Malta has joined a list of other countries offering a digital nomad visa. The official name of this initiative is Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit, and it grants digital nomads the right to live in Malta whilst retaining one’s foreign employment or economic activity. Malta ticks all the right boxes for digital nomads with its excellent climate, strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean and the safest country in Europe. It’s entire capital city, Valletta is listed as UNESCO World heritage site and although Malta is a small island it is full of hidden treasures for one to explore and discover.
3 things you need to know before submitting an application for Malta Nomad Residence Permit
1. Applicants must receive a gross monthly income of at least €2,700
In order to apply for Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa an applicant must show to the authorities that he/she earns at least €2,700 gross monthly income. The authorities accept applications from three different categories of digital nomads. This includes:
- Individuals who are employed in a foreign country and can work from Malta. Such individuals must show a contract of work and provide evidence that they have been employed by the same company for at least 3 months, or
- Individuals who conduct business activities for a company registered outside of Malta and of which the applicant is a partner or a shareholder. Under this category such individuals must prove that they have been conducting such work for at least six months, or
- Individuals who offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are outside of Malta. Under this category such individuals must show that they have been doing such work for at least 3-6 months.
2. Applicants can bring their family members as well
Together with one’s application, the digital nomad can apply to bring to Malta: the spouse (including same-sex couples), minor children and adult children who are principally dependent on the main applicant. Adult children who are unable to cope independently due to a disability or medical condition can also apply together with the main applicant. Applicants adding family members must show additional income over and above the €2,700 per month.
For each family member, the main applicant must show that he/she earns an additional €255 per month.
3. Malta Nomad Residence Permit can be renewed for a maximum of 3 years
Once approved, the initial Nomad Residence Permit is issued for 1 year. The Permit may be renewed twice for a total stay of a maximum period of 3 years in Malta.
To be eligible for renewal, the applicant must provide proof that he/she has resided in Malta for a cumulative period of at least 5 months over the previous 12 months. One may apply for a renewal of the permit by not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the expiry of the existing permit.
