🇲🇹 How to Apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
The Malta Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, allows remote workers to live and work remotely on the island for one year with the possibility of an extension.
For digital nomads, Malta is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for those looking for island life and adventure due to its blissful climate, beautiful beaches, and rich history.
With this visa, you can enjoy hassle-free travel amongst the 26 other Schengen countries.
In this article, we’ll refer to it as the digital nomad visa to avoid confusion and highlight the four most important steps when applying for the visa.
Before you depart make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
With its many benefits, it’s no wonder the digital nomad visa concept is quickly gaining traction. This one-of-a-kind visa offers a remarkable opportunity to those capable of working remotely and exploring a foreign country simultaneously.
With the rise of remote work and even more global opportunities, the digital nomad visa is an exciting possibility for those looking to combine their passions for travel and work – creating a powerful combination.
Requirements for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa
📄 Valid Travel Document
Ensure your passport is up-to-date and valid before travelling.
💶 Proof of Remote Income
You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:
- Valid working contract with a foreign company
- Owning a business with clients outside the country
- Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.
💰 Meet the Minimum Monthly Income
To qualify, you must earn a minimum of €2,700 ($2900) before taxes per month and provide proof with bank statements from the last three months.
📝 Letter of Intent
A signed and dated declaration outlining your motivations for applying.
🎓 Curriculum Vitae
Highlighting extensive professional experience and educational accomplishments in detail.
4 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa
💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents
Gather all your mandatory documents and fill out the application form to complete the process. As there are many documents to prepare, we suggest creating a checklist to ensure you get all relevant documents. The Nomad Residency Malta website has a checklist for the Nomad Residence Permit.
❗️ Required Documents
- Completed Application Forms – Application form N1A, application form N1B and application form N4.
- Copy of Passport (including blank pages)
- Proof of Income with Certified Bank Statements of the past three months
Submitting bank statements as evidence of financial standing is only acceptable when they are the official versions downloaded directly in PDF format from web banking portals or apps. Alternatively, scanned copies of officially stamped and signed hard copies issued by the bank will be accepted. - Remote Work Verification - All applicants must demonstrate a secure and ongoing income source meeting or exceeding applicable thresholds for the last five months (accumulated) from the day their application is submitted.
- Curriculum Vitae
🌍 Remote Employment
In the case of employment, you must provide a copy of the employment contract showing obligations to the employer and a description of your work duties. Also, you must show documents indicating your tax obligations to prove that working remotely is feasible.
💼 Self-Employed
In the case of self-employment, you must provide a bank statement clearly showing the income from self-employment for the previous three months. A certificate of Incorporation and Share Register must also be provided.
💻 Freelancer
In the case of freelance, you must provide service contracts that precisely detail the obligations of both the provider and receiver, along with a clear description of work duties performed and an outlined payment rate.
Additional documents for family members (if applicable)
- Application Form N2 – Nomad Family Member Residence Permit.
- Application Form N4 – General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Declaration Form.
- International passport (including blank pages).
- Marriage Certificate – in the case of a spouse accompanying.
- De Facto Partnership – Unmarried couples who have been in a relationship for two or more years must present sufficient evidence of this connection, such as utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, dated photographs, and flight tickets.
- Birth Certificate – in the case of children accompanying.
✔️ Step 2: Submit an online application
To expedite your application, kindly upload all these documents electronically and email them to the Residency Malta Agency: nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt.
Please remember that all applications and documents must be typed and in PDF. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted.
The application will be checked to ensure the requested documents are submitted. Upon submission, you will receive a receipt for your application with instructions on how to pay the €300 ($320) non-refundable administrative fee per applicant through bank transfer.
⏳ Step 3: Wait for Approval
You must submit accommodation and health insurance evidence within 30 working days from the letter’s approval. If you require an entry visa, you will be contacted by the Central Visa Unit at Identity Malta Agency to guide you through the process.
🇲🇹 Step 4: Travel to Malta
Once you’ve received your new visa, it’s time to fly to Malta and embrace your new life as a digital nomad on this beautiful island. 🥳
Now that you’re in Malta, email Nomad Residency Malta immediately and arrange an appointment to capture your biometrics.
Obtaining a digital nomad residence permit usually takes two to three weeks. As soon as your card is issued, you’ll receive a confirmation email notifying you to pick up the card in person from Residency Malta’s offices.
A fee of €27.50 ($29.30) for issuing a residency card per person will be paid in person at Residency Malta’s offices. Payments can only be made by card; bringing your passport is essential.
You can stay in the country for one year with the Nomad Residence Permit, and it is possible to renew your permit twice, allowing for a total stay of up to three years.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of Malta's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement $2,900 (€2,700) per month Duration of Visa One year (possible to extend a further year) Cost of Visa $350 (€327) Processing Time 30 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes Ease of Applying 7/10 Tax Obligations None
🕍 Why Malta is a great place for Remote Workers
Malta is an ideal digital nomad destination. It is naturally beautiful, with old stone streets, crystal clear beaches and delicious cuisines.
Furthermore, Malta is affordable compared to the rest of Western Europe – groceries and eating out at restaurants won’t break the bank.
The weather does not disappoint either, as temperatures stay mild throughout the year, making it an ideal environment for exploring or relaxing on Malta’s beaches.
Lastly, Malta’s connection to WiFi internet offers excellent coverage that lets you go about your daily digital nomad activities. Malta has everything digital nomads seek – affordability, beauty and connectivity!
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
Does Malta have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Malta offers a digital nomad visa for those who meet the requirements and want to work and live in Malta.
How can I get the Malta digital nomad visa?
To apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, you must fulfil several requirements, including a valid passport, completed application forms, proof of remote work and income, and meet the minimum financial requirement.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Malta?
Nomad Residence Permit holders must pay income taxes to the country where their business is registered. Each individual is responsible for assessing their tax position with the relevant authorities, as every circumstance may differ depending on its unique particulars.
How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa in Malta?
Generally, decisions on applications are reached within 30 days.
Can a nomad residence permit holder bring a family member? If so, do they need their own applications?
Yes, Sure, applicants are welcome to bring along their spouse and dependents. The family member must submit the N2 and N4 forms, their passport and health declarations. Furthermore, an application fee of €300 per applicant is applied. To complete the process, the spouse must provide a marriage certificate and a birth certificate is required for any children.
Can I bring my partner on a digital nomad visa if we’re unmarried?
As a de facto partner, you must submit a “Declaration of Timeline” and evidence that proves your relationship with the main applicant. Such forms of proof can include lease agreements or purchase agreements, flight tickets, bills, letters from family members and photos taken within the last two years (and preferably longer).
Can I extend my Malta Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you can renew your permit twice, allowing for a total stay of up to three years.