The Ultimate Guide to Malta's Nomad Residence Permit

Admin | 06 Feb 2023

guide to maltas nomad residence permit

Between Europe and Africa, one can find the European Union’s smallest member state, Malta. Malta is an island of stability, very popular with expats as it provides excellent weather all year round and everyone speaks English, which is also one of Malta’s official languages. 

The country has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and of the Schengen Area since 2007. The official languages in Malta are Maltese and English.

The Maltese government has launched the Malta Nomad Residence Permit which is aimed at attracting digital nomads to the island. This permit allows individuals to work from Malta whilst keeping their employment or other economic activities abroad. 

Benefits of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit

The digital nomad community has welcomed the introduction of a residence permit for digital nomads in Malta as it provides the opportunity to work from a cosmopolitan country with great quality of life. 

The main benefits of obtaining a digital nomad visa/permit in Malta includes the following:

  • English is an official language and widely spoken on the island
  • Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area
  • Digital Nomad visa gives the right to travel within the Schengen Area without a visa
  • Strong internet connection speeds and coverage
  • Island life with over 300 days of sunshine

Eligibility

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit or as is it also known the Malta Digital Visa is an attractive residence scheme available only to non-EU nationals, seeking the opportunity to relocate to Malta whilst retaining the current employment or self-employment abroad. The Nomad Residence Permit is thus open to individuals who can work remotely from Malta.

In order to qualify under this Permit, the applicant must fall under one of the following three categories:

  1. Conduct business activities for a company registered outside of Malta and of which the applicant is a partner or a shareholder,
  2. Work for an employer registered outside of Malta and presenting a work contract,
  3. Offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are outside of Malta

Duration

The Nomad Residence Permit will be issued for one year and can be renewed twice for a total stay of a maximum of three years at the discretion of the government immigration agency. To be eligible for renewal, Nomad Residence Permit holders, must provide proof that they have resided in Malta for a cumulative period of at least five (5) months over the previous twelve (12) months.

Requirements

Apart from the eligibility criteria, the applicant must:

  1. Earn a minimum gross monthly income of €2,700;
  2. Hold a valid travel document;
  3. Be covered by a Health insurance policy;
  4. Have a Property in Malta (rented or purchased);
  5. Pass a background verification check.

The health insurance policy and the property in Malta will only be required after the approval of the application has been issued to the applicant. Applicants will also go through a background check conducted by the Maltese immigration authorities. 

Malta's Nomad Residence Permit for Family Members

The digital nomad can include family members in the same application, such as the spouse (including same-sex couples), minor children and adult children who are principally dependent on the main applicant. Adult children who are unable to cope independently due to a disability or medical condition can also apply together with the main applicant.

Government Application Fee

The government application fee is of €300 for the main applicant and €300 for each family member included in the application.

Timeline and Process 

The application process under the Malta Nomad Residence Permit takes approximately thirty working days following payment of the application fee.

The application including the supporting documentation are to be submitted to the government agency online. Once it has been vetted, a receipt of application is sent with instructions for payment of the €300 administrative fee for each applicant. The administrative fee is to be paid by means of a bank transfer.

Once the payment is received the application will proceed to the due diligence stage where further compliance checks will be conducted. When these checks are completed and a decision is made, the applicant and his representative shall be contacted via email with a decision letter.

Should the application be successful, a letter of Approval in Principle is issued with instructions to submit proof of accommodation and a health insurance policy. At this stage, the applicant is required to visit Malta to submit biometric information for the residence card to be issued.

Documents required include:

  • Letter of intent
  • Official government forms
  • Passport Copy
  • Health Insurance Policy
  • Proof of Accommodation in Malta
  • Bank statements for at least 3 months
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of remote working (employment contract or evidence of ownership of a company or evidence of freelance activities)

Travel within the Schengen Area

As long as the Nomad Residence Permit is valid, the holder is free to travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in every 180-day period.

How can we Help?

For further information on the Malta Nomad Residence Permit and other residency programmes, please contact us now.


Request More Information
Please send me legal and other updates

Key Contacts

Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker

Advocate, Tax Consultant, Licenced Agent, Malta

+356 22056422

Related Practice Groups
Related Practices