Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Malta rating from Being Digital Nomad

Nestled between Italy and North Africa, Malta is a captivating archipelago at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. This ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’ enchants visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, golden sand beaches, and picturesque countryside adorned with rolling hills and terraced fields.

Malta’s strategic position and abundant natural resources have made it a coveted destination throughout history, and now, it’s rapidly emerging as a top choice for digital nomads.

Dive into this comprehensive guide to uncover the ins and outs of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa application process and explore the unparalleled benefits of working and living on this enchanting Island of Knights.

Visa Overview

Digital nomads can use Malta’s new Nomad Residency Permit for a year of residence and work. This visa was created for remote professionals (using telecommunication technologies) who wish to spend time in the Maltese islands while still fulfilling their contractual obligations to companies or clients elsewhere.

The Malta Digital Nomad Visa is available to non-EU citizens who are self-employed or working remotely for a company outside Malta. An important requirement is meeting the minimum investment or financial (income) requirements set by authorities. 

The advantages of obtaining a digital nomad visa from Malta are numerous. Digital nomads and professionals can enjoy living in a stunning Mediterranean nation with superior internet infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, a warm welcome, and a secure setting. Additionally, Malta offers several networking opportunities for remote workers.

Types of visas

Two types of visas are offered in Malta for people who want to live and work remotely from the country. They include Malta Digital Nomad Visa (MNDV) and the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP).

Here’s a rundown of both schemes, with their respective benefits and drawbacks:

Malta Digital Nomad Visa (MDNV):

The island nation of Malta has launched a special visa program dubbed the Malta Digital Nomad Visa to lure bright digital nomads who seek to set up shop in Malta for a year. This program is open to individuals who are not European Union citizens and are either self-employed or employed by a company headquartered outside of Malta. As a result of the MDNV, you are eligible for advantages such as:

Pros:

• Allows digital nomads to live and work in Malta for up to a year (renewable for up to three years)
• No minimum stay requirement
• Fast application process (usually processed within 30 days)
• Easy to apply for online
• Excellent infrastructure and quality of life
• Opportunities to network with other digital nomads and professional
• Access to Malta’s excellent healthcare system
• Allows travel to other countries in the Schengen Area

Cons:

• Cannot work for a Maltese company
• Cannot conduct business within Malta
• Must have health insurance coverage (not for British nationals)
• Must have a stable income
• It can be more expensive than other similar programs in Europe

Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP):

The Malta Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP) is a visa and residence option for those outside the European Union who wish to settle in Malta for the long term.

This visa permits applicants to stay outside Malta for a maximum of six consecutive months or an aggregate of 10 months throughout the five-year visa period.

Applicants must either have a minimum of €250,000 ($272,000) to invest in real estate or be able to rent a property for at least €10,000 ($11,000) per year to qualify for this program. Some advantages of the MRVP include the following:

Pros:

• Allows for long-term residence in Malta (up to five years)
• Enables visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
• No minimum stay requirement
• Swift application process
• Access to Malta’s excellent healthcare system
• Can work for a Maltese company or conduct business within Malta
• Low tax rates for a non-Maltese source income

Cons:

• Requires a significant financial investment in property or rent
• Must pay a minimum tax of €15,000 ($16,300) per year
• Must have health insurance coverage
• Must have a clean criminal record
• Not meant for short-term stays

There are a few options for digital nomads wishing to live and work in Malta, each with advantages and disadvantages.

The MRVP is for those searching for a permanent residence in exchange for a sizable financial commitment. Before applying to a program, consider your situation and requirements seriously.

Requirements and eligibility

Certain general requirements apply to all Malta visa kinds, while others are particular to certain visa categories. These general requirements include:

• Valid passport: You must present a passport valid for at least six months before it expires. Visa stickers require at least two unused passport pages.
• Health insurance: You must obtain medical coverage in Malta. All medical expenses, including those incurred in cases of emergency, should be covered by this policy.
• Sufficient financial resources: You must prove you can cover your living expenses in Malta. Bank statements, a letter from your company detailing your pay, or both may suffice.
• Clean criminal record: You cannot have felony convictions, and your background should be spotless.
• Purpose of visit: Work, school, or pleasure travel are all acceptable purposes for visiting Malta, but all visitors must be able to demonstrate a genuine need to be there.
• Genuine intention to leave: To be eligible to stay in Malta, you must demonstrate a genuine intention to leave the country after your authorized stay.
• Consular fees: Payment of any applicable consular fees is required to process your visa application.

Note: These requirements may differ according to the specific visa you are applying for (see below for specific requirements).

Requirements and eligibility for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa (MDNV)

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this program:

• Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of a country outside of the European Union. The MDNV is not available to citizens of the European Union.
• Employment: Your current employer or business place must be outside Malta or virtual.
• Work: Candidates must have experience working remotely (via telecommunications or similar technologies) with clients or job duties in a foreign nation.
• Financial requirements: Regarding finances, applicants must show that they have reliable income and savings to allow them and their families to live comfortably in Malta without resorting to public assistance programs. Applicants must have a minimum gross yearly income of €32,400 ($35,240). 
• Accommodation: Anyone interested must be able to provide proof of housing on the island of Malta. This can be in the form of a hotel reservation, short-term lease, or longer-term rental contract.
• Health insurance: All applicants must cover medical expenses in Malta (exceptions mentioned here).
• Clean criminal record: A police conduct certificate from the applicant’s home country or country of residence attesting to the applicant’s lack of criminal history is required.
• Should not access the Maltese labor market: Applicants may not be employed or self-employed by a Maltese organization or conduct work for a Maltese client.
• Application fee: A non-refundable application fee of €300 ($330) is due at the time of submission.

Applicants who meet the criteria above can apply for the MDNV online. Within 30 days, applicants will get an email telling them how their application is going.

Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Documents required

Gathering the necessary paperwork to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa from Malta involves filling out and submitting several different papers. Here are the specific documents:

• Application form: Submit a properly filled out application form, which can be obtained on the Malta Nomad Residency Permit website.
• Passport: A scanned copy of your current passport is required. If you plan to visit Malta, your passport must be valid for at least six months after departure.
• Passport photo: You must submit a photograph of yourself in passport size that was taken within the last six months.
• Proof of income: You will be required to show proof of a consistent and reliable source of income. A bank statement or a letter from a client or company will suffice.
• Health insurance: You must show proof of health insurance covering your entire time in Malta (Malta has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom).
• Clean criminal record: A certificate stating that you do not have any criminal convictions in your country of residence is required. This certificate needs to have been granted within the last six months.
• Proof of accommodation: You must show documentation that you have a place to stay in Malta, like a lease or hotel reservation confirmation.
• Nomad declaration: A signed statement that you will not work for a Maltese company or do business in Malta.
• Payment: A non-refundable application fee of €300 ($330) must be paid at the time of submission.

You should take the time to read the application requirements and check them off one by one to make sure you don’t forget anything. For more information, please contact the Malta Digital Nomad Visa team.

Requirements and eligibility for the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP)

The Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP) is open to non-EU citizens searching for permanent residence in exchange for a sizable financial commitment. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Investment requirements

• To qualify, the applicant must either make a down payment of at least €320,000 ($348,000) on a home in Malta or pay rent of at least €12,000 ($13,050) per year. Holding the property for less than five years is not allowed.
• Eligible applicants must make a €30,000 ($32,630) contribution to the National Development and Social Fund.
• The applicant must invest €250,000 ($272,000)in stocks, bonds, or debentures recognized by the Maltese government and keep them for at least five years.

Financial requirements

• The applicant must show a minimum of €500,000 ($545,000) in liquid assets or a stable and recurring income of at least €100,000 ($109,000).
• International medical coverage is a must for this position.

A complete application and all necessary supporting materials can be submitted for consideration by the MRVP once an applicant has fulfilled the abovementioned criteria. 

It takes about six months to finish the application procedure. The applicant may have to travel to Malta for an interview during that period.

How to apply for Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa (MDNV)

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Check the MDNV’s eligibility requirements before beginning the application process (see above). Applicants must be self-employed or non-EU citizens working from home for a company outside of Malta to get the visa. Malta also requires you to be employed full-time, insured, and have a clean criminal background.

Step 2: Gather your documents

After establishing that you meet the prerequisites, it’s time to compile your application materials. Examples of this are:

• An up-to-date passport
• In Malta, you’ll need to show proof that you have a place (such as a rental agreement or hotel booking)
• Certification of medical coverage
• Financial documentation, such as a letter from your employer or bank statements, may be required.
• Certificate showing a clean criminal record
• Application form 

Step 3: Register and apply online

Obtaining an MDNV requires a wholly digital application process. You can begin applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Malta by visiting their website. The next step is to complete and submit the application form and any necessary attachments. Before submitting your application, please check it thoroughly for errors.

Step 4: Pay the application fee

You must pay the application fee to complete the application procedure. The principal applicant must pay €300 ($330), and each dependent must pay €200 ($220). 

Step 5: Wait for approval and pay the visa fee

You will need to wait for processing after submitting your application and money. Typically, the MDNV takes about 30 days to process. If your application is successful, the Malta Residency Visa Agency will send you a letter of approval and an eResidence card, which you must pick up from the consulate in person.

Step 6: Get your visa and travel to the country

With your eResidence card, you’ll be good to go to Malta. After receiving your permission letter, you have 90 days to travel to Malta and settle down. Take your eResidence card with you wherever you go, as it will be required for entry and exit.

Step 7: Register with local authorities

The Maltese government requires that you register with them within seven days of your arrival. To do so, go to the police station or the Malta Residence Visa Bureau in your area. You must present your passport, eResidence card, and evidence of lodgings at this time.

The application for a Digital Nomad Visa in Malta can be done on their website.

Timeline and costs for visa

The Malta Digital Nomad Visa (MDNV) is a viable option for digital nomads considering a move to Malta. The prices and processing times for the visa are detailed below.

Timeline

Typically, the MDNV takes about 30 days to process. This, however, is subject to change based on the volume of applications currently being received. It is advised to submit applications well before a trip to Malta.

Costs

An MDNV application will set you back €300 ($330) for the main applicant and €200 ($220) for each accompanying family member. 

There is an additional €27.50 ($30) fee (per person) towards the issuance of the residency card to be paid in person at Residency Malta’s offices.

There is an annual renewal fee in addition to the application price. The renewal fee is €300 ($330) for the primary applicant and €200 ($220) per dependent. It is possible to extend your visa for an additional year.

Note: Malta offers the Premium Visa Service, which can be availed for an additional €300 ($330) (payable to Identity Malta Agency), which includes a door-to-door service, absolving the visit to the embassy. However, it isn’t available in all jurisdictions. Verifying with the Central Visa Unit (via visa.premium.ima@gov.mt) is advisable to know more.

Payment

After clicking “submit” on the application, you will be redirected to a secure page where you may enter your credit card information.

Please note that all MDNV costs must be paid (only via bank transfer) using a credit or debit card. Payments must be made from the main applicant’s bank account. The application cost is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.

You may be required to pay additional fees for document verification, translation, and courier services if you apply for the MDNV outside of Malta. Applications should be filed well before the expected arrival date due to the lengthy processing time (up to 30 days).

Taxation for digital nomads in Malta

Those who qualify for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa are not required to report any earnings outside the country. Yet, they must continue paying taxes on their Maltese income if they stay more than 183 days in the country. Depending on one’s income, the standard tax rate in Malta ranges from 0% to 35%.

Tax rates and exemptions for digital nomads

Nomads working online in Malta are subject to the same tax rates as locals. Income over €9,100 ($9,900) is subject to progressive tax rates. If your annual income is over €60,001 ($65,250), you’ll be subject to the maximum tax rate of 35%.

As mentioned earlier, those who qualify for the digital nomad visa in Malta do not have to pay taxes on any money they make from work outside the country. Investment income, dividends, and capital gains are all included here. 

Legal obligations and restrictions

As a digital nomad in Malta, you are required to abide by all local laws and regulations. To pay taxes in Malta, you must register with the government and obtain a Maltese tax identification number.

The Malta Digital Nomad Visa prohibits travelers from working for or providing services to Maltese enterprises.

The MDNV would allow you to lease, co-stay, stay in (other’s) purchased land, and purchase land for yourself in the country. However, authorities have specified that those who enter via the program cannot reside in a marina, on a yacht, boat, or caravan. 

Living and working in Malta

As a digital nomad contemplating relocating to Malta, you may have questions about the island nation’s culture, language, healthcare system, internet access, and more. Here’s a quick guide to address these.

Quality of life and safety

Malta has established a reputation for having a very high standard of living due to its high-quality public services, including healthcare, education, and transportation. The island nation is also a relatively secure place to live due to its low crime rate and hospitable and tolerant environment. One cannot but fall in love with Malta, whether exploring the charming streets of Valletta or relaxing on one of the island’s Mediterranean beaches.

Internet speed and reliability

Malta has excellent connectivity and dependable high-speed broadband. Everything from restaurants to hotels to coworking spaces provides high-speed Internet access for free, thanks to the country’s well-developed telecommunications infrastructure. You won’t have any trouble with the internet speed in Malta, whether you need to upload large files or hold a video conference with clients.

Healthcare and insurance

Both the public and private healthcare systems in Malta are first-rate. Non-EU citizens may need to pay for private health insurance if they don’t qualify for publicly funded healthcare. The good news is that, depending on where you come from, you may be able to get healthcare in Malta for free or at a greatly reduced cost because of their reciprocal agreements with several countries.

Culture and language

Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and British all stamped on Malta’s culture. The country is well-known for its vibrant music, dance scene, and colorful festivals such as Carnival and the Feast of St. John.

English is the official language of both the government and the business world in terms of spoken language. In addition to English, Maltese and Italian are the next most common languages in the country.

Maltese cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Arabic flavors, featuring dishes like rabbit stew, fish soup, and pastizzi, a savory pastry.

Cost of living in Malta

As a digital nomad, you need to know exactly how much it will cost you to live wherever you decide to set up shop. Although living a comfortable life may come at a higher cost, the monthly expenses for a digital nomad in Malta can be itemized as follows:

Quick Overview

Accommodation	$800 – $1,350
Food and groceries	$300 – $450
Transportation	$40 – $70
Utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet)	$120 – $180
Coworking space	$130 – $240
Health insurance	$60 – $120
Miscellaneous expenses	$300 – $500
Total average monthly expenses	$1,800 – $3,000

Breakdown of costs

• Accommodation

Depending on location and features, a one-bedroom apartment in Malta can cost anywhere from $800 per month to over $1350. Housing in digital nomad hotspot cities costs more than some less-popular ones. 

Although housing costs might add up to a significant portion of a digital nomad’s budget in Malta, those willing to do some digging and maybe even room with other digital nomads can find reasonable solutions.  

• Food and groceries

Whether you shop at a supermarket, a local market, or a restaurant, you’ll find a wide variety of healthy and delicious selections at prices that won’t break the bank in Malta. Digital nomads should anticipate spending anywhere from $300 to $450 monthly on food and groceries, depending on their tastes and dietary requirements.

• Transportation

A single bus ticket in Malta costs between $1.6 and $2.2, while a monthly pass costs about $28, making the public bus system affordable for most tourists. Cabs and rideshares are also an option, but their rates tend to be higher. It is estimated that digital nomads in Malta will spend between $40 and $70 per month on public transportation.

• Utilities

Utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and internet in Malta can range in price based on consumption and service provider. Utilities will average between $120 and $180 per month for digital nomads.

• Coworking space

Coworking spaces in Malta are an attractive choice for digital nomads needing permanent office space. Coworking space costs can range from $130 to $240 per month for digital nomads, depending on location and facilities.

• Health insurance

In Malta, digital nomads are required to carry health coverage. Costs may change according to age, health, and the extent of coverage desired. Health insurance for digital nomads often costs between $60 and $120 per month.

• Miscellaneous expenses

Expenses like these can include night-outs, getting a haircut, or buying a new pair of shoes. A digital nomad should anticipate spending between $300 and $500 on monthly ancillary costs.

Best places and tips

Digital nomad hotspots

The island nation of Malta is located in the central Mediterranean, between Italy and North Africa. It is a cultural melting pot with a rich colonial history. Despite its small size, Malta offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From exploring ancient ruins and beautiful beaches to savoring delicious cuisine and experiencing vibrant festivals, some of Malta’s top attractions are listed below:

• Valletta: The capital of Malta, Valletta, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historic buildings, impressive architecture, and picturesque port.
• Mdina: This medieval walled city, often known as the “silent city,” is a must-see for history buffs on a trip to Malta.
• Gozo: Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. It is well-known for its spectacular natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches.
• St. Julian’s: St. Julian’s, on the island of Malta, is a popular vacation spot thanks to the area’s proximity to the sea, thriving nightlife, excellent dining options, and stunning beaches.
• Sliema: Tourists visit Sliema, a town on Malta’s coast, to enjoy the island’s excellent cuisine, picturesque scenery, and fantastic shopping.
• Comino: Between Malta and Gozo is a little island called Comino. It has gorgeous beaches and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
• The Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua comprise the Three Cities, a group of historic fortified cities that showcase Maltese heritage and culture.

Coworking spaces

Malta has seen a rapid increase in great coworking spaces over recent years due to its popularity among digital nomads, startups, and entrepreneurs moving to the island. We’ve compiled a list of the top coworking spaces in Malta, including details like where to find them and what amenities they offer, below.

• SOHO The Strand (Gzira): SOHO The Strand is spread out over multiple stories and makes excellent use of the available space. The most hip spot is a lounge bar where employees can unwind with a drink, catch up on the day’s news, or get some work done casually. The indoor seating area extends out onto a patio bar with greater space. Monthly rates for a private office at SOHO The Strand start at €325 ($360), while day rates start at €30 ($33). You can visit other SOHO locations in St. Julian’s and Savoy Gardens with your membership.

• 230 Works (Mosta): One of Malta’s most physically striking coworking spaces is 230 Works, located in Mosta. Designing business Archi+ has been honored with a major prize for its innovative work. The area is in Mosta, a bit out of the way, and is around 9 kilometers or a half-hour bus journey from Valletta. Excellent value is provided by the hot workstations, which cost only €5 ($5.5) per hour or €15 ($16.5) for the entire day. Students pay even less at €2.50 ($2.8) per hour and €10 ($11) daily.

• The Hub Workspace (San Gwann): The Hub Workspace (San Gwann) is a rare coworking space offering a rooftop terrace where members may work or socialize in the fresh air while taking in the sights of the surrounding neighborhood. San Gwann, a little settlement on the edges of the St. Julian’s neighborhood, is home to The Hub Workspace, a trendy coworking facility. The Hub Workspace offers hot desking for as little as €20 ($22) per day or €300 ($326) monthly.

• Glashaus (Gzira): If you’re an early riser, you can come to Glashaus (in Gzira) and watch the sunrise from the east-facing balcony before you start your work day. Its location on the Gzira promenade puts a wide variety of stores, eateries, and transportation hubs within easy reach. The bus to Valletta, the capital, takes about 15 minutes. Glashaus features a straightforward pricing structure, with coworking hot desks costing €25 ($27.2) per day, €100 ($110) per week, or €250 ($272) per month (prices excluding VAT).

Wrapping up

In conclusion, digital nomads seeking a safe, moderately inexpensive, and aesthetically pleasing location to live and work should strongly consider applying for a digital nomad visa in Malta.

The 316-square-kilometer island is becoming popular among remote workers because of its advanced infrastructure, beautiful natural scenery, mild Mediterranean climate, and many cultural attractions.

It is currently the eighth most densely populated country in the world and has a thriving tech, start-up, and meet-up scene.

Furthermore, the Maltese government has implemented several policies and initiatives designed to attract foreign investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and support the growth of businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)