How to Get a Malta Digital Nomad Visa in 2025

The island nation of Malta, located in the middle of the Mediterranean, is often overlooked. But when it comes to being a digital nomad in 2025, Malta has so much to offer, it’s almost ridiculous. And the Malta digital nomad visa is your key to all of it. 

First of all, Malta has that ideal Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and warm winters. Its capital, Valletta, is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with more than 3000 hours of sunshine every year. Valetta is also a jewel of baroque architecture, home to artistic masterpieces by the likes of Caravaggio and with a rich history that includes some of the oldest buildings in the world.

Plus, Malta is in the European Union. And it has deep historical ties with the UK, which means that English is an official language here.

In other words, it might be the perfect destination for digital nomads. And if you want to explore Europe, enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle, and still be able to get by in English, being a digital nomad in Malta is the way to do it.

Even better, Malta has a residence permit for digital nomads. The Nomad Residence Permit, launched in 2021, offers one of the best digital nomad visas in Europe.

Getting a digital nomad visa here lets you not only enjoy everything Malta has to offer – which is a lot – but it can also be a gateway to the rest of the EU. Let’s take a look at how to get a Malta digital nomad visa and make this gorgeous island your next home.

What Is the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

Malta’s digital nomad visa allows you to work from anywhere in the world while living in Malta. Established by the Residency Malta Agency, a branch of the Maltese government, the Nomad Residence Permit lets you experience Malta’s unique culture and beautiful scenery for yourself.

Malta’s digital nomad visa is valid for one year. However, it can be renewed up to three times, letting you stay in this beautiful country for up to four years if you fall in love with it. And really, why wouldn’t you?

Who Can Apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

Eligibility Criteria

The Malta digital nomad program isn’t open to EU, EAA, or Swiss nationals. Don’t feel bad for them; they’re allowed to live and work in Malta anytime they want, for as long as they want, as Malta is part of the EU and offers freedom of movement to all citizens of EU countries.

Instead, the remote work visa Malta offers is aimed at people from other countries. That means the USA, Canada, Australia, India, China - just about anywhere that’s not in the European Union.

When you apply for a Malta digital nomad visa, you’ll need to prove that you are a remote worker. You can be self-employed, a freelancer, or directly employed by a company that allows you to work remotely. You can also make your money as a shareholder in a foreign company. As long as your paychecks are not coming from a Maltese company, you could be eligible for the Malta digital nomad visa.

But before you start packing your bags, there are some other requirements you will need to meet to live your best life here.

Financial Requirements

Malta digital nomad visa requirements include a minimum income you need to meet to live here.

You must earn at least €3500 per month/€42,000 per year.

Right now, that’s around US$4000 per month. That’s not a crazy amount, but it’s not nothing either. Before you get your hot little hands on your Malta Nomad Residence Permit, you will need to prove to the authorities that you make enough money to support your nomad lifestyle.

What they want to see is contracts with foreign companies. Failing that, they will want to see contracts with clients if you are a freelancer that prove you make enough. And don’t think you can get around it by having a contract with a foreign company and providing services to that company’s Maltese subsidiary; that won’t work.

Interestingly, you can bring dependents, including children and a spouse, to the country with your Malta digital nomad visa. There is no requirement for them to make a specific amount of money.

Malta’s digital nomad visa requirements can make it a little tough to explore here. But if you have the money, it’s well worth it.

Other Requirements

Along with the right income, you will also need:

·       A valid passport with at least six months left on its validity period.

·       A clean criminal record (and proof of that from your home country).

·       Health insurance to cover you while you live in Malta.

·       Proof of accommodation in Malta.

Required Documents

To apply for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, you will need:

·       a copy of your valid passport. This includes every page of your passport.

·       proof of your employment contract, contracts with clients, and shareholder agreements with any business you own.

·       Payslips or bank statements.

·       The documents for your health insurance coverage.

·       A rental agreement or a hotel booking.

·       Your CV/resume detailing your work history.

·       A signed and dated Letter of Intent detailing why you want to move to Malta as a digital nomad.

·       A marriage certificate if you are moving to Malta as a couple. If you’re not married, you will need to show proof that you have been in an ongoing relationship for more than two years. This could be things like shared utility bills, bank statements, dated photographs, flight tickets, and affidavits from people who know you.

·       Birth certificates of any children traveling with you

·       The completed application forms.

Be aware that if your documents are not from an English-speaking country, you will need to have them translated into English before you apply.

How to Apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa

If you have all the paperwork you need, applying for a Malta Digital Nomad Visa is fairly straightforward. Here’s the application process you need to follow.

Step-by-Step Process

1.       Get your documents together. Check the list above and make sure you have everything they might ask for. It’s better to submit more than you think you need to than to not give them enough information.

2.       Submit your application via the Residency Malta Agency portal. Don’t forget, the Malta digital nomad visa costs a €300 application fee. 

3.       Wait. Typically, it takes 30 to 60 days to get approval of your application, but it may take longer if your documents are not perfect or if your situation is complicated. It’s better to apply for your Malta digital nomad visa well in advance of when you plan to visit Malta. You will be notified by email whether your application is approved or rejected.

4.       If the Maltese government likes what they see, they will send you a Letter of Approval in Principle. When you receive this, you have 30 days to send in your proof of accommodation and your health insurance documents. If those are in order, you will be issued a Letter of Final Approval.

5.       You start your visa application outside of Malta, but once you have your Final Approval, it's time to travel to Malta to get your residence card. Once you arrive, email the Residency Malta Agency and set an appointment for them to capture your biometric data. They need these to create your residency card, which you should be issued in three or four weeks. 

6.       The process for renewing your Nomad Residence Permit is much the same. You’ll need to demonstrate that you are still earning the required amount, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and evidence that you have spent at least five of the previous 12 months in Malta. A bank statement with regular withdrawals, a utility bill, or a phone contract can help with that.

Taxes in Malta

Part of what makes the Maltese digital nomad visa so attractive is the generous rules around income tax and other taxes. If you work remotely from Malta, you'll need to pay taxes in the country, but digital nomads who want to reduce their tax burden will find that Maltese tax isn't that punishing.

For example:

• Malta allows digital nomads to pay only 10% on work authorized by the Maltese nomad visa. That's a flat rate tax, so it doesn't go up no matter what you earn. And it's a lot less than you pay in tax in most other countries.

• You can apply to pay zero tax on your income for your first year in Malta. The twelve-month grace period starts from the date of issue of your Malta digital nomad residence permit, and you need to file a declaration with the Residency Malta Agency to demonstrate that you are not just visiting casually and intend to relocate to Malta in the medium-long term.

10% income tax is a great deal, and it's an even more tempting option for digital nomads seeking a low tax jurisdiction when you consider the first year tax amnesty. But as always, you should speak to a qualified tax advisor to fully understand your obligations.

Cost of Living in Malta

Whether you consider Malta affordable or not depends a lot on your definition of 'affordable'. By European standards, Malta can be a real bargain, but compared to many destinations in Asia or South America, for example, it can be quite expensive.

Let's look at some of the typical costs of a stay in Malta.

• A typical one bedroom apartment in the center of a city in Malta like Valletta costs around $1100 USD per month. In outlying areas, you could find a place for closer to $800-900. Malta is quite small, and nowhere is all that far from the cities, but public transportation can be patchy.

• Phone and internet plans are in line with most of Europe, which makes them cheap by North American standards. Expect to pay $50-100 for both, and another $100 or so for utilities.

• Like everywhere, groceries in Malta have gotten much more expensive over the past few years. A basket of essential items (pasta, eggs, milk, corned beef, couscous, tomatoes, coffee, etc) costs around $100 and might last you a week, but if you want anything beyond the basics, your food bill will rise.

Benefits of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa

It doesn't take a genius to see why Malta is a popular destination for people wanting to work remotely. Here's why residency in Malta might work for you:

• Live in an EU country. Malta uses the Euro and is part of the Schengen visa free area, so once you get a residence permit, you can travel to other countries in the Schengen area easily. That opens up most of Europe to you, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and other countries.

• Malta's healthcare system is ranked 19th in the world, ahead of the UK at 34, Canada at 32, Australia at 21, and the United States at 69.

• Malta's tax on digital nomads is a very reasonable 10%, with the first year tax-free for a new tax resident.

• English is widely spoken and is an official language of the country. That means all requirements and application forms are given in English.

• The digital nomad visa application process is clearly defined and easy to follow.

• Malta is beautiful. The country offers stunning scenery, endless sunshine, and a rich history and culture that you may well fall in love with.

Things to Know Before Moving

Is Malta right for your next home base? While this small country has a lot to offer, don't forget these factors:

• The nomad visa is intended to be temporary, and does not automatically lead to Malta citizenship.

• You can only work for foreign employers, not Maltese companies.

• The cost of living is rising, especially in cities like Valletta. Less developed areas like Gozo offer better bargains.

FAQs

How long does the application take?

The Malta digital nomad visa takes 30-60 days for the initial application if everything goes smoothly. It may take another 30 days for the authorities to review your health insurance and accommodation. Then you'll have a visa to travel to Malta and get your Malta residence permit. 

Can I apply while inside Malta?

You must start your application from outside Malta. Only when your application is approved will you be asked to enter Malta and get your residence card.

 Can I renew the permit?

If you are still eligible for the nomad residence program after living and working in Malta for a year, you can reapply up to three times, giving you a total of four years in the country.

Can I bring my partner and kids?

Yes, you can bring a spouse and dependent children with you. You will need to provide their details when applying for the Malta nomad program, and demonstrate that your income can support them.

Will I owe taxes in Malta?

Yes. You can apply for tax exemption in Malta for up to one year, but after that, you'll pay 10% income tax. Tax in Malta is lower than in most other European countries, at least for nomads.

Can I apply as a freelancer?

Freelance work is eligible for the Malta residence permit, as long as you make the minimum annual income of €3500 per month/€42,000 per year.