Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit

The Malta Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals to live and work remotely from Malta for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for a total stay of up to four years.

The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote employees, self-employed professionals, and freelancers who can work independently using

Key Benefits

Remote Work in Malta

Legally reside and work remotely in Malta for an employer or clients outside Malta.

Residency /Visa Duration

Initial permit for one year, renewable up to three times – total four years.

Family Inclusion

Eligible dependents – spouse/partner, minor children, adult dependent children – can join the applicant under the same permit.

Schengen Visa

The residency card will include a Schengen visa – giving you visa free travel within the 27 European member state countries.

High Quality of Life

Enjoy Malta’s Mediterranean climate, safety, English-speaking environment, and robust infrastructure

No Local Employment

Does not allow working for Maltese companies or providing services to Maltese clients as a freelancer

Flexible Stay

No obligation to remain in Malta for the entire permit period, but you must maintain accommodation and health insurance.

Eligibility Requirements

Nationality
Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens. Excludes nationals of certain countries – e.g., Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela.

Age
At least 18 years old.

Income
Minimum gross annual income of €42,000 (about €3,500/month) from remote work. Only income from professional activities counts; investment income does not qualify.

Remote Work
Must be employed by a foreign company, a partner/shareholder in a foreign company, or a self-employed freelancer with clients outside Malta.

Accommodation
Proof of a rental or purchase agreement for property in Malta.

Health Insurance
Valid health insurance covering Malta and the EU for the duration of stay.

Background Check
Clean criminal record and background verification.

Dependents

Who Qualifies

  • Spouse/partner
  • Children under 18
  • Financially dependent adult children

Income Requirement
Applicant must earn 20% of Malta’s median wage extra for each family member included in application.

Fees
Each family member included incurs an additional €300 application fee.

Malta Digital Nomad – Summary Table

FEATURE DETAILS
Duration 1 year – renewable up to 4 years
Income Requirement €42,000/year – investment income is excluded
Who Can Apply Remote employees, freelancers, business owners with clients/employers abroad
Family Inclusion Spouse/partner, minor and dependent adult children
Local Work Allowed? No
Accommodation Required Yes
Health Insurance Required for Malta and EU

Who Should Apply?

  • Remote workers seeking to live and work in Malta while maintaining employment abroad
  • Freelancers and digital entrepreneurs with clients outside Malta
  • Individuals or families wanting to experience Malta’s lifestyle together – perhaps as a stepping stone to one of the more permanent or longer term residency programmes such as the Global Residency Programme, the Malta Permanent Residency Programme, or the Malta Retirement Programme

The Process

Steps to Apply for Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa

Stage one

PREPARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

  • Completed application form – typed, not handwritten
  • Copy of all pages of your passport – including front and back cover and all blank pages
  • Cover letter/Letter of intent – explaining why you wish to move to Malta?
  • Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of financial means – bank statements from the last three months
  • Proof of minimum income – €42,000 a year
  • Proof of remote work/employment – employment contract, business registration docs, or client contracts, depending on your work situation)
  • Health insurance policy – covering Malta and other EU countries
  • Rental agreement or proof of accommodation in Malta
  • Police conduct certificate – clean criminal record from country of residence
  • Additional documents if including family – marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.

Stage two

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE

All documents must be in English or officially translated

Stage three

PAY APPLICATION FEE

  • Pay the €300 fee for the main applicant (and €300 for each family member, if included) via bank transfer or as instructed
  • This payment occurs at the time of online submission and is non-refundable. A separate €27.50 fee per applicant is required later for the residency card

Stage four

WAIT FOR APPLICATION REVIEW AND APPROVAL

  • The Residency Malta Agency will review your application. Expect communication if further documents or clarifications are needed.
  • Processing typically takes 30–60 days.

Stage five

APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE

  • If successful, you receive a “Letter of Approval in Principle.”
  • Within 30 days of receiving this letter, you must submit:
    • Final proof of accommodation in Malta
    • Valid health insurance policy for your entire stay

Stage six

FINAL APPROVAL

  • Once these confirmations are provided, you receive the “Letter of Final Approval.”
  • If required (based on your country), apply for an entry visa to Malta at this stage

Stage seven

ARRIVAL AND BIOMETRICS APPOINTMENT

  • Upon arrival in Malta, notify the Residency Malta Agency and arrange a biometrics appointment – for fingerprints and photo
  • Attend the appointment and pay the €27.50 residency card fee

Stage eight

RECEIVE YOUR RESIDENCE CARD

  • Typically within 3–4 weeks after biometrics, you will be notified when your residence card is ready for collection
  • This card is valid for one year, with possible renewal up to a maximum of four years total

This process is designed to be completed entirely online – except for biometrics and card collection after arrival in Malta.

The Malta Digital Nomad Visa does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, and does not allow working for Maltese companies or clients.