Malta Digital Nomad Visa

Starting from 2021, Malta has introduced a digital nomad visa, which permits an individual to work remotely for any employer registered outside of Malta. Upon being granted the Malta digital nomad visa, one can reside in Malta for a year while continuing to work remotely.

With the Malta digital nomad visa, you can have ample time to explore Maltese culture and indulge in the numerous activities available in this nation.

Malta Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

In order to qualify for a Malta digital nomad visa, you need to meet the eligibility criteria mentioned herein.

You need to be a non-EU citizen.
You must have a monthly income of at least €2,700.
You must work for an employer registered outside Malta, or
- You must be a partner/shareholder in a company that is registered in a foreign country.
While in Malta, you will work by using telecommunications technology.

Required Documents for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa

To apply for a digital nomad visa in Malta, you must have these specific documents.

A valid passport. You must have a valid passport (at least three months after your planned departure) with two blank pages.
Two passport-sized photos following Schengen guidelines.
Application form N1. You must fill out this application form if you want to apply for a nomad residence permit. You can find the form on the Residency Malta Agency website.
Application form N2. You must fill out this application if you want to bring a family member with you. You can find this form on the Residency Malta Agency website.
Application form N3. You must fill out this application if you want a General Data Protection Regulation EU/2016/679 Declaration Form. You can find the form on the Residency Malta Agency website.
Cover letter. You must write why you want to stay in Malta, the length of your stay, where you will be staying, etc.
Proof of employment. You must prove that you are employed by submitting a work contract or any other applicable document.
Submit an updated CV including all your qualifications.
Proof of accommodation. You must prove that you have a place to stay in Malta by showing any of the following documents
- Hotel booking
- Host invitation – if you are planning to stay over with friends or family members/relatives in Malta
- Confirmation by an organized tour operator
- Rental agreement
Proof of sufficient financial means. You must submit a bank statement from the last six months showing that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Malta.
Proof of health insurance. You must have valid health insurance for your entire stay in Hungary when you apply for a Maltese digital nomad visa.
Relationship status. A marriage certificate, a rental agreement, or a joint bank account if you are married or in a relationship.
Health declaration. Provide medical documents that prove your good health condition.

How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa for Malta?

To apply for a Malta digital nomad visa, it is necessary to adhere to the following steps:

Prepare the required documents. Gather all the required documents, so you avoid the possibility of your digital visa being denied.
Submit the application online. You have to submit your visa application via email to the Residency Malta Agency. The Agency will then notify you via email whether your application has been approved.
Get your residence permit when you enter Malta. Once your application for a Malta digital nomad visa is approved, you have to travel to Malta and collect your residence permit. You must appear in person at the office of Identity Malta Agency, along with your passport, health insurance certificate, proof of accommodation, and background check.

Why Choose Malta as a Digital Nomad Destination?

If you acquire a Nalta digital nomad visa, there are advantages that you can avail of.

No taxes. The Maltese digital nomad visa offers the fantastic opportunity of not paying taxes for a year.
Good internet connection. Malta has 5G nationwide coverage and over 400 free public wifi spots across the country. Digital nomads can just pick the place where they want to work.
No language barriers. Except for Maltese, English is also an official language in Malta, so you won’t have any problems communicating with people and making new friends.
Great weather. The weather in Malta is perfect for those who like snowy winters and hot and dry summers.
Bring your family. The Malta digital nomad visa allows you to take your family with you. They can stay for the same length of time as you.
Tourist attractions. Malta is an island where you can find many beautiful spots that will take your breath away. Such are places like the Saint John Bastion, the Casa Rocca Piccola, the Popeye Village, the Blue Grotto, etc.
Travel to the Schengen Area. With the Maltese Digital nomad visa, you can easily travel between the countries of the Schengen Zone. You can stay in any Schengen country for 90 days within a 180-day period.

How Much Does the Malta Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

To apply for a digital nomad visa, each applicant is required to pay an application fee of €300. If you are a non-EU citizen and need a visa to enter Malta, an additional fee of €300 is required for Premium Processing of the visa.

Remote Work Malta – Where to Go

For City Living – Valletta

Despite its small size, Malta’s urban area of Valletta is surprisingly large, with its suburbs and surrounding towns covering a significant part of the island and housing approximately 400,000 people in the Valletta region, even though the old town itself is quite compact.

If you’re pondering on where to settle in Malta, Valletta is the apparent choice. The central region caters more to creative folks or individuals seeking a conventional city life. Several constructions in this location were erected in the 16th or 17th century, exhibiting a unique Baroque style that adds character to the city. Nonetheless, it also presents remnants of a tumultuous 20th century, particularly during World War II when British, Italian, and German troops battled for authority over the island.

For more rental options & fast internet – Sliema

Sliema, a resort town near the old city of Valletta, is a highly sought-after location for digital nomads visiting Malta. Though it is also a busy place, it offers more space and a wider selection of accommodation options than the historic center of the capital, resulting in lower rental costs for flats or studios.

Fast internet access is another advantage you can enjoy. Sliema, in particular, is well-suited for those who work remotely in Malta and desire excellent wifi access, as it caters to an international crowd with coffee shops, restaurants, and cyber cafes. The area may not be as charming or historically significant as the old city, but it has numerous benefits and is situated right on the coast.

For Peace & Tranquility – Gozo

Malta is renowned for its scenic beauty, however, due to the high population, it may be challenging to experience serenity in your everyday routine. If you’re seeking true peace, the optimal solution would be to depart from the primary island and travel to the adjacent island of Gozo, which is the second largest of the Maltese archipelago.

Gozo is a haven for diving and water sports enthusiasts and its azure waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The island’s undulating terrain offers delightful walking trails as well. However, digital nomads should consider that Gozo’s infrastructure is not as advanced and obtaining a reliable wifi signal may pose a challenge.

Finding Accommodation

During the summer months, Malta is a prominent travel destination in Europe. For digital nomads, this presents both advantages and disadvantages. Although accommodation prices increase significantly when tourists are at their peak, numerous short-term apartments are available that are mostly vacant from late autumn through spring.

Nomads can take advantage of excellent discounted prices to secure high-quality accommodation. As of 9th February 2021, Airbnb offers apartments for rent starting from approximately 600 Euros monthly. Valletta, Sliema, and Paceville, which are close to the coast, provide more options. In addition, the Bugibba/Qawra region on the main island of Malta has a broader range of Airbnb and temporary to medium-term accommodations available.

In Gozo, you can come across favorable opportunities, such as seafront apartments located in the Marsalforn Bay locality. However, during the summer months, finding decent accommodations for under 600 Euros may prove challenging. If you plan on staying in Malta during the peak tourist season (July & August), it would be prudent to reserve your lodging well in advance and prepare for the exceptionally high temperatures.

If you plan on staying for an extended period, you could explore Maltapark or a similar website. Rental prices in Malta were soaring before the pandemic, and it is unclear if this trend will continue as more foreigners return to the country. However, the newly implemented Malta digital nomad visa could attract more individuals.

Getting Around Malta

Due to Malta’s limited geographical expanse, it is relatively easy to navigate the island and reach your desired location in a short span of time.

Malta and Gozo have a reliable bus network that serves both locals and tourists, connecting all major travel destinations. Route details and ticketing information can be found here. Longer-term discounted passes are available, but single tickets purchased from the driver cost between €1.50 and €3, depending on the time of day and year, and cover two hours of travel, which should suffice for reaching your desired destination.

Traveling by ferry between the primary islands merely takes twenty minutes and costs €4.65. Gozo inhabitants can enjoy the ride for free, and there are frequent departures throughout the day. Additionally, ferry services connect to Comino, a tiny island that features the well-known blue lagoon, located between Malta and Gozo.

Ferry services are available between Valletta and Pozzallo, a port situated on the island of Sicily in Italy. The ferry schedule has two daily trips and the journey is completed in slightly less than two hours.

Renting a car in Malta is optional unless travelling to remote areas. The daily rental fees range from 15 to 30 Euros, while taking a car on the Gozo-Malta ferry costs €15.70 for the driver. Malta has left-hand driving and English road signs.

Can I Bring My Family Members?

Under the Malta digital nomad visa, it is possible to bring along your family members, who can include:

Your spouse.
Your minor child.
A child who is dependent on you financially.
A child who is dependent on you because of any disabilities or any other medical reason.

Validity of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa

If you are eligible, you can extend your Malta digital nomad visa beyond its one-year validity period. To do so, you must apply at the Residency Malta Agency before your initial visa expires.

Taxes for Digital Nomads in Malta

As a digital nomad in Malta, you are exempted from paying taxes provided that you are already paying taxes in your home country. Nonetheless, you have to verify your tax compliance by submitting the required papers.