02Nov

Nomad Residence Permit

2 November 2022 Dario Signorino 51

The increased prevalence of remote working due to the Covid-19 pandemic means individuals are now, more than ever, able to work from anywhere in the world. The Nomad Residence Permit allows third country nationals who can prove they are working remotely from Malta, to legally reside in Malta. This applies when applicants are working for entities or customers to whom they are providing services for, who are not based in Malta.

Nomad residence permits are valid for one year and can be renewed on an annual basis, provided that the relevant eligibility criteria continue to be met. Spouses and children may also apply for residence as dependants of the main applicant.

Benefits

European country with year-round great weather
Freedom to travel and stay in the Schengen zone (90 out of any 180 days)
Aside from Maltese, English is the official language
Strong internet connection speeds & great coverage
No physical stay requirements
Low-cost programme

Who can apply?

Applicants must be from a non-EU country, and cannot be EU, EEA or Swiss. Nationals of Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, the Russian Federation and Belarus are currently ineligible.

The programme is not available to refugees or persons granted subsidiary protection in Malta or any other EU, EAA or Swiss nation. It also does not apply to persons with the right to freedom of movement in the EU.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a monthly gross income of at least €2,700 to apply. This threshold is increased for applicants applying with additional dependents and family members – approximately 20% per dependent.

Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria to apply:

Is a remote worker who has a contract of work for an employer registered in a foreign country
Is self-employed and conducts business activities for a company registered in a foreign country and of which the applicant is a partner or shareholder

Conducts freelance or consulting services on behalf of, mostly, establishments in a foreign country and whom the applicant has contracts with

Applicants should also:

Have valid travel documentation
Have a travel insurance policy which adequately covers all risks in Malta
Be able to provide proof of accommodation, being either rental or purchase of property. This can be temporary accommodation, however proof of permanent accommodation will be required following successful application.

Background checks will need to be completed and applicants must adhere to standard procedures relating to visas or other residency permits.

Applicants are also expected to pay taxes in their home country, and as part of the application process they will need to be able prove they are currently paying appropriate taxes.

Dependent Family Members

Subject to the approval of a residency permit, the main applicant’s family and dependents may also be entitled to reside in Malta. The main applicant may apply for residency for dependents during the initial application process, or as a separate application once residency has been granted. Dependents include a spouse, children under 18 or adult children who are financially supported by the main applicant. The successful issuance of a residence permit for additional family members does not automatically grant them the right to work in Malta.

Application Fees

€300 per main applicant and additional family member payable to Residency Malta Agency. For third country nationals who require a visa to enter Malta, an additional €300 per applicant for premium processing of the visa payable to Identity Malta Agency.

Applications should be processed within 30 days of submission.

How Acumum can help

As accredited agents for Maltese citizenship and as authorised registered mandatory for Malta residency programmes, Acumum has extensive expertise in the field.

Acumum is well placed to assess an applicant’s suitability for the Nomad Residence Permit and assist with the application process. Our expert team can support applicants with the preparation of application forms and supporting documentation required for both the initial application as well as renewals.

About Acumum

Based in Malta, with representative offices in UK and Ireland, we provide a comprehensive and award-winning range of legal, corporate, and private client services to international clients. Guided by a commitment to long-term relationships and exemplary customer service, our experienced team works to create inclusive, practical and cost-efficient solutions for clients. Among those we work with are individuals, family offices, companies, governments and intermediaries.

For more information contact us on T: +356 2778 1700 or E: [email protected] | Skype: Acumum

13Dec

Key Employee Initiative

13 December 2016 Acumum Legal & Advisory 44

The Key Employee Initiative (KEI) has been introduced in Malta, providing a new, efficient programme for third country nationals / non – EU nationals (TCN) seeking employment and residence in Malta.

The Key Employee Initiative aims to facilitate and to provide a fast track application process to highly-specialised third-country nationals who seek employment in Malta; applications will be approved within five working days from the date of submission of the application.

Eligibility

An individual may apply for a work/residence permit under the scheme if the employment position concerns a managerial or a highly-technical post which requires specific qualifications or adequate experience.

This scheme is also open to innovators who are involved in start-up projects which are specifically approved by Malta Enterprise.

Individuals applying under the KEI must:

Have an annual gross salary of at least € 30,000; and
Provide certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or the necessary work experience;
Provide a declaration by the employer stating that they have the necessary credentials to perform the duties which they have been assigned.

Validity

Once the application is validated and approved, the applicant will be issued with a residence permit which is valid for 1 year. The permit may then be renewed for a maximum period of 3 years, subject to the submission of the documentation requested by Identity Malta, namely:

A definite or an indefinite contract of employment, and
The original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department.

Government Fee

The Government of Malta’s fee for the submission of the application is €280.50, to be paid at the time of submission.

Time-frame

Permits are issued within five working days from the date of submission of the application. The applicant does not need to be physically present to submit the application, therefore the applicant would not need to travel to Malta to submit the application.

Documents Required

1. Application for a residence permit on the basis of employment – the form must be endorsed by the employer with an official stamp and signature of the responsible official;
2. Identity Registration Form – Non-Maltese Nationals along with the application fee of
€280.50;
3. Full copy of passport;
4. Declaration by the employer stating that the applicant has the necessary credentials to perform the duties being assigned;
5. Draft work contract showing an annual gross salary of €30,000;
6. Curriculum Vitae of the applicant;
7. Certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or reference letters;
8. Full health-insurance policy, showing all aspects being covered, which supports the applicant in the eventuality of requiring any type of medical assistance or hospitalisation during the first year of stay in Malta;
9. Lease agreement or purchase agreement of property.
10. Depending on type of job, a relevant health screening approval from the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate.

How can we help?

Acumum can advise and assist third country nationals with the application process under the Key Employee Initiative. Applications for the Key Employee Initiative are required to be made to and processed by Identity Malta by an Authorised Registered Mandatory.

Acumum is an Authorised Registered Mandatory for all Malta Citizenship and Malta Residency programmes.

Kindly contact us on [email protected] for more information.