Malta, a small yet alluring European island nation, offers the Nomad Residency Permit, a digital nomad visa specifically designed for non-EU remote workers. This program grants a 1-year residency permit, renewable upon expiration. Malta’s appeal lies in its widespread 5G network, English as an official language, and an abundance of sunshine, with over 300 days of sun per year. The Nomad Residency Permit allows remote workers to experience Malta’s rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture while maintaining their professional commitments. With its well-developed infrastructure and welcoming environment, Malta has positioned itself as an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Visa category
Nomad Residence Permit
What are the visa fees/charges?
• EUR300 for main applicant and additional EUR300 for every other family member
• Premium Service Visa (a door-to-door service for National D visa), if required is available at an additional fee of EUR300 per applicant
Is there a minimum income threshold applicable for digital nomad/remote work visa?
• Yes – EUR2,700 per month
• The equivalent of EUR3,060 per annum/EUR255 per month for each additional family member, over and above the minimum programme requirement
Are digital nomad/remote work visa holders subject to income tax?
Insofar as an individual does not take up residence for tax purposes in Malta (i.e. it is merely of a casual nature) the individual is exempt from tax for the first 12 months and
thereafter subject to 10% Maltese income tax on the income from the authorized work (subject to relief for double taxation)
Are digital nomad/remote work visa holders subject to social security contributions?
Depends upon Circumstances (if paying equivalent social contributions in another jurisdiction, likely exempt)
Is there Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) relief available in the country?
Yes; depending upon the individual’s circumstances
Is there an income tax requirement in the country, in general?
Yes
Is there a social security requirement in the country, in general?
Yes
Are criminal checks required for this visa?
Applicants must pass a background verification check
For how long is the digital nomad/remote work visa valid?
• 1 year
– If the applicant is planning to stay in Malta for up to 180 days, he/she will be issued a National Visa
– If the applicant is planning to stay in Malta for up to 365 days or more, he/she will be provided with a Residence Permit
– The Permit maybe renewed twice, for a total stay of a maximum of three (3) years at the discretion of the relevant authorities
Is the applicant bound to any work restraints/limitations?
• In order to be eligible, the applicant should have a work contract for an employer that is registered in another country other than Malta or is a partner/shareholder in a company
that is registered in a foreign country or offer freelance services to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom the applicant may have contracts. This condition must be met throughout the validity of the Nomad Visa
• Further, a Nomad Residence Permit holder, including also his/her dependents cannot offer their services or be engaged in any economic activity with employers/companies based/registered in Malta
What are the standard requirements for the digital nomad/remote work visa?
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Be able to work remotely and independent of location using telecoms tech
• Must be a Qualifying Third Country National
• Must have a contract of work with an employer that is registered in a foreign country or offer freelance or consulting services to clients established in a foreign country and in all cases be able to provide evidence of a guaranteed source of income for a minimum period of 5 months from the date of application
• Must have minimum annual income of EUR 32,400
• Hold a valid travel document Further, upon approval of the application the applicant:
• Must hold valid a health insurance covering risks in Malta
• Submit a valid rental/purchase agreement for appropriate accommodation covering the entire duration of the Visa
Which countries are eligible to apply for the digital nomad/ remote work visa?
• Available for all third country nationals, excluding EU, EEA, and Switzerland
• Nationals and individuals with close ties to any of the following are ineligible (this list is subject to revision at the government’s discretion): Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, Russia and Belarus
Is applicant required to provide proof of employment?
Yes evidence of one’s qualifying employment, self-employment or freelance status is required
Cost of living index: 59.4 – (35 out of 140)
Internet fixed: 100.64 Mbps Median- speedtest.net Feb 2023
Internet mobile: 53.38 Mbps Median – speedtest.net Feb 2023
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