PHOTO GUIDE
Applying for a Malta short-stay visa from Japan
Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) applications for Malta from Japan are received by the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo — Malta's official representing state under the Identità representation agreements (Japan, Tokyo → Austria) — or, voluntarily, at VFS Global offices in Tokyo or Osaka. The same visa requirements concerning appointments, documents and fees as for Austria apply. The receiving checklist asks for "1 current passport photo (do not cut! light colored - no blue - background!) according to ICAO-standard", which the Austrian ministry specifies as 35×45 mm. Malta's own photo rules (35×45 mm, face 32-36 mm) are on the global Malta photo requirements page.
Last Updated: 2026-08-15
Quick requirements
- Who this is for: applicants legally residing in Japan whose sole or main destination (longest stay), or first point of entry on a tie, is Malta. Long-stay (Type D) visas are out of scope.
- Where to apply: the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo (representing Malta) or VFS Global Tokyo/Osaka (voluntary, extra service fee). Malta's official representation list (Identità VISA Representation Agreements) fixes "Japan, Tokyo → Austria". Applications are accepted from anywhere in Japan with no jurisdiction split.
- Appointments: required at both the embassy and VFS. The embassy takes bookings by email ([email protected]); since 1 September 2016, applications without an appointment cannot be accepted. VFS uses its own booking system.
- Same requirements: the embassy's page states that for Malta applications, "The same visa requirements concering appointments, documents and fees apply." Examination and the decision are handled on Malta's behalf by the Austrian side (the embassy in Tokyo); the external provider (VFS) plays no role in the decision-making process.
- Photo: the receiving checklist specifies "1 current passport photo (do not cut! light colored - no blue - background!) according to ICAO-standard" (one print, uncut, light background, no blue). The Austrian ministry specifies its ICAO criteria as colour, 35×45 mm — the same print that Malta's global rules (35×45 mm, face height 32-36 mm) call for.
- Fee: EUR 90 (6-12 years EUR 45, under 6 free), the same as for Austria. At the embassy, payment is in yen cash only. Via VFS (voluntary), a service charge of EUR 36.99 (VAT included) applies.
- Timing: applications are possible from 6 months before travel (Schengen common rule). Book early once your itinerary is fixed.
Who applies where
This page is for applicants legally residing in Japan who need a Schengen visa (Type C) for a short stay in Malta of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Apply at Malta when Malta is the sole destination, the main destination (longest stay), or the first point of entry when stay lengths are equal. Long-stay (Type D) visas and residence permits follow different processes.
Malta maintains no embassy or consulate in Japan. Under its official representation agreements (published by Identità), Austria receives Malta visa applications in Japan (Tokyo). The application is still a Malta visa application, examined and decided on Malta's behalf by the Austrian side.
Where to apply: the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo represents Malta
The Austrian Embassy's page states: "If your main travel destination is Malta, you may file the Schengen visa (C) application at the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo or at a VFS Global office in Tokyo or Osaka.", adding "The same visa requirements concering appointments, documents and fees apply." The reception window, booking method, documents and fees therefore match Austria's own application route.
An appointment is required for the embassy: book by email at [email protected] (since 1 September 2016, walk-in applications cannot be accepted). Submission via VFS Global (Tokyo/Osaka) is also possible but voluntary, with an additional VFS service fee (EUR 36.99); VFS plays no role in the decision-making process. The application form is the Schengen Visa (C) form from the embassy's page.
Application form and documents
Use the Schengen Visa (C) form downloadable from the Austrian Embassy Tokyo's page. Because the same document requirements apply as for Austria, prepare the completed and signed form, one photograph, the passport, travel insurance and the documents supporting your purpose of stay, following the embassy's checklist.
The Austrian Embassy Tokyo's How to apply page is the primary reference for procedures (reception hours, current document list, passport return). For the full Austria-route walkthrough, see the guide to applying for an Austria visa from Japan.
Photo requirements: whose rules apply?
The checklist actually used for Malta applications in Japan is the receiving window's — the Austrian Embassy's. It specifies "1 current passport photo (do not cut! light colored - no blue - background!) according to ICAO-standard", and the Austrian ministry (BMEIA) specifies its ICAO criteria as a colour photograph of 35×45 mm.
That is the same 35×45 mm print that Malta's global rules call for (35×45 mm, face height 32-36 mm, one-colour bright background). A print made to Malta's specification also satisfies the receiving window's ICAO requirement, so prepare the photo to Malta's standard. The photo tool's Malta mode produces the 35×45 mm print with the 32-36 mm face height.
Fee and payment
The visa fee is EUR 90 for all Schengen visa types (6-12 years EUR 45, under 6 free), and the same fee applies to Malta applications. At the embassy, the fee is payable in Japanese yen cash only (cards are not accepted) and is not refunded regardless of the outcome.
If you apply via VFS Global, a VFS service charge of EUR 36.99 per application (VAT included) applies in addition to the visa fee. Confirm the current exchange rate and payment details with the embassy or VFS when booking.
How to use the official sources
Short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa applications for Malta from Japan are received, under Malta's official representation agreements (Identità VISA Representation Agreements: Japan, Tokyo → Austria), by the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo (appointments by email at [email protected]) or voluntarily at VFS Global Tokyo/Osaka (service charge EUR 36.99). The same appointment, document and fee requirements as for Austria apply (embassy page), and the photograph requirement is "1 current passport photo (do not cut! light colored - no blue - background!) according to ICAO-standard". The fee is EUR 90/45/0 by age, payable in yen cash at the embassy. Malta's own photo specification ({commonWidth}×{commonHeight} mm, face 32-36 mm) is governed by Identità, the Malta foreign-ministry portal and the designated-provider photo specification. Procedures and fees can change, so confirm the latest information with the Austrian Embassy's How to apply page and Malta's official pages before applying.
shoumei.org helps users prepare photo files based on publicly available requirements. It does not submit visa applications, and it is not an official government service, Schengen authority, embassy, consulate, VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International service. Please verify the latest requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or visa application center before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I submit a Malta visa application in Japan?
At the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo (Motoazabu, Minato-ku) or at VFS Global offices in Tokyo or Osaka, by appointment. Malta maintains no mission in Japan; its official representation agreements (Identità's list, "Japan, Tokyo → Austria") appoint Austria as the receiving state, and the embassy's page confirms that Malta-destination applications may be filed there. Applicants from anywhere in Japan can apply, with no jurisdiction split.
Why do I apply through another country's embassy?
Because Malta has appointed Austria to receive its visa applications in Japan under the official representation arrangement (Identità's published "VISA Representation Agreements"). This representation mechanism is common within the Schengen area, and the Austrian Embassy's page explicitly invites Malta-destination applications. The examination and decision are handled on Malta's behalf by the Austrian side.
Which country's photo requirements apply?
The receiving window's checklist: one current passport photo, uncut, on a light background with no blue, according to the ICAO standard — which the Austrian ministry specifies as a colour 35×45 mm photograph. Malta's global specification (35×45 mm, face height 32-36 mm, bright one-colour background) satisfies this, so prepare the photo to Malta's standard.
How many photos do I need?
One. The receiving embassy's checklist specifies "1 current passport photo" and asks applicants not to cut it (do not cut!) — submit the print whole.
Can I prepare the photo online?
Yes. The photo tool's Malta mode creates a 35×45 mm colour print with the 32-36 mm face height, which also satisfies the receiving window's ICAO-standard requirement.
How much is the fee, and how do I pay?
EUR 90 (6-12 years EUR 45, under 6 free) — the same as for Austria. At the embassy the fee is payable in yen cash only. Via VFS, an additional service charge of EUR 36.99 (VAT included) applies. The fee is not refunded regardless of the outcome.
How do I book an appointment?
For the embassy, book by email at [email protected] — since 1 September 2016, applications without an appointment cannot be accepted. For VFS Global, use the VFS booking system (submission via VFS is voluntary and carries a service fee).
Is using VFS Global mandatory?
No, it is voluntary. The embassy's page notes that submitting at VFS is possible but involves additional service fees. Applying directly at the embassy avoids the VFS service charge. Either way, the examination and decision are made by the embassy; VFS plays no role in the decision-making process.
Official and submission sources
- Identity Malta (Identità) — VISA Representation Agreements (PDF, uploaded 2025/09; 2026-08-15 re-verified: the representation table row "Japan, Tokyo — Austria" — Malta's visa applications in Japan are received by Austria under the official representation agreement) (used for: application channel, jurisdiction notes) Checked: 2026-08-15
- Austrian Embassy Tokyo — How to apply? (2026-08-15 re-verified: "If your main travel destination is Malta, you may file the Schengen visa (C) application at the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo or at a VFS Global office in Tokyo or Osaka." / "The same visa requirements concering appointments, documents and fees apply." / checklist "1 current passport photo (do not cut! light colored - no blue - background!) according to ICAO-standard" / appointment required since 1 September 2016, reserve via [email protected] / submitting to VFS is voluntary with additional service fees / visa fee EUR 90, children 6-12 EUR 45, under 6 free, cash in JPY) (used for: application channel, appointment system, application form, photo requirements, photo copy count, visa fee, jurisdiction notes) Checked: 2026-08-15
- VFS Global — Austria Visa Application Centre Japan one-pager (2026-08-15 re-verified: service charge of 36.99 Euros per application inclusive of VAT; photographs submitted should be as per ICAO guidelines — one recent (not older than 6 months), passport-size, colour photo with white background; Schengen visa type C fee 90/45/0 EUR) (used for: application channel, appointment system, visa fee, photo requirements) Checked: 2026-08-15
- Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) — Visa (2026-08-15: passport photo according to ICAO criteria (colour, 35x45 mm); the Consulate of the Schengen State of the sole or main destination is competent for examining and deciding; an external service provider plays no role in the decision-making process itself) (used for: photo requirements, jurisdiction notes) Checked: 2026-08-15
shoumei.org helps users prepare photo files based on publicly available requirements. It does not submit visa applications, and it is not an official government service, Schengen authority, embassy, consulate, VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International service. Please verify the latest requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or visa application center before submitting.
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