In 2021, Malta launched its digital nomad visa program with the Nomad Residence Permit for non-EU nationals who want to live and work remotely from this Mediterranean island. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed, allowing holders to work for employers or their own businesses outside Malta.
With the Nomad Residence Permit, holders are allowed to travel within the Schengen Zone without the need for additional visas and have the opportunity to enjoy Malta’s reliable communication infrastructure, lifestyle, and English-speaking environment.
In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, including the requirements, costs, and application process, as well as top spots in Malta for digital nomads to consider.
What is the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?
The Malta Digital Nomad Visa, essentially the Nomad Residence Permit, is designed for non-EU nationals aiming to live and work remotely from Malta. It caters to three categories of digital nomads: those employed by a company registered outside Malta, business owners with companies registered abroad, and freelancers or consultants with foreign clients.
This permit is valid for one year and renewable, allowing holders to benefit from Malta’s strategic location within the Schengen Zone for travel and its conducive work environment.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a minimum gross monthly income of €2,700 to qualify, ensuring they can sustain their lifestyle in Malta without economic hardship.
This streamlined, practical approach facilitates digital nomads in leveraging Malta’s robust infrastructure, English-speaking community, and Mediterranean lifestyle, enriching their remote working experience.
The Benefits of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Malta is recognized for its strong ICT sector, ranking 5th out of 28 EU Member States in the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) for 2020. The country excels in fixed broadband availability, and human capital, particularly with a high number of ICT graduates, and is the only EU state with full ultrafast broadband coverage.
Despite its size, Malta’s commitment to digital policies and investment in ICT, including a focus on cybersecurity and data accessibility, positions it as a competitive location for technology and communications, offering significant opportunities for digital nomads and ICT businesses looking for a robust digital infrastructure.
Malta stands out as an appealing destination for digital nomads for several reasons. Here are some of the other key benefits that this Nomad Residence Permit offers;
- Exceptional Weather: With around 300 days of sunshine per year, Malta offers an ideal climate for outdoor work and leisure.
- Duration and Renewability: The permit is initially granted for one year, with the possibility of renewal, allowing for extended stays in Malta. This flexibility is ideal for digital nomads looking for a more stable base without committing to permanent residency.
- Work Legally in Malta: It allows non-EU nationals to legally reside in Malta while working for an employer or managing a business registered outside Malta, providing a legal framework for remote work.
- Access to Schengen Area: Permit holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, offering great opportunities for travel and exploration across Europe.
- High-Quality Lifestyle: Malta offers a high quality of life with its vibrant culture, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal location for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and leisure.
- English as an Official Language: With English being one of the official languages, digital nomads will find it easy to communicate, navigate, and integrate into the local community without facing significant language barriers.
- Health and Safety: Malta is known for its safety and offers a healthy lifestyle with its cuisine rich in fresh fish and vegetables. The country’s healthcare system is reputable, providing peace of mind for residents.
- Digital Nomad Community: The growing digital nomad community in Malta ensures that newcomers can easily find like-minded individuals for networking and socializing. Regularly organized events and meetups further foster a sense of community among remote workers.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other European destinations, Malta offers a relatively low cost of living, with expected monthly expenses for a digital nomad ranging between €1200-€2000, including accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
- Excellent Internet Infrastructure: Malta’s strong internet infrastructure supports seamless remote work, with average download speeds around 78 Mbps. This, combined with numerous coworking spaces and cafes offering high-speed Wi-Fi, ensures productivity is never hampered
- Diverse Accommodation and Work Spaces: The availability of a variety of coworking spaces and accommodation options, including coliving spaces, caters to different preferences and budgets, making it easier for digital nomads to find suitable living and working environments.
- Community and Networking: The growing community of digital nomads and remote workers in Malta ensures that newcomers can easily find like-minded individuals for networking and socializing, enriching the expatriate experience.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa – Requirements, Application & Costs
The Nomad Residence Permit offers a fantastic opportunity for digital nomads looking to enjoy the vibrant culture, stunning Mediterranean landscapes, and a warm climate while continuing their remote work.
Requirements
- Valid Passport: A copy of your passport, which should remain valid for the duration of your stay.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for your stay in Malta.
- Rental or Purchase Agreement: Evidence of accommodation in Malta, such as a rental agreement or a property purchase document.
- Background Check: A clean criminal record, supported by a police conduct certificate from your country of residence.
- Declaration Form: A completed and signed declaration form, stating that you have sufficient means to cover your stay without impacting the local labor market.
- Income Proof: Evidence of a stable and regular income of at least €2,700 per month. This can be in the form of bank statements or contracts that show you’re either employed with a company outside Malta, run your own business, or work as a freelancer for clients predominantly based outside of Malta.
- Employment or Business Documents: For employees, a letter from your employer stating your remote working arrangement. For business owners or freelancers, documents proving ownership and the nature of your business.
- Health Declaration Form: A health declaration to ensure public health safety.
- Travel Insurance: Proof of travel insurance for your initial stay, until you get your health insurance sorted in Malta.
- Application Fee: Payment of the application fee, which varies depending on the length of your intended stay.
The Malta Digital Nomad Visa not only opens the door to exploring the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Malta but also offers a stable and connected environment for digital nomads to work remotely.
Application Process
Applying for a Malta Digital Nomad Visa, or the Nomad Residence Permit involves a clear but thorough process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide designed to help digital nomads navigate through the application smoothly and efficiently:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Income Requirement: Ensure you have a stable monthly income of at least €2,700. This higher threshold may apply if you have dependents accompanying you.
- Employment Status: Confirm that you are either employed with a company outside of Malta, operate your own company registered outside of Malta, or work with clients predominantly based outside of Malta.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Compile all necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of health insurance, a rental or purchase agreement in Malta, a clean criminal record, income proof, employment or business documents, a health declaration form, and travel insurance.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
- Download and complete the official Nomad Residence Permit application form from Residency Malta Agency’s website.
- Pay attention to detail and ensure all information is accurate to prevent delays.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Submit your application along with all required documents to the Residency Malta Agency either through their online platform (if available) or by mailing them to the agency’s office.
- Application Fee: Pay the application fee, which is typically around €300. This fee is subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest fee on the official website.
Step 5: Await Processing
- Processing Time: The review process can take up to 30 days from the date of submission. During this period, your application and documents will be thoroughly reviewed.
Step 6: Approval and Visa Issuance
- Once your application is approved, you will be notified and given instructions on how to obtain your Nomad Residence Permit.
- The permit can initially be issued for one year and may be renewable depending on your situation and compliance with the requirements.
Step 7: Relocation to Malta
- Plan your move to Malta. Ensure that you have all your affairs in order, including accommodation and local health insurance, if your initial insurance was only for travel.
Step 8: Register Your Arrival
- Upon arrival in Malta, you may need to register your stay with the local authorities or the Residency Malta Agency, depending on the specific requirements at the time of your move.
Additional Tips:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any updates to the visa requirements or processes, as immigration policies can change.
- Local Connections: Engage with local expat and digital nomad communities online to get insider tips and advice on living and working in Malta.
Costs
Application Fee:
Around €300 (approximately $325 USD).
Payment Method: Payment can usually be made via bank transfer or credit card. It’s advisable to check the specific payment methods accepted by the Residency Malta Agency at the time of application.
Health Insurance:
Varies depending on the provider, but expect to pay between €100 to €300 per year (approximately $108 to $325 USD) for basic coverage. The cost can increase based on coverage levels and personal circumstances.
Payment Method: Insurance providers often accept various payment methods, including credit cards, direct bank transfers, or online payment platforms.
Criminal Record Check:
Varies by country, but typically around €20 to €60 (approximately $22 to $65 USD).
Payment Method: Depends on the issuing authority; often payable by credit card, bank transfer, or cash at local police stations or government offices.
Rental Agreement:
No fixed fee for the agreement itself, but you’ll need to provide proof of accommodation, which means securing a lease. Rental costs in Malta can vary widely, from about €700 to €2,000 per month (approximately $760 to $2,170 USD) depending on location and property type.
Payment Method: Typically, rental deposits and monthly payments are made via bank transfer.
Travel Insurance:
Around €50 to €150 (approximately $54 to $162 USD) for short-term coverage until you arrange local health insurance.
Payment Method: Usually payable by credit card or direct bank transfer through the insurance provider’s website.
Health Declaration Form:
No direct cost for the form, but potential medical tests or certifications might incur minor fees depending on your country of origin.
Notarization and Translation of Documents:
Varies depending on the document and the service provider, but expect to pay from €20 to €100 (approximately $22 to $108 USD) per document for professional translation and notarization services.
Payment Method: Payment methods include cash, credit card, or bank transfer, depending on the service provider.
The total cost, excluding living expenses such as rent and personal spending, can range from approximately €490 to €830 (about $530 to $900 USD), considering the basic application fee and average incidental costs. This estimate does not include the monthly rent, which is a significant part of your budget while living in Malta.