean and flat so it remains in good condition when you hand it in.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Visa photos often get refused by officials if they are blurry, too dark, or taken with poor lighting that hides your facial features.
The checklist requires a photo according to ICAO standards[1].
The checklist asks for an ICAO-standard passport photo[1].
The checklist asks for an ICAO-standard passport photo[1].
Preparing Your Photo with the Tool Above
You can use the tool above to crop your passport photo easily in your web browser without needing advanced editing software.
You can use the tool above to crop your photo in a web browser.
Remember that the authority always makes the final decision on whether to accept your photo for your student visa[1].
Frequently asked questions
What size is required for a Malta student visa photo?
The authority publishes no single official size, but the checklist calls for an ICAO-standard passport photo, and 35 by 45 mm is the size most often asked for[1].
Does the authority specify a background colour?
No, the checklist calls for a passport photo according to ICAO standards and does not specify background colour or exact dimensions[1].
Is a printed photo required for this application?
Yes, the submission requires a printed photo to include with your application documents[1].
Can I print my photo at a regular kiosk?
Yes, you can arrange your cropped photo onto an ordinary 4 by 6 inch sheet and print it at a standard kiosk.