A Guide to Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa

What crosses your mind when envisioning life in Malta? Is it the stunning views along the Mediterranean Sea, the historical cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or perhaps the joy of island hopping on a sunny day?

But there’s a lot more to Malta than its beautiful landscapes and weather. It’s actually one of the most convenient destinations to relocate to, particularly for individuals from the UK.

Malta boasts a reputation for being a welcoming and secure haven for foreigners, making it an ideal choice for nomads seeking a new place to settle. Better yet for digital nomads, Malta offers a visa to facilitate this move. So, it may well be time to contemplate a move to this Mediterranean gem.

Can I Work In Malta With a Digital Nomad Visa?

 
If digital nomads want to live and work in Malta for up to 180 days, they can acquire a digital nomad visa. Those who wish to relocate there for a minimum of 365 days must be given a Nomad Residence Permit.

Digital nomad permits allow foreign nationals to work for an overseas company while residing in Malta. It provides a legal avenue for those sustaining their livelihoods online to live outside their country of permanent residence, otherwise known as a digital nomad.

Transitioning from the typical in-office 9-5 grind to becoming a digital nomad is a trend that’s on the rise, with The Guardian reporting that there were already around 40 million digital nomads as of 2023, a number projected to reach 60 million by 2030.

This is relatively unsurprising. Especially in a post-pandemic world where many are discovering the joys of working from home (the now infamously known WFH trend), people are waking up to the fact that, with just a laptop and reliable Wi-Fi connection, work can be done from just about anywhere.

Well, not anywhere. Some countries don’t offer a digital nomad visa or any similar such options. Luckily, Malta is not one such country.

By navigating the country’s unique application process and complying with its regulations on tax, length of stay, associated costs, and more, any enthusiastic nomad can easily make a move to these sunny shores.

Why Choose Malta As a Digital Nomad?

 
The allure of Malta may already seem obvious, but it’s important to assess its practical benefits as a destination for nomads to relocate to.

Malta actually already boasts a population of digital nomads, and for good reason.

The country is recognised as an accessible and convenient relocation choice. English is widely spoken as an official language, the cost of living is relatively affordable, and holders of the Nomad Residence permit can freely visit any Schengen country without the need for an additional visa.

Thanks to favourable tax agreements, those with the permit are exempt from personal income tax in Malta during the initial 12 months of residence, as their employment income is already taxed at its origin. In other words, they won’t need to pay tax twice.

Of course, any nomad also needs to be to maintain a steady work life. Luckily, Malta can provide this too. The country provides access to 5G technology and boasts fast broadband speeds of up to 250 Mbps, according to Melita. Additionally, Malta offers a variety of excellent coworking spaces, such as 230 Works and Glashaus, with memberships available at reasonable prices.

Beyond work amenities, nomads can bask in Malta’s all-year-round good weather, indulge in delectable local cuisine, including an abundance of freshly caught seafood, and marvel at the world-renowned landscapes that make the island a truly enticing destination.

How To Qualify For The Digital Nomad Visa in Malta?

 
Meeting all the eligibility requirements is imperative for applicants seeking a digital nomad visa or nomad residence permit.

To begin with, they must be of non-EU, non-EEA or non-Swiss nationality and must be employed by a company registered outside of Malta, with an employment contract demonstrating this.

They must also be able to provide proof of a monthly income of €2,700 as well as proof of a valid travel document, valid health insurance, and proof of accommodation such as a legal rental agreement or purchase agreement for a property in Malta.

A thorough background verification check is also part of the application process for all applicants seeking a digital nomad visa or Nomad Residence Permit. However, those aspiring for a Nomad Residence Permit must also adhere to additional regulations.
 

Nomad Residence Permit

 
For the Nomad Residence Permit, the application process remains the same. However, for applicants wishing to bring their spouse or partner, this is a possibility. However, they must provide a copy of a marriage certificate or suitable proof of partnership is required. The inclusion of children and dependents is also possible.

The cost for a Nomad Residence Permit is €300 for the primary applicant, with an additional fee of €300 for each accompanying family member. Processing the visa generally takes around 30 days, and upon approval, applicants receive a Letter of Approval in Principle. Subsequently, a residency card, obtainable from Residence Malta’s offices, costs €27.50 each, making the permit relatively affordable to apply for.