Best for budget
Spain
Lower monthly income thresholds make this option easier to qualify for financially.
Side-by-side visa comparison
Spain vs Malta — Digital Nomad Visa Comparison
Spain requires $3,105/month with 12 months stay, while Malta requires $3,850/month with 12 months stay. Spain wins on budget.
Budget
Spain
Long-term
Tie
Fastest
Spain
Feature
Spain
Malta
Minimum Income
$3,105/month
$3,850/month
Duration
12 months
12 months
Processing Time
4 weeks
6 weeks
Application Fee
$106
$440
Tax Status
24% flat tax available via Beckham Law (OPTIONAL, must apply within 6 months). Applies to Spanish-source income up to €600,000. Self-employed autónomos may not qualify. Not automatic.
Three-phase tax regime: Phase 1 (first 12 months) — income from authorised remote work is exempt from Maltese income tax. Phase 2 (after exemption) — authorised remote work income taxed at flat 10%. Phase 3 — any additional non-remote-work income taxed at standard progressive rates (0%–35%). Registration with Maltese tax authorities is mandatory even during the exemption period.
Dependents
Yes
Yes
Path to Residency
Yes
No
Path to Citizenship
Yes
No
Best for long-term
Tie
Longer approved stay periods reduce renewal pressure and support slower relocation plans.
Fastest processing
Spain
Shorter processing windows can make this the better pick for near-term travel timelines.
Next step
Check Spain eligibility for your nationality
Next step
Check Malta eligibility for your nationality