Traveling, living, and working in Malta is a dream for many people, and for good reason. This European island offers a rich culture and many adventure activities that you can do while there.
The good news is that you can now live that dream, thanks to the Malta digital nomad visa scheme. Since 2021, Malta has welcomed non-EU nationals to live and work in the country through a temporary Nomad Residence Permit.
This visa scheme allows you to live in the island nation for up to one year. So, you can now enjoy island life while working for overseas employers and clients.
We will learn more about the requirements and how to apply for this visa.
Benefits of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Holders of Maltese digital nomad visas stand to gain a lot, including the ability to live and work in Malta without the need to pay taxes twice:
- Favorable taxation scheme: Digital nomad visa holders are exempt from paying taxes on their worldwide income. That means that if you live in the country while working remotely for an employer based outside Malta, the government considers your income foreign-sourced. In other words, you are exempt from personal income tax. But not that consumption tax is applicable for digital nomad visa holders just like it is for Malta citizens.
- Visa-free travel: The digital nomad visa allows you to visit the 26 countries in the Schengen area without requiring another visa. In addition, you can stay in any of the Schengen countries for three months within 180 days.
- Ease of access to other regions: Because of Malta’s strategic location, you can easily access the rest of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
- Tourist attractions: Malta has beautiful beaches, landscapes, bars, and cafes where you can enjoy your time. Places like the Casa Rocca Piccola, Saint John Bastion, the Blue Grotto, and the Popeye Village could easily take your breath away.
- Family inclusion: One of the main benefits of applying for a Malta digital nomad visa is that you can include your family. Malta allows applicants to travel with their dependent family members, including their minor children and spouse. Interestingly, Malta allows for same-sex marriage. So, if your partner is of the same sex, then he or she can also send the application with you. But you must pay for these accompanying family members when you submit your application.
Other than the above benefits, digital nomads can also benefit in these ways:
- English is the primary language of communication on this southern European island.
- Maltese are generally friendly to visitors, so you won’t have difficulty making friends in Malta.
- While in Malta, you can sample several delicious cuisines.
- Malta allows you to enjoy fast internet. It is one of the countries where you can access 5G technology.
- Malta enjoys perfect beach weather.
- There is a large digital nomad community in Malta.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Who Can Apply?
As indicated earlier, non-EEA nationals can apply for the Malta digital nomad visa. But note that you will still need to meet some requirements, including:
- You are an employee with an active contract with a company based outside Malta.
- You are a freelancer, consultant, or digital entrepreneur with foreign-based clients.
- Be a shareholder or partner of a foreign-based company.
- You can prove that you earn at least €2,700 each month.
We will discuss the complete list of requirements in the subsequent section.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Valid passport: Obviously, you can’t travel to a foreign country without a passport, and Malta is no exception. Your password should be valid for at least three months from the day of departure.
Application Form N1: All applicants for a Nomad Residence Permit must fill out Form N1. This form is available on the Residency Malta Agency online portal.
Application Form N2: Besides filling out the N1 form, you must also fill out Form N2 if you wish to take your family to Malta. Again, you can download this form on the Residency Malta online portal.
Application Form N3: To get a General Data Protection Regulation Declaration Form, you must submit Form N3. You will find it on the Residency Malta Agency site.
Two passport-sized photos: These photos must follow Schengen guidelines.
Cover letter: Part of the application process for the Malta digital nomad visa involves writing a cover letter or letter of intent explaining why you want to visit and stay in Malta, the length of your visit, and where you will be staying, among other details.
Proof of accommodation: Besides writing a cover letter, you must also prove that you have secured accommodation for the period in Malta. Some of the documents that you can use to verify this include:
- Hotel booking
- Confirmation by a reliable tour operator
- Host invitation. This option applies if you are planning to stay with a friend or family member already in Malta.
- Rental agreement
Proof of employment: If you are a remote worker, you must prove you have an ongoing contract with a company registered outside Malta.
In the absence of an employment contract, you must provide other applicable documents, such as your employment letter or a letter from your employer permitting you to work overseas, including Malta.
Proof of financial stability: Proving that you are employed is one thing, and proving that you can sustain yourself and your family while in Malta is another.
So, you must submit a bank statement for the last six months that shows your financial capability. Specifically, you should prove that you earn at least €2,700 monthly if you are alone.
Relationship status: If you are planning to travel to Malta with your family, then you must provide relevant relationship documents such as a marriage certificate or a joining bank account if you are in a relationship. A rental agreement can also suffice here.
Proof of health insurance: As you apply for the Malta digital nomad visa, you should arrange for health coverage for the period in Malta.
Health declaration: Part of the application requirement is proof that you are free from serious illnesses.
How to Apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
You must follow a simple process to apply for the Malta digital nomad visa. You will be granted a digital residency permit once you have met the minimum requirements and submitted your applications.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Write a letter of intent indicating why you want to relocate to Malta via the digital nomad visa.
- Collect, fill out, and submit the necessary documents. Missing documents are usually to blame for visa denial. So, be sure that you submit all the relevant documents.
- Send your application online. All applicants should submit their applications to the Residency Malta Agency using the nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt email. Once you have submitted the email, wait for a response from the agency. If successful, the agency may invite you to Malta to complete the application process.
- Travel to Malta to pick up your Nomad Residence Permit. If you are successful, the final step is to travel to Malta. Once you enter Mlata and feel you want to stay for more than six months, you can apply for the Nomad Residence Permit. Please note that you will apply for the residency permit in person at Identity Malta. You will need to submit these additional documents as you apply for a Nomad Residence Permit:
- Valid health insurance certificate
- A valid passport
- Proof that you have gone through a background verification check
- Proof of accommodation.
Timeline for Applying
The Malta digital nomad visa application process is usually straightforward. The waiting period for your application to be processed is around 30 days.
But please note that this time may change because the application process involves background verification by the Residency Malta Agency.
The Cost of a Malta Digital Nomad Visa
The application cost for the principal applicant is €300. This fee is payable before you travel to Malta. In addition to this, you will pay the same amount for each additional family member that accompanies you.
Validity of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
A Maltese digital nomad visa is valid for one year. However, you can extend it by renewing for an additional year. It is advisable to renew your digital nomad visa before the expiration of the current permit.
Other Useful Information About Malta
If you plan to relocate to Malta on a digital nomad visa, you will probably be interested in Malta’s general digital nomad life.
1. Coworking spaces
There are several coworking spaces in Malta that serve a diverse group of remote workers. These facilities provide more than a desk.
They offer networking events, business advice, and social events. Some of the popular coworking spaces in Malta include:
- Grand Central in Valletta
- SOHO Office in Saint Julian’s
- The HUB Workspace in San Gwann
- Regus in Saint Julian’s and Swatar
2. Top digital nomad spots
Mosta: You can find everything you need in this city, from restaurants to coworking spaces to grocery stores.
Valletta: Besides being the capital city of Malta, Valletta has modern infrastructure to support digital nomads.
Victoria: If you prefer a calmer space, then you will get it in Victoria.
Zurrieq: This is the oldest city in Malta. So, you will see a lot of historical architecture. You can also benefit from its proximity to the sea.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. The new nomad residence program is attractive in many aspects. It allows you to enjoy Malta’s attractions while earning tax-free foreign-based income.
While the residency permit will only run for one year, you can renew it and enjoy Malta’s lifestyle further. Malta is a fantastic southern European country with beautiful cuisine, culture, and tourist spots.
It is also strategically located in the Mediterranean, near Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Also Read:
- Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know
- The Golden Visa Portugal: Everything You Need To Know in 2024
- Digital Nomad Visa Spain: Everything You Need To Know
