Nomad Residency Permit – Working Tax-Free in Malta for Non-EU nationals [2023]
Malta, the hotspot for digital nomads in Europe and the European Union, introduced the Nomad Residency Permit in June 2021. Want to take advantage of the tax-subsidized residency for non-EU nations on Malta’s beaches? We describe how you as an employee, freelancer, or digital nomad can obtain the residence permit and how you can extend the visa beyond the year.
Nomad Residency Permit Malta – Quick answer
Who?
Worldwide all Non-EU-Nations
Reqirements?
- Digital working for companies outside Malta (digital normads)
- a) As an employee for an employer registered abroad
- b) Providing professional or consultancy services to clients with a permanent establishment abroad
- c) Shareholder or partner in a foreign company
- Minimum income 2,700 euros per month including Tax
The Permit is open to individuals who can work remotely and independent of location, using telecommunications technologies.
What?
- Valid travel document
- Health insurance
- Buy or rent real estate in Malta
- Background check
For whom is the Malta Nomad Residence Permit suitable?
This program from the Maltese government is exclusively for non-EU (non-EU) nations. Beneficiaries are employees, freelancers, freelancers, and digital nomads. Any Non-EU ex-pat with digital activity can apply for a Nomad Residence Permit.
A mandatory requirement: Your client or your employer is registered outside Malta and his place of business is located abroad. Your monthly gross income is at least 2,700 euros. If you bring family members with you, the required minimum income is increased by 20% of the Maltese average wage per family member. Due to the official English language, citizens of the non-EU country Great Britain and the USA are especially interested in Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit Program.
What programs does Malta offer for digital nomads and remote workers?
In addition to a maximum six-month Malta visa, Malta offers a one-year residence permit with the option to extend. The national visa, valid for between 91 and 180 days, is suitable for applicants who are not staying longer in Malta. For a stay of 181 days or more, you will receive the one-year Nomad Residence Permit with an option to extend.
Can I travel to other European countries with a national visa?
The national visa of Malta allows you to travel and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days in a European country of the EU. If this country belongs to the Schengen Agreement, then the border control is omitted for you.
Schengen is a municipality in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. On June 14, 1985, five EU member states signed the Schengen Agreement on the ship MS Marie-Astrid.
How much does the application for Malta’s Nomad Residency Permit cost?
- Applicant (Form 1) 300.00 Euro (circa 310 – 315 USD)
- Each family member (Form 2) 300.00 Euro (circa 310 – 315 USD)
- Identity Malta charges an agency fee of 27.50 Euro per person. (circa 26 – 29 USD)
For the extension of the national visa for another year, Malta charges an agency fee of 300.00 Euro per person. For the reissue, for example, after theft or loss, the processing fee of 27.50 Euro (Agency Fee) has to be paid.
Is it allowed to travel to several member countries with the same national visa or Schengen visa?
Yes, with the national visa of Malta and your passport, you can move freely within the Schengen area without any additional documents. You are not allowed to exceed 90 days in the 180-day period.
Which countries of the European Union (EU) are not part of the Schengen area?
Ireland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area. Some areas of EU countries are also excluded from the benefit. These include, for example, the Dutch Curaçao, French Guiana, and British Gibraltar in Spain.
What are the tax benefits for Nomad Residence Permit participants?
Malta assumes that you are already liable to pay taxes in your country. Therefore, Malta does not charge income tax on the Nomad Residence Permit.
What are the reasons for the Nomad Residence Permit?
Up to 2.8 million sun holidaymakers visit cheap Malta every year. The tourists provide an important contribution to the local economy. However, these visitor flows are a significant burden on the ecology and environment. Therefore, the government is keen to provide an opportunity for high-earning non-EU ex-pats to live in Malta on a tax-advantaged basis. Thus, Malta benefits from digital nomads living here as they rent flats, rooms, offices, co-working spaces, or hotel rooms. They use public transportation, explore cultural attractions, engage in water sports, and dine out.
It is estimated that one digital worker, freelancer, and freelancer creates the same contribution to Malta’s economy as 70 tourists. Malta hopes to have between 40,000 and 80,000 digital nomads and remote workers (employees working remotely). These can generate the same economic growth for Malta as 2.8 million vacations. Therefore, Malta requires a minimum income for the Nomad Residence Permit and additionally exempts you from income tax.
Step by step to the Nomad Residence Permit
Step 1: Documents for the application
Residency Malta requires up to 18 documents and forms for the residence permit. We have listed all the required documents in our checklist.
Step 2: Apply for a residence permit online
You submit the application documents and supporting documents for the Nomad Residence Permit online. Malta will ask you to submit a letter of intent explaining your reasons for applying for a residence permit and the duration of your stay.
Step 3: Pay the invoice
As confirmation of receipt, you will receive an invoice for 300 Euros. If you bring family members with you, the processing fee is also 300 euros each. After receipt of the money, Residency Malta will start with the assessment.
Step 4: Due diligence check
The Maltese authorities perform a due diligence check. You will be carefully analyzed for your economic, legal, tax, and financial circumstances.
Step 5: Accept Malta’s invitation
Upon approval of your application, you will receive an invitation to Malta to complete the Nomad Residence Permit. For entry, you will receive an initial National Visa with a validity of 180 days. Please check the travel advice and travel warning to COVID-19 and you can book the challenge.
How long does the Nomad Residence Permit application process take?
The processing of an application is estimated to take up to 30 days after receipt of all required documents, application forms, and settlement of the invoice.
Your checklist of the most important documents required for a Nomad Residence Permit
Personal Information Forms
Application Form N1
Family Member Form N2
Privacy Policy Form N4 (General Data Protection Regulation EU/2016/679 – GDPR)
Copy of a valid International Passport
Health declaration
Letter of Intent (letter of motivation)
Europass Resume / CV
Proof of your sustainable income
Depending on your activity or status, you will need some proof. These can be:
Employment contract
Service contract
Proof of being a shareholder in a foreign company
Bank statement in your name with income of the last 3 months
Other documents and proofs
Rental agreement or purchase contract for a residence in Malta
Health insurance
Important address details for the Nomad Residence Permit application?
Step 1: Documents for the application
Residency Malta requires up to 18 documents and forms from you for the residency permit. We have listed all the required documents in our checklist. You do not need to go to any embassy or consulate. All forms are available for you online.
Step 2: Apply for a residence permit online
You submit the application documents and supporting documents for the Nomad Residence Permit online. Malta requires a letter of intent from you explaining your reasons and length of stay for the residence permit.
Step 3: Pay the invoice
As confirmation of receipt, you will receive an invoice for 300 Euro and an agency fee of 27.50 Euro. If you bring family members, they will also cost 300 Euro plus agency fee. After receipt of the money, Residency Malta will start with the processing and due diligence.
Step 4: Due diligence check
The Maltese authorities perform a due diligence check. You will be carefully analyzed for your economic, legal, tax and financial circumstances. Basically, the Schengen countries check the history of your visa and CV. This is because no applicant should pose a threat to safety or health.
Step 5: Accept Malta’s invitation
Upon approval of your application, you will receive an invitation to Malta to complete the Nomad Residence Permit. To enter the country, you will be issued an Initial National Visa valid for 180 days.
How long does the Nomad Residence Permit application process take?
The processing of an application is estimated to take up to 30 days after receipt of all required documents, application forms, and settlement of the invoice.
Your checklist of the most important documents required for the Nomad Residence Permit
Forms personal information
- Application Form N1
- Family members form N2
- Privacy Policy Form N4 (General Data Protection Regulation EU/2016/679 – GDPR)
- Copy of a valid International Passport
- Health declaration
- Letter of Intent (letter of motivation)
- Europass Resume / CV
Proof of your sustainable income
Depending on your activity or status, you will need some proof. These can be:
- Employment contract
- Service contract
- Proof of being a shareholder in a foreign company
- Bank statement in your name with income of the last 3 months
Other documents and proofs
- Rental agreement or purchase contract for a residence in Malta
Health insurance
You are an EU citizen and find the story about digital nomads super exciting? Then check out our Digital Nomads page. There we have more info and tips on job hunting, accommodation, co-working space and the technical conditions in Malta. 320 sunny days are waiting for you.
World of Malta Insider Tip: EU/EEA citizens do not need a work permit
Posted workers from an EU/EEA country do not need a work permit to work in Malta. An employee from a non-EU country, with a work permit from an EU/EEA country, also does not need a work permit for Malta.
Important address data for application Residency Malta Agency
Center Business Centre, Level 2,
Mdina Road,
Qormi, QRM 9010, Malta
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt
FAQs – Do you have questions to the Nomad Residency Permit! ? We give you the answers
Can I work in Malta with a Schengen visa at a Maltese company?
No, the Schengen visa does not allow you to work in any of the 22 Schengen countries. To carry out self-employment or employment in Malta, you need a residence permit or work visa. For this purpose, Malta has developed the Nomad Residency Permit.
Do I have to leave the country after the expiration date?
No, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit for digital nomads, employees, or freelancers. If you continue to meet the Nomad Residency Permit requirement, Residency Malta can extend your stay for another year. Without a renewal application, you must leave Malta on the expiry date of your Nomad Residency Permit.
How much does the Nomad Residency Permit cost 2023?
The Nomad Residence Permit costs 300 euros per person entering the country, plus an application fee of 27.50 euros. The extension costs a processing fee of 300 euros.
For which industries is the Nomad Residency Permit particularly suitable?
According to Residency Malta Managing Director Charles Mizzi, the most popular industries are IT, management, and marketing. The Nomad Residency Permit is suitable for all industries that offer services to clients abroad with their own company or work remotely from Malta for a company based outside Malta.
How long is the residence permit valid?
Non-EU citizens can obtain a temporary residence permit, which can lead to a permanent residence permit after several years.
How do you find other clients for digital nomad?
There are several providers with online job portals in Malta. There are always offers for digital work there.
Can the temporary residence permit be converted into a permanent one?
Non-EU citizens can obtain a temporary residence permit, which can lead to a permanent residence permit after several years. A residence period of at least five years is customary.
Where are air-conditioned workplaces or co-working for independent online work?
Air-conditioned workspaces and co-working spaces are available in Malta. We had an interview with the Operations Manager, Andrew from BUSINESSLABS. The co-working space of BUSINESSLABS is popular with digital nomads.
What are the difference between Tourist Visa and the Nomad Resicence Permit?
Remote working or working as a freelancer is not permitted with a tourist visa. The length of stay is limited to 90 days. Only a business visa allows business activities in the Schengen area. The Nomad Resicence Permit allows you to work in Malta for up to one year, plus an option to extend.
Which government website has the details for the nomad residency permit?
The Residency Malta Agency has published 14 pages of FAQs: Nomad Residence Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you missing a question? Do you need some tips and assistance for entering the country?
Get in touch with us. We are sure we have the right answer.
Conclusion: Build your business with Malta’s Nomad Residency Permit 👍
Malta has an excellent broadband network and digital infrastructure. With up to 320 days of sunshine a year, Malta’s stunning landscape is a magnet for the generation of digital nomads and remote workers. You don’t have to go to Malta’s embassy anywhere in the world. You just apply for the Nomad Residency Permit online.
The Nomad Residency Permit positions Malta among the top 3 hotspots for digital nomads and remote workers in Europe. The entry requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa are lower compared to most other EU countries. You won’t find nationwide high-speed internet in Croatia, Greece, Germany, or Portugal. Work creatively right by the sea and sand in the sun, where others have to pay for their holidays.
