Malta Nomad Residence Permit

​Frequently asked questions

• Does Malta have a nomad visa?

  Yes, Malta grants a Digital Nomad Visa to employees and the management of foreign companies, freelancers, and self-employed foreigners. It’s actually not a visa in a general sense but the Nomad Residence Permit.

  To qualify, an applicant confirms that they do not work for a Maltese company and have a monthly income of at least €3,500 outside Malta. The Nomad Residence Permit does not allow working in Malta but gives the right to live, study, and seek medical treatment in an EU country.

• What is the minimum income for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

  To qualify, an applicant must confirm a €3,500+ monthly income outside Malta.

  Additional Malta Digital Nomad Visa requirements include renting or purchasing real estate in Malta and buying medical insurance.

• Is Malta good for digital nomads?

  Malta features a high standard of living that can be compared to such countries as Germany and Spain.

  Digital nomads do not pay taxes on foreign income in Malta for 12 months, after which the rate is 10% on the income from “authorised work” instead of a progressive scale of up to 35%.

  The Malta Digital Nomad Visa holders can travel visa-free across the Schengen Area, access European education and medical treatment, and enjoy various indoor and outdoor activities at the Mediterranean seaside.

• How to apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

  To apply for a visa to Malta, a digital nomad prepares a pack of the required documents, applies, and pays a visa processing fee.

  At the application stage, no visit to the country or a Consulate is required: the application and the supporting documents are submitted online via the Residency Malta Agency’s official website.

  The average Malta Digital Nomad Visa processing time is 5+ months.

• Can I work remotely in Malta?

  As a Malta Digital Nomad Visa holder, you are not allowed to work for a Maltese company or provide services in Malta. Digital nomads can be employed by foreign companies or provide services abroad.

  Although the Digital Nomad Visa does not allow working in Malta, it gives the right to live, study, and seek medical treatment in an EU country.

• Is Malta digital nomad visa tax-free?

  Digital nomads do not pay taxes on foreign income in Malta.

• How much is a Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

  The Malta Digital Nomad Visa costs include residential property rental or purchase expenses and associated fees.

  There are no requirements for property rental or purchase price. The average apartment rental in Malta is €1,100—1,700 per month.

  The applicants also pay the following Malta Digital Nomad Visa application fees:

  • health insurance — €500+ per person;
  • administrative fee — €300 per person;
  • fee for a residence permit card — €100 per person.
• What is the validity period of the Maltese Digital Nomad Visa?

  The Malta Visa Nómada Digital is a residence permit issued for 12 months subject to extending for another year three times. Therefore, a digital nomad can live in Malta for 4 years in total.

• What are the best cities for digital nomads in Malta?

  Most digital nomads choose the capital city of Valletta or lively coastal cities like St Julian’s and Sliema. More affordable places for peaceful private living can be found in the centre of Malta or on the islands of Gozo.

  The Malta visa for remote workers allows living in Malta for a total of 4 years.

• Can my family members join me on the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

  Yes. Your spouse or registered partner and children of any age can be included in the application.

  All adult dependents, except spouses, must demonstrate financial dependence on the main applicant. Each family member must meet the security and health insurance requirements and pay the applicable government fees.

• What happens if I fail to meet the 5-month minimum stay requirement during the visa validity?

  To renew the Nomad Residence Permit for another 12 months, the holder must prove they spent at least 5 months in Malta in the previous year. Failure to meet this requirement will lead to refusal of renewal.

• Can I switch from the Malta Digital Nomad Visa to permanent residency or citizenship?

  No, the Digital Nomad Visa does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Malta. Applicants wishing to settle permanently may apply, for example, under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

• Do I need to pay taxes in Malta as a digital nomad after the first 12 months?

  Digital nomads enjoy a 12-month exemption from Maltese income tax. After that period, a flat 10% tax is applied on income from “authorised work” in Malta. Income earned abroad and not transferred to Malta remains tax-free.

• What are the most common reasons for refusal of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

  Applications may be refused for providing incomplete documentation, failing the Due Diligence check, insufficient income, or inability to demonstrate suitable accommodation.

• What are the required documents to get the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?

  To apply for Malta residence for remote workers, prepare the following documents:

  1. Completed application forms for the main applicant and family members.
  2. Motivation letter explaining the reasons for relocating to Malta and applying for residence.
  3. Copies of all pages of the international passport for each applicant
  4. Proof of remote work, depending on the applicant’s status.
  5. CV or autobiography outlining educational background and professional experience.
  6. Bank statement for the last 3 months proving a monthly income of at least €3,500.
  7. Bank statement showing savings of at least €17,500 to cover five months of living expenses in Malta. It is recommended but not mandatory.
  8. Marriage certificate, if applicable.
  9. Birth certificates for children.
  10. Notarised declaration of financial dependency for children over 18, if applicable.