Best for budget
Thailand
Lower monthly income thresholds make this option easier to qualify for financially.
Side-by-side visa comparison
Thailand vs Malta — Digital Nomad Visa Comparison
Thailand requires $0/month with 60 months stay, while Malta requires $3,850/month with 12 months stay. Thailand wins on budget.
Budget
Thailand
Long-term
Thailand
Fastest
Thailand
Feature
Thailand
Malta
Minimum Income
$0/month
$3,850/month
Duration
60 months
12 months
Processing Time
2 weeks
6 weeks
Application Fee
$300
$440
Tax Status
Foreign-sourced income is generally not subject to Thai tax if it is not remitted under the applicable rules.
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
No
No
Path to Citizenship
No
No
Best for long-term
Thailand
Longer approved stay periods reduce renewal pressure and support slower relocation plans.
Fastest processing
Thailand
Shorter processing windows can make this the better pick for near-term travel timelines.
Next step
Check Thailand eligibility for your nationality
Next step
Check Malta eligibility for your nationality