Malta Digital Nomad Visa & Remote Work

 

➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?

➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?

The residence permit for digital nomads is valid for one year, with the option to renew it for 3 times for the same period. In total, you can live and work in Marta up to 4 years.

➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The visa application process cost €300 EUR in processing fees.

➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?

Digital nomads in Malta will pay a flat income tax rate of 10%. But they will be exempt from paying tax on foreign income in Malta for 12 months starting either from the date they receive their residence permit.

Nomad Visa Malta 2024

Malta, a picturesque island nation in the Mediterranean, offers a unique opportunity for digital nomads to work remotely with a beautiful seaside backdrop. This EU member state, also part of the Schengen Area and the eurozone, provides a special residence permit, commonly referred to as the Malta Digital Nomad Visa or the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (NRP), allowing individuals to live and work in an idyllic setting.

Eligibility and Visa Application Process

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is designed to be inclusive; applicants do not need to be strictly from the IT sector. Whether you’re a programmer, designer, entrepreneur, or other professionals working remotely, you may qualify. Importantly, applicants must prove that their income comes from sources outside Malta, as the permit does not allow for local employment income.

Families can also relocate under this permit, making it an excellent option for those looking to move with their loved ones.

Benefits of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa

1. Extended Stay and Renewal Flexibility:
   • The permit is initially valid for one year but can be renewed up to three times, each for an additional year, allowing for a total of four years of residence.
   • Applicants need to spend a minimum of five months per year in Malta to qualify for renewal.
   • It is important to note that time spent under this permit does not count towards permanent residency or citizenship eligibility, which requires a different type of residence permit.
2. Visa-free Movement in the Schengen Zone:
   • Permit holders can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without the need for additional visas.
3. Tax Benefits:
   • Income earned from remote work outside Malta is tax-exempt in Malta, provided it is not transferred to a Maltese bank.
   • However, if a digital nomad spends over 183 days in Malta within a year, they become tax residents and may face double taxation, though taxes paid abroad can often be credited against Maltese tax liabilities if a double taxation treaty (DTT) exists.

Recent Tax Regulations in Malta

As of December 7, 2023, new tax rules apply:

• Digital nomads will pay a flat income tax rate of 10% in Malta, a significant reduction from the previous progressive scale of up to 35%.
• For the first 12 months from the issuance of the residence permit or from January 1, 2024 (whichever is later), digital nomads are exempt from paying foreign income tax in Malta.
• Non-domiciled tax residents holding a Nomad Residence Permit must pay a minimum income tax of €5,000 if their family’s total income exceeds €35,000 annually, regardless of whether the income is remitted to Malta, provided a DTT is in place.

Applying for the Permit

The Residency Malta Agency is responsible for processing applications for the Nomad Residence Permit. Prospective applicants are encouraged to ensure they meet all criteria and prepare a comprehensive application to facilitate a smooth approval process.

This permit represents an attractive option for those looking to combine their professional ambitions with a lifestyle in one of the Mediterranean’s most charming destinations.

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit offers digital nomads the chance to live and work remotely in this scenic Mediterranean locale. The application process involves a series of steps and specific documentation to ensure a successful application.

Required Documents for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit

General Documentation:

1. Completed Application Forms: These must include detailed information about the primary applicant and any family members also applying for residence permits.
2. Motivation Letter: A narrative explaining why the applicant wishes to obtain a Maltese residence permit, detailing income sources such as salaries, bonuses, and service fees.
3. Autobiography or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A document listing previous employment and educational history.
4. Passport Scans: Full scans of all passport pages for the applicant and any family members.
5. Notarization and Legalization: All documents must be translated into English, notarized, and apostilled to confirm their legal validity abroad. Apostilles are only issued in the document’s country of origin.

Specific Documentation Based on Employment Status:

• Employed Individuals: Must provide a current employment contract. If the contract does not specify remote work capability, a supplemental letter from the employer is required.
• Freelancers: Should submit a service agreement outlining the scope and compensation of their work.
• Entrepreneurs: Need to provide extracts from the legal entity and founder registries.

Financial Requirements:

• Income Proof: Applicants must show a bank statement from the past three months indicating a monthly income of at least €3,500. This income can include salary, business earnings, and self-employment income.
• Contract Guarantees: Employment or service contracts should guarantee this income level for at least five more months at the time of application, with employment contracts valid for at least six additional months or service contracts stipulating payments six months ahead.

Family Member Documentation:

• Spouses: Marriage certificate.
• Unregistered Partnerships: Proof of cohabitation for at least two years, such as joint lease agreements or bank statements.
• Children: Birth certificates, and for those over 18, a notarized certificate of financial or physical dependency.
• Custody Documentation: If applicable, a court decision on guardianship or child residence post-divorce.

Additional Post-Approval Requirements:

• Residence Confirmation: Via a rental agreement or Airbnb reservation.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage must be purchased for a year.

Steps to Obtain a Malta Nomad Residence Permit

Step 1: Prepare and Scan Documents

• Prepare all required documents, translating and notarizing as necessary. Scan these into separate PDF files for submission.

Step 2: Submit Documents and Pay Fees

• Apply online through the Residency Malta Agency. After reviewing the documents, the agency will issue a €300 processing fee invoice per applicant. Payment of this fee officially submits the application.

Step 3: Application Review

• The agency assesses the application, checking for completeness and eligibility. Applicants will receive preliminary approval or a denial via email within six weeks. Reasons for denial might include previous visa denials or criminal history within the Schengen area.

Step 4: Secure Accommodation and Insurance

• Provide proof of accommodation in Malta and purchase health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Both reservations and insurance details are to be submitted to the agency.

Step 5: Visa Arrangements

• If necessary, obtain a national visa D to enter Malta. This step is waived if the applicant already possesses a valid Schengen visa.

Step 6: Arrival and Biometrics Submission

• Upon arrival in Malta, contact the Residency Malta Agency to schedule a biometrics appointment at Identity Malta, where a €27.5 state fee is paid per person.

Step 7: Collect Residence Permit Cards

• After processing, the residence permit cards can be collected from the designated Identity Malta office as notified via email.

Best cities for digital nomads in Malta

Malta is an appealing destination for digital nomads due to its mix of historical richness, stunning Mediterranean views, and modern digital facilities. Here are the best cities and areas for digital nomads in Malta:

1. Valletta: The capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features historic architecture and a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes.
2. Sliema: Popular among expats, it offers a vibrant lifestyle with seaside promenades, dining, and entertainment.
3. St Julian’s: Known for its amenities like coworking spaces and a lively nightlife, located near Sliema.
4. Gzira: A quieter option with affordable living, good for focused work and close to urban conveniences.
5. St Paul’s Bay: In the northern part, it offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a quieter working environment.
6. Mellieha: Located in northwestern Malta, this coastal village is perfect for those seeking tranquility and stunning views.
7. Gozo: Although not a city, this nearby island provides a rural, peaceful setting with natural beauty.

Regarding living costs, the monthly expense (excluding rent) is around €800. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from €1,000 to €1,500, while in Gozo, costs are about 40% lower. Mobile connectivity is robust, including 5G options, and the average Wi-Fi speed in cafes is 85 Mbit/s.