Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re thinking of living and working from Malta… Well, you’re not alone. The island has quickly become one of Europe’s favorite digital nomad hubs thanks to its sunny weather, reliable internet, English as an official language, and welcoming Mediterranean lifestyle.

In 2025, the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, the country’s official digital nomad visa, remains one of the most attractive options for remote workers who want to stay legally for up to a year (and renew after). But it’s not the only path. Depending on your situation, there are also alternative visa and residency options that might fit you better.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about living as a digital nomad in Malta: who’s eligible, how to apply, what life on the island is really like, and what other residency options exist.

Does Malta Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, it does. And it’s honestly one of the best ones out there.

Malta launched its Nomad Residence Permit back in 2021 for non-EU nationals who work remotely for clients or companies outside Malta. If you make your income abroad, you can live legally on this sunny Mediterranean island for a whole year, and renew it yearly, for up to four years total.

To qualify in 2025, you’ll need to:

• Be from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
• Work remotely (as a full-time employee, freelancer, or business owner) for clients or companies based abroad
• Earn at least €42,000 a year (gross)
• Have health insurance and a place to stay in Malta
• Provide a clean police record

Just keep in mind: this isn’t a tourist visa or a path to permanent residency. You can’t take local jobs in Malta either. But if you’re looking to set up base on the island, enjoy the sunshine, and keep working remotely, this visa is pretty much made for you.

How Do You Apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa?

The whole process is handled online, and compared to many other digital nomad visas, it’s pretty quick and very straightforward. Here’s how it works:

1. Gather your paperwork

You’ll need a few things: your passport, proof of remote work (employment contract or service agreements), your CV or resume, a short motivation letter, and recent bank statements showing you meet the income requirement. Everything needs to be translated into English or Maltese.

2. Submit the application + pay the fee

Once you’ve got all your documents, submit them through Residency Malta Agency’s dedicated application portal and pay the €300 non-refundable application fee.

3. Wait for the initial review

It usually takes about 30 working days to hear back. If all goes well, you’ll get an Approval in Principle (kind of like a pre-approval before the final stamp).

4. Final steps: insurance, housing, entry, biometrics

After that initial green light, you’ll need to confirm your health insurance and show a 12-month accommodation contract. Once you're in Malta, you'll go for your biometric appointment and pay another €100 to get your residence card issued.

Alternative Visa Options to Live in Malta

If the Nomad Residence Permit doesn’t quite fit your plans, Malta has a few other ways to stick around legally. Depending on how long you want to stay (and how serious you are about making Malta your base), here are your main options:

1. Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

Perfect if you just want to test the waters. This visa lets you stay in Malta (or anywhere else in the Schengen area) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s ideal if you want to spend a couple of months working remotely, exploring the island, or seeing whether you could imagine a longer stay.

2. National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

If you’re planning to stay longer than three months but aren’t ready to commit to the Nomad Permit, the Type D visa might work. It’s meant for extended stays for things like study, work, or family reunification, but it can also be a bridge if you want to settle for up to a year before applying for a residence permit.

3. Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP)

This one’s more about tax residency than remote work. It’s for non-EU nationals who rent or buy property in Malta and want to take advantage of Malta’s flat 15 % tax on income remitted to the island (foreign income left abroad isn’t taxed). You’ll need health insurance, a qualifying property, and to meet a minimum tax payment, but it’s a good option if you’re going semi-permanent.

4. Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

If you’re thinking long-term, the MPRP offers permanent residency in exchange for a larger investment. It’s not a “digital nomad” route, but it gives you the freedom to live in Malta indefinitely and travel visa-free across the Schengen zone for 90 out of 180 days.

Where to Live in Malta as a Remote Worker

Malta might be small, but it packs a ton of personality into its few square kilometers. The internet’s fast and reliable pretty much everywhere, so you’ll have no problem finding a place to work from. Here are a few favorite spots among digital nomads:

Valletta

The capital is historic and walkable. Every corner looks like a movie set, and you’ll find plenty of little cafés or a few coworking spaces if you want somewhere central to get some work done.

Sliema, Ta’ Xbiex, and Tigné

This is where a lot of remote workers and expats end up. It’s modern, right by the water, and has coworking spots, gyms, and nice cafés.

St. Julian’s and Paceville

If you like having a bit of nightlife on your doorstep, this area’s for you. It’s busy and social, but still chill enough during the day to get work done from cafés or coworkings. Just be ready for things to get lively in the evenings, it’s kind of Malta’s party zone.

Gozo (the sister island)

Gozo is Malta’s quieter side: slower pace, greener views, and cheaper rent. If you’re looking for calm and don’t mind using the ferry every now and then, this might be your spot. It’s great for deep work, long walks, and sunsets.

Cost of Living in Malta for Nomads in 2025

Malta isn’t Southeast Asia cheap, but for Europe, it’s still a pretty good deal. If you’re working remotely and living a fairly comfortable lifestyle, expect to spend around €1,200 to €1,500 a month.

Rent will take up most of your budget. In central areas like Sliema or St. Julian’s, a one-bedroom apartment usually costs €900–€1,200, while in quieter spots or on Gozo, you can easily find something for €600–€800.

Food and daily life are reasonable if you don’t go overboard. Groceries for one person might run around €200–€300 a month, and eating out at local places can be as little as €15 per meal. A cappuccino is about €2.50, and a beer by the water will set you back around €3–€4.

Transport is simple and cheap. Malta’s buses cover the whole island, and if you get the Tallinja card, you can hop on for free. Renting a scooter or using e-bikes is also pretty common for getting around quickly.

All in all, Malta is affordable enough to enjoy a good quality of life without stressing over money, especially if your income comes from abroad. And the trade-off? You get 300 days of sunshine, sea views from your desk, and a community of other nomads who get it.

FAQs

Is Malta good for digital nomads?

Absolutely. English is an official language, the weather’s mild year-round, and the island has a big expat and remote work community. Plus, the Nomad Residence Permit makes it completely legal to work remotely from here.

Can I freelance with the Nomad Residence Permit?

Yes, as long as your clients are based outside Malta. You can’t offer services to Maltese companies or to local branches of your clients, but freelancing for international clients is totally fine.

How long does the process take?

The Residency Malta Agency usually takes around 30 working days to review your application once the fee is paid. After final approval, your residence card takes another three to four weeks to issue. All in all, plan for about two to three months from start to finish.

Can I bring my partner or family?

Yes, you can include your spouse or partner and children in the same application. Each dependent pays their own €300 fee, plus €100 for the residence card.

Do I pay taxes in Malta with the Nomad Residence Permit?

People holding a Nomad Residence Permit in Malta pay 10% income tax on income earned from remote work for foreign employers or clients. Unless their residence in Malta during the first 12 months is declared to be not merely of a casual nature, for the said period, they are not taxed in Malta, as it is expected that they will suffer tax in accordance with the laws of their home country. After that period, Malta applies the 10% rate, unless they can show they already paid at least 10% tax abroad, in which case they won’t be taxed again locally. Given the complexity and potential variation in tax obligations as a digital nomad in Malta, it's recommended that you seek advice from a professional tax consultant prior to deciding to work remotely from Malta.

Is Gozo a good alternative to Valletta?

Definitely. Gozo is calmer, greener, and noticeably cheaper when it comes to rent. It’s perfect if you want a slower pace of life. But if you’re after more networking, social events, and cafés with nomad buzz, you’ll probably prefer Sliema, Valletta, or St. Julian’s.

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Written by Angelina Bertoni

After trying the conventional life, I packed everything into a backpack and started walking the world. I feel the energy of the spaces I explore — and that’s what I write about.

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