Remote work makes an entirely new lifestyle possible. And we are living through an era when millions of professionals find themselves free to move anywhere—just as long as the internet works.

These so-called digital nomads have made a big impact on economies of countries, because they spend their salaries locally. For that reason, many EU countries have introduced digital nomad visas over the last ten years.

Top among these is Malta.

Their digital nomad visa provides non-EU remote workers with a legal pathway to live and work in the country (as long as they maintain employment with foreign companies). It gives visa holders the chance to enjoy the benefits of Malta and free travel throughout Europe—eventually leading the way to Maltese citizenship.

Learn more about the program and what you need to do to become a part of it below.

Eligibility Criteria

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit requires that you:

  • are 18-years-of-age or above
  • are a non-EU, EEA or Swiss national
  • work remotely for companies or clients based outside of Malta (this can include employment with a foreign-registered company, running your own business abroad, or offering freelance consulting services)
  • don’t perform work or provide services for any Maltese company or individual during your stay
  • prove you make a certain amount of money (more on that below)
  • have a valid passport
  • have proof of comprehensive health insurance covering Malta and the EU for at least one year
  • have proof of accommodation in Malta (this could be a rental or purchase agreement)
  • have a police clearance certificate from your home country
  • have successfully completed a Maltese background check

 

Some nationalities are not allowed to get a Digital Nomad Visa at all. Those include citizens of:

  • Afghanistan
  • North Korea
  • Iran
  • R. Congo
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Yemen
  • Venezuela
  • Russia
  • Belarus

Income Requirements

As of April 2024, applicants must demonstrate a stable annual income of at least €42,000 gross (around €3,500 per month).

You’ll need to submit bank statements from the past three months proving consistent income. Plus, your income must be guaranteed for a minimum of five months from your application date.

Can My Dependents Use My Digital Nomad Visa?

Dependents like your spouse and minor children can accompany you without additional income requirements, although each dependent incurs a €300 application fee. Every adult applicant and dependent must pass security checks and maintain a clean criminal record.

Application Process

Step 1: Documents

Gather the following documents:

  • Completed application form (Form N4)
  • Letter of intent explaining your reason for choosing Malta
  • Full passport copy (all pages)
  • Updated CV
  • Bank statements showing the last three months of income
  • Employment or freelance contracts
  • Police clearance certificate (apostilled/legalized)
  • Proof of accommodation (required after preliminary approval)
  • One-year comprehensive health insurance policy

Step 2: Online Application

Apply via the Residency Malta Agency’s online portal. After submission, your documents are verified, and you’ll receive instructions for payment.

Step 3: Pay a Fee

Pay a non-refundable fee of €300 per applicant via bank transfer. On arrival, an additional €27.50 per person is required for the residence card.

Step 4: Approval

Processing typically takes around 60 working days. Authorities conduct background checks during this period. Successful applicants receive a Letter of Approval in Principle, indicating preliminary approval.

Step 5: Accommodation & Insurance

Within 30 days of preliminary approval, submit a one-year accommodation agreement (lease or purchase) and health insurance policy details. Once verified, a Letter of Final Approval is issued.

Step 6: Visa & Residence Card

If your nationality requires a visa to enter Malta or the Schengen Area, the Maltese authorities will guide you through obtaining the necessary visa. Nationals who don’t require a visa can travel directly upon final approval.

Once in Malta, you’ll schedule an appointment with Residency Malta to capture biometric data. Pay the €27.50 card issuance fee, and your residence card will typically be ready in 3–4 weeks.

Permit Validity and Renewal

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is valid for one year, allowing multiple entries into Malta and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It can be renewed annually for up to three additional years, totaling a maximum of four continuous years. To qualify for renewal, you must spend at least five cumulative months per year in Malta and continue meeting the eligibility criteria.

Tax Implications

Initially, nomad permit holders enjoy favorable tax treatment. During your first 12 months, income earned remotely from foreign sources is completely exempt from Maltese income tax.

After the first year, remote income is taxed at a flat rate of 10%, significantly lower than standard Maltese progressive rates. To benefit from this special tax regime, you must inform Maltese tax authorities of your residence status.

Nomads typically do not pay Maltese social security contributions and do not gain access to local benefits or pensions. Private health insurance is mandatory throughout your stay.

Learn more about your tax liability in Malta here.

Recent Updates

Since its launch in 2021, Malta’s digital nomad program has seen important updates:

  • The income requirement was raised in April 2024 to €42,000 a year to attract financially self-sufficient professionals.
  • Permit renewal was extended from two to three renewals, increasing your maximum continuous stay from three to four years.
  • New legislation in late 2023 introduced a tax exemption for the first year, followed by a reduced 10% flat rate thereafter.

Comparison with Other European Digital Nomad Visas

Compared to similar programs in countries like Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Estonia, and Greece, Malta offers a balanced combination of tax incentives, renewal flexibility, and residency duration.

If you’re interested in turning your extended stay into full citizenship, we can help you. A great place to start? Check out our guide on becoming a dual citizen of Malta. Or, contact us to book a free consultation call with our team today.