Digital nomad visa
Malta
Nomad Residence Permit
Verified August 28, 2026 against official sources
Programme conditions
Nomad Residence Permit (residence permit), valid for 1 year with renewal option
Who qualifies
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss), 18+, able to work remotely, under one of three categories: 1) employed by a foreign-registered employer with a contract; 2) self-employed/shareholder in a foreign-registered company; 3) freelancer/consultant serving clients established abroad. Persons serving a Maltese subsidiary of a foreign employer are ineligible. Nationals of certain countries (Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, DR Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, plus Russia and Belarus) are currently ineligible.
Working for local clients
Not allowed: persons who directly or indirectly provide services to Malta-based companies or individuals are ineligible for the permit.
Entries
As long as the Nomad Residence Permit is valid, the holder can travel within the Schengen Area.
Family
The Main Applicant may include a spouse, minor children, unmarried adult children who are dependent, or adult children unable to cope independently due to a medical condition/disability. Dependants cannot be added after payment or approval (except newborns); they may be added upon renewal.
Documents
- Valid travel document (passport)
- Police conduct certificate
- Health insurance policy with minimum coverage of EUR 100,000 for EU (including Malta) and the UK
- Property rental or purchase agreement covering the whole duration of the permit
- Proof of guaranteed income as per applicable thresholds
- Background verification check
- Health insurance receipt and Table of Minimum Benefits
- Proof of temporary or long-term accommodation (booking, ARMS utility bill, external property photos, Housing Authority registration)
Applying & insurance
How to apply
Application must be made through Residency Malta Agency's online application system.
Insurance
Mandatory health insurance policy with minimum coverage of EUR 100,000, valid in the EU (including Malta) and the UK.
Taxes & renewal
Renewal and residence
The permit may be renewed up to three times, for a maximum total stay of 4 years, at the discretion of Residency Malta Agency, provided the applicant still meets programme criteria. Renewal requires proof of cumulative residence in Malta of at least 5 months over the previous 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
What income or savings are required?
Minimum gross yearly income of €42,000 (applicants who applied before 1 April 2024 retain €32,400 threshold). Income must be guaranteed for a minimum cumulative period of 5 months from the date of application.
How much does the visa cost?
Non-refundable administrative fee of €300 per applicant (bank transfer); €100 fee per person for residence card issuance (paid by card at Residency Malta's office); additional visa-related fees may apply.
Can I leave and re-enter?
As long as the Nomad Residence Permit is valid, the holder can travel within the Schengen Area.
Can family members join?
The Main Applicant may include a spouse, minor children, unmarried adult children who are dependent, or adult children unable to cope independently due to a medical condition/disability. Dependants cannot be added after payment or approval (except newborns); they may be added upon renewal.
Can I work for local companies?
Not allowed: persons who directly or indirectly provide services to Malta-based companies or individuals are ineligible for the permit.
Programme at a glance
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable up to 4 years total
- Income
- Minimum gross yearly income of €42,000 (applicants who applied before 1 April 2024 retain €32,400 threshold). Income must be guaranteed for a minimum cumulative period of 5 months from the date of application.
- Fee
- Non-refundable administrative fee of €300 per applicant (bank transfer); €100 fee per person for residence card issuance (paid by card at Residency Malta's office); additional visa-related fees may apply.
- Stay
- Renewal requires cumulative residence in Malta of at least 5 months over the previous 12 months; income must be guaranteed for a minimum of 5 months from the date of application.
- Processing
- Application processing takes about 30 working days from receipt of payment (excludes visa issuance time). After approval, the residence card is issued within 3–4 weeks after biometrics are captured.