Over the last three years, the pandemic has accelerated the concept of remote working, which has led to an increase in the number of digital nomads. Recognizing this sharp increase in the amount of foreign remote workers and their economic impact on the country that they choose to work from, nations across the world started offering digital nomad visa programs to attract foreigners into their economies. One such program is the Malta Digital Nomad Visa.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Brief Overview
Malta launched its digital nomad visa program in 2021, joining a list of Eastern and Western European countries that offer these nomad residence permit programs to foreign nationals. Countries including Georgia, Norway, and Portugal.
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit program provides temporary residency rights for up to one year in the island nation to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss individuals who are capable of working remotely with a fixed internet connection, and whose current employment source is in a foreign country to Malta.
While the residency permit is officially valid for up to one year, non-EU nationals are capable of renewing their Malta Digital Nomad Visas and further enjoying the island life, on the condition that they continue to meet the government’s requirements for the program.
Benefits of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit
There are a handful of benefits to acquiring the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, including the ability to work in Malta without having to pay taxes twice. These benefits are namely:
- Malta has a large digital nomad community.
- English is a primary language in Malta.
- You can visit other Schengen countries while your national visa or digital nomad residence permit is valid.
- While living in Malta, you will have easy access to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
- Malta is an island that is known for having very friendly citizens.
- Malta is an island with beautiful beaches, many cafes, and bars where you can have a wonderful time.
- You can enjoy delicious dishes of seafood and other cuisines.
- Malta has the perfect beach weather all year-round.
- Malta is one of the places you can have 5G mobile internet accessibility.
- You won’t have to pay twice your personal income tax.
Requirements for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Anyone with a clean criminal record who meets the following requirements is considered eligible for submitting a Malta Digital Nomad Visa application:
- Show a monthly income of a minimum of €2,700 gross of tax
- Be of a non-European Union, non-EEA, or non-Swiss nationality
- Be employed by a company registered abroad in a foreign country outside of Malta; OR
- Be a recognized partner in an organization outside of Malta; OR
- Offer freelance or consulting services to entities whose permanent establishments are registered in a foreign country outside of Malta, demonstrating proof of their employment contract.
- Possess a verified and valid travel document
- Have a valid international health insurance policy that would cover their stay in Malta, and show proof of a health declaration.
- Have a legal rental or purchase agreement in Malta
- Undergo and pass a background verification check
Malta Nomad Residence Permit Application Process
The Malta Digital Nomad Visa application process consists of a few simple steps. Once they are successfully completed, you will be granted your new Digital Nomad residency permit. These are:
- Filling out and signing the N1 application form and N4 General Data Protection Form
- Submitting your letter of intent explaining why you want to move to Malta and apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
- Gathering all the required documents mentioned below:
- A copy of your passport
- Proof of employment/business ownership
a. Proof of your employment contract and official tax documentation that confirms your relationship with your employer and verifies that you can perform your official duty remotely.
b. In case you are an entrepreneur, you need to show self-employment documentary evidence, including a certificate of incorporation, memorandum, articles of association, share register, etc. - Proof of monthly income
Bank statement with the last three months’ salary/income slips - Medical insurance
Health insurance policy and a health declaration stating that you will be responsible to cover any medical cost in Malta that will not be covered by the insurance company. - Accommodation
Proof of your property lease or purchase agreement in Malta. You can choose from a host of accommodation options available in Malta – hotels, hostels, vacation houses, resorts, and more.
The waiting time for your application to get approved is generally around 30 days. Note that as part of the Nomad Residence Permit requirements, you will go through a background verification check by the Residency Malta Agency after you have submitted all the necessary documents.
Application Fee for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit
One of the main benefits of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa is that individuals can include their immediate family members in their applications, and add dependent family members as well. This means they can bring their spouse, young children, and any dependent adult children with them to Malta and enjoy the benefit of family reunification under the Digital Nomad scheme.
The application fee for the main applicant is €300. Individuals who wish to include their family members can do that by paying an additional €300 for each family member.
Malta Nomad Visa Tax Scheme
Digital Nomad Visa holders are able to relocate, reside, and work remotely from Malta without having to pay tax on their worldwide income, or having to be registered for tax residency in Malta.
Those working remotely in the island nation with an employer registered abroad are considered to have foreign-sourced income when they enter Malta, which means they are exempt from personal income tax. That being said, consumption tax will be levied on Nomad Residence Permit holders just like it is on Maltese citizens.
Malta Nomad Residence Permit – Important Terms and Conditions
Digital nomads who want to live and work from Malta for up to 180 days will be given a national visa, whereas individuals who want to relocate to Malta for a minimum of 365 days and above will be given a Nomad Residence Permit. The applicant must be a third-country national, and submit their applications through their nearest local Malta Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Does Malta have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Malta offers digital nomad visas to non-EU and third-country nationals who wish to stay and work remotely from the nation.
What is a nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is similar to a full-time work visa for foreign remote workers. It grants residency rights to foreign individuals who are able to work remotely from home or abroad, and whose source of employment is foreign to the respective country.
Is Malta good for digital nomads?
Offering a cosmopolitan culture, incredible island life, pleasant climate, and unlimited adventure opportunities to state-of-the-art telecommunications technologies and co-working spaces, Malta is already home to a number of digital nomads from all around the world. Indeed, life in Malta is definitely good for digital nomads.
How should one apply for a Nomad Residence Permit?
Applicants to the Nomad Residence program need to submit all required documents to their nearest local Malta Embassy or Consulate. This list of documents includes their letter of intent explaining the reasons behind their decision to work remotely in the respective country.
Does a Nomad Residence Permit holder need to register his/her employment?
Digital Nomad Visa holders only need to register their employment if they are offering services or working as an employee of any Maltese organization.
How can I get Malta digital nomad visa?
You can submit your application to the Malta Digital Nomad Visa to your nearest local Malta Embassy or Consulate, showing proof of your employment and income. Once approved by the Residency Malta Agency, you will be granted a residence permit or a national visa.
Can I work remotely from Malta?
Yes, you can. If you’re a non-EEA citizen, you can apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa and obtain residency for up to one year, with the right to renew your permit.
