Individuals from third countries who would typically (but not always) require a visa to enter Malta are now eligible for the new Malta Nomad Residence Permit(NRP). The Malta Nomad Residence Permit (NRP) is a new residency program in Malta designed to allow non-EU nationals to live in Malta while working in another country. As a result, the NRP is available to any digital nomads who can operate remotely using technological means. Depending on the desired period of stay, the right to remain in Malta is granted in the form of a residence permit or a national visa.

Do business from Malta - EU's new most attractive nomad destination of 2021

Malta for a long time has already been providing great opportunities for digital nomads and remote workers. Over the last years Malta has attracted a large number of digital nomads from around the European Union, who are drawn to the island's lifestyle and climate.

For a variety of reasons, relocating to Malta is a great option. English is the official language of Malta, making communication easier for non-Maltese nationals. Malta has all the facilities for becoming a perfect remote working location, warm climate, great health system, high-speed internet and overall being an excellent location to grow & expand business in the European Union. 

What exactly is digital nomad visa in Malta?

Individuals from third countries who would typically (but not always) require a visa to enter Malta are now eligible for the new Malta Nomad Residence Permit(NRP).

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit (NRP) is a new residency program in Malta designed to allow non-EU nationals to live in Malta while working in another country. 

As a result, the NRP is available to digital nomads who can operate remotely using technological means. Depending on the desired period of stay, the right to remain in Malta is granted in the form of a residence permit or a national visa.

The benefit of this nomad visa in Malta is that you can bring your family members with you! Spouses, children under 18, and adult children who are unable to cope independently owing to a medical condition, as well as those who are economically reliant on the primary applicant (dependents), are eligible to apply for the permit under the same requirements as the Nomad Residence Permit holder. It is possible to firstly apply for the permit yourself and later on bring your family members to Malta.

Duration & validity: The permit will be valid for one year and can be renewed if the applicant continues to fulfill the qualifying requirements. Applicants who want to remain for less than a year will be given a National Visa of Malta that will last for the duration of their stay (National Visa can be valid for 91 up to 180 days*).

*The National Visa allows the applicant to enter and stay in Malta for the period of the visa.

Processing time: Following the submission of the necessary documentation, application processing might take up to 30 days.

Tax questions: Because an individual is already taxed at origin, Nomad Residence Permit holders will not be liable to personal income tax in Malta. However, they will be subject to the same consumption tax as all other residents.

Individuals who work for firms that are registered and headquartered in Malta must pay taxes in Malta and apply for a residence permit based on their self-employment.

Healthcare: A Nomad Residence Permit in Malta is only valid for a limited time and does not entitle the permit holder to free health care. However, the appropriate health insurance policy can provide enough coverage for medical bills. If any of the beneficiaries plans to go within the Schengen Area, they must apply for separate travel insurance to cover their stay.

Who can qualify for digital nomad visa in Malta?

Eligibility: An individual must be able to operate remotely and independently of his/her location in order to be eligible for this Permit, using telecommunication technologies.

Applicants for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit must be Non-EU nationals with a gross of tax monthly income of at least EUR 2,700.

To satisfy the eligibility criteria for Nomad Visa in Malta, the applicant must demonstrate fitting into one of the three categories below:

a) The applicant works for a company registered in a foreign country for which the applicant has a contract;

b) The applicant conducts business activity for a company registered in a foreign country for which the applicant is a partner/shareholder;

c) The applicant provides freelance or consulting services primarily to clients with permanent establishments in a foreign country and the applicant has contracts with the mentioned establishments.

Documentation needed for digital nomad residency in Malta:

For digital nomads/remote workers:

  • Valid passport.
  • Have health insurance that covers all potential risks in Malta.
  • Proof of income & employment contract/proof of business activity as set in point b).
  • Have a legitimate contract for the rental or purchase of a property in Malta.
  • Clean criminal record (since the background check will be conducted).
  • A statement of purpose outlining the reasons for applying for a Nomad Residence Permit in Malta. 

It can also strenghten the application if a person previously did not have any refusals for Schengen EU visa applications. 

For family members:

  • Valid passport.
  • Copy of Nomad Visa/Residence Permit already issued to the main applicant.
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Birth certificate (if applicable).
  • Proof of dependency (if applicable).
  • Award of custody/guardianship (if applicable).
  • Local/international (that is covered in Malta also) health-insurance policy.
  • Health declaration.

Steps of the application:

1. The applicant must provide all of the documentation required.

2. The Agency and other Maltese authorities will assess the application and contact the applicant when procedure is complete.

3. After the second step is finalized, for the Nomad Residence Permit or National Visa in Malta, the applicant must provide biometric data, and the procedure will be completed.

What we can do for you?

We will assist you with all of the essential preparation work and document formation to secure a successful application for Digital Nomad Residence Permit in Malta.

EU LAW FIRM has been operating in Malta for years in immigration and company registration matters. Therefore our lawyers are highly experienced not only in the field of immigration to Malta, but also other issues in Malta that may be useful for digital nomads and enterpreneurs, such as planning of EU tax residency, company formation in Malta, accounting and other business issues that need fast and effective solution.

The application for visa may be submitted completely remotely from any part of the world.

In case you have decided to apply for Digital Nomad Visa in Malta, contact us and we will guide you through the necessary steps and assist you throughout the process of application.

Contact Information:

Contact us via e-mail at info@eulawfirm.eu, telephone: +371 26742086 or use the direct contact form available on our website.