Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Malta offers a digital nomad visa requiring $3,850/month minimum income, with a 12 months stay, 6 weeks processing, and a $440 application fee. The program allows dependents.
Quick facts
Income
$3,850/month
Duration
12 months
Processing
6 weeks
Fee
$440
Tax
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
Check if you qualify
Pick your passport nationality to jump straight into a personalized eligibility route for Malta.
Requirements checklist
Use this as your document prep list before starting the application.
Police conduct certificate for all applicants aged 18+, original and <6 months old. Must be from national/federal authorities, translated to English if needed.
For employees: employment contract showing remote work + bank statements showing salary. For self-employed: certificate of incorporation + bank statements. For freelancers: client contracts showing duties and payment rate.
Comprehensive health insurance (not travel insurance) covering EU including Malta and UK, valid for 1 full year plus validity of residency card.
International passport — copy of ALL pages including blank pages, for each applicant.
12-month rental or purchase agreement in Malta. Submitted after Approval in Principle is received.
Bank statements for the last 3 months showing €3,500/month income. Must demonstrate guaranteed income source for minimum 5 months (≈€17,500 cumulative).
Application steps timeline
A simple step-by-step flow from preparation to arrival.
Prepare documentation
Collect all required documents per the official checklist: passport (all pages), police conduct certificate, employment/self-employment proof, 3 months bank statements, CV, and motivation letter.
Submit online application
Complete the application through the Residency Malta Agency online portal at nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt. Upload all PDF documents.
Pay the €300 non-refundable fee
Bank transfer directly from the Main Applicant's own bank account to Residency Malta Agency. Processing begins only after Finance confirms receipt (~30 working days from this point).
Receive Approval in Principle
If successful, submit proof of accommodation (12-month lease) AND health insurance policy within 30 working days. The Agency then issues a Letter of Final Approval.
Enter Malta and complete biometrics
If you require an entry visa, the Central Visa Unit at Identità will contact you. Once in Malta, email to schedule a biometrics appointment. Pay the €100 residence card fee in person (card payment only).
Receive residence card
Card is issued within 3–4 weeks after biometrics. Collect in person from Residency Malta offices with your passport.
Check eligibility from your nationality
Shortcut links for some of the most relevant nationality-specific routes.
Source and notes
Official source
https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt/Additional notes
Income threshold: €42,000/year gross (€3,500/month), approximately USD 38,500/year or USD 3,850/month. Must demonstrate guaranteed income for minimum 5 months from application date. Total fees: €300 application + €100 residence card = €400 per person (~USD 440). Renewable up to 3 additional times for maximum 4-year total stay. Restricted to Third Country Nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss). Excluded nationalities: Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, DRC, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Belarus.