Malta has been attracting a significant number of digital nomads who are enticed by the island’s lifestyle and climate. Relocating to Malta is a smooth process for various reasons; English is Malta’s official language making it easy for non-Maltese nationals to communicate. The island also offers all the ingredients for being the ideal remote working base such as a reputable health system, good internet connection, and great air and sea links making Malta well connected to the rest of the world. By obtaining a residence card under the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, applicants are also entitled to travel within the Schengen Area without a visa for 90 days in a 180-day period.
The aim of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (NRP) is to grant Non-EU nationals the right to live in Malta whilst maintaining their employment or business activities in another country. The NRP is hence open for digital nomads who can work remotely using telecommunication means. The right to reside in Malta is given either in the form a residence permit or in the form of a national visa depending on the intended duration of stay.
Who is eligible to apply for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?
Applicants interested in applying for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit must first and foremost be Non-EU nationals and earn a minimum gross annual income of €42,000.
Applicants must also prove that they fall under one of the following categories:
- Conduct business activities for a company registered outside of Malta and of which the applicant is a partner or a shareholder, (minimum 6 months)
- Work for an employer registered in a foreign country and have an employment contract, (minimum 3 months)
- Offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom the applicant has contracts. (minimum 3-6 months)
If a prospective applicant has a contract with a foreign employer but will be offering services to a Maltese subsidiary company, the applicant will not be eligible to apply for the Nomad Residence Permit.
In total, an applicant must have a minimum gross yearly income of €42,000.
Applicants who fall under one of these categories must:
- Hold a valid travel document,
- Have a health insurance policy covering in-patient and out-patient treatment with a minimum limit of €30,000, (only on approval)
- Buy or Rent Property in Malta, (only on approval)
- Pass a background verification check
Nationals from the currently ineligible countries of (or have close ties with) Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Russia, Belarus and Venezuela are not eligible to apply.
What is the duration of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is issued for one year and is renewable if the applicant still meets the set eligibility criteria. In order for the permit to be renewed, applicants must provide evidence that they have resided in Malta for a period of 5 months over a 12-month period. The Nomad Residence Permit may be renewed three times, for a total stay of a maximum of four (4) years at the discretion of the Residency Malta Agency, subject to the applicant still being able to satisfy the programme requirements.
Can family members join the Digital Nomad in Malta?
Family members of an applicant who has applied or been approved under the Nomad Residence Permit in Malta can also apply for a residence permit. An applicant’s spouse, minor children and economically dependent adult children are therefore eligible to be included. A government application fee of €300 per family member is applicable. Applicants may submit applications for their family members with their application. It is not possible to add any dependents after effecting payment or after obtaining approval.
Parents of the main applicant and of the spouse are not eligible to be included in the application.
Residence permits issued to family members under the Malta Nomad Residence Permit does not grant them an automatic right to work in Malta. Family members who wish to take up employment in Malta must apply for an employment license with Jobsplus.
What is the process to apply for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?
An application under the Malta Nomad Residence Permit is to be submitted by the applicant together with the required supporting documentation and a government fee of €300 for the main applicant, and an additional €300 for each family member. Together with the application, the applicant is required to present a letter of intent explaining the motivations to obtain a Nomad Residence Permit and the intended duration of stay. Once an application has been submitted, due diligence checks are carried out by local authorities and the applicant is notified on the outcome of the application.
If the application is approved, the applicant is issued with a Letter of Approval in Principle. Subsequently, the applicant is required to submit proof of accommodation in Malta and a health insurance policy within 30 days from the date of the Letter of Approval in Principle. Once this is finalised, a Letter of Final Approval is issued. In the event that an applicant requires an entry visa, he/she will be contacted by the Central Visa Unit to offer guidance on the process.
Once in Malta, the applicant is required to set up an appointment for the capture of biometrics and photos and a residence card is issued within 2-3 weeks.
Processing of applications takes approximately 30 days from the receipt of all required documentation and application forms.
Malta Nomad Residence Permit Applications
Malta Nomad Residence Permit applications are to be submitted to Residency Malta Agency. Our immigration firm is registered as a Licensed Agent with the Maltese immigration authorities according to Maltese law. Led by Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker, our winning Immigration & Relocation Law team is the oldest specialised immigration law practice in Malta. We have successfully represented individuals and families ranging from expatriate retirees, digital nomads, emigrants seeking employment, to HNW individuals on the Forbes List.
We are able to advise you on the legal implications and requirements of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit application process and indicate expected time frames based on the specific circumstances and nature of your application. Our advice covers the rules applicable to immigrating to Malta under a number of available residence programmes as well as practical relocation assistance ranging from transportation and insurance to schooling and health insurance coverage.
Contact us for further information on the Malta Nomad Residence Permit and other residency programmes.