The Malta Nomad Residence Permit - Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa

What are the benefits of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?

• One-year Malta Nomad Residence Permit, renewable three times, for a total stay of a maximum of 4 years

• Include your spouse and children (no age limit if unmarried and dependent)

• Visa-free Schengen travel (limited to 90 out of every 180 days)

 Who is eligible for Malta’s version of the Digital Nomad Visa?

• Must be a Third-Country National (not EU, EEA, and Switzerland) aged 18 or over

• Ability to work remotely and independently of location, using telecommunications technologies

• May be employed, self-employed, or freelance

• Minimum gross yearly income of €42,000

How long does it take to acquire a Malta Nomad Residence Permit? 

• Compilation of application forms and documentation (1 to 2 weeks)

• Submission of application and decision from the Residency Malta Agency (4 to 6 weeks)

• Submit proof of health insurance and accommodation in Malta

• Final approval and invitation for biometric appointment in Malta issued

• Biometrics collected and Residence Permit ready for collection (1 to 3 weeks)

What are the requirements for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?  

• Proof of accommodation in Malta for the duration of the permit

• Proof of health insurance coverage in Malta for all applicants for the duration of the permit

• Proof of the guaranteed minimum source of income

 Can the Malta Nomad Residence Permit be renewed?  

• Renewable twice, for a total maximum stay of 4 years

• Must still satisfy the minimum gross yearly income of €42,000

• Submit proof of residence in Malta for a cumulative minimum of 5 months during the previous 12 months

 A Malta Nomad Residence Permit... 

• does not allow the holder to offer services to clients based or registered in Malta and is not a work permit

• does not lead to long-term residency, permanent residency, or citizenship in Malta

• does not entitle the holder to free healthcare in Malta

• does not entitle the holder to collect a pension in Malta

• does not entitle the holder to social benefits in Malta

Are any people banned or ineligible for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit? 

Nationals, or persons with close ties to, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela are not eligible to apply.   

Changes as of April 1, 2024

Increase in minimum Annual Gross Income requirement.

The Agency has revised the Permit’s Eligibility Criteria and as from April 1st 2024, new applicants for the Nomad Residence Permit will have to show proof of a minimum annual gross income of €42,000 (instead of the existing €32,400). This adjustment does not affect current beneficiaries applying for a renewal, who will retain the same income conditions under which they applied originally. Also, this adjustment does not affect applicants who have submitted their applications before April 1st 2024 and whose application is still in process.

Increase in maximum stay period

With effect from April 1st, 2024, it will also be possible for beneficiaries to apply for a renewal for a third time, for a maximum stay of 4 years (instead of the current 3). This option is open to all applicants.