One of the major concerns that people have when they move to a new country, for the long-term or for a shorter period of time, is whether they will be able to build a social life. It can be daunting starting from scratch but there are many ways in which you can tap into the digital nomad community to find new friends and cool activities. 

Most people have a mental image of digital nomads as being a very outgoing group who are always able to make friends easily but in reality many are socially awkward and there is a large correlation with neurodivergence. This doesn’t need to be a hindrance to making friends, as all it takes is the right set of circumstances and we will look at these in today’s article. 

Connecting with Malta’s Digital Nomad Community

Malta is an incredible pace to spend some time and you can now spend a year or more there on a Malta Digital Nomad Visa. This is an excellent opportunity to take full advantage of all that Malta has to offer. It is far more than just another beach holiday destination and is packed full of cultural experiences and historical sites ripe for the exploring, 

The temperate year-round climate of Malta means that it is suitable for visiting at any time, not just in the Summer. With 300 days of sunshine on average per year, it is understandable that Malta is somewhere that people want to spend a lot of their time.  

Malta has a large digital nomad community and a thriving technology sector, largely because of the digital nomad visa that offers a preferential tax rate to remote workers. This has been a great incentive for increasing the number of startups and decreasing the average age of those who are flocking there.

Stay at a Coliving Property

There are many ways to find and integrate with the malta digital nomad community and one of the easiest of these is to stay at a coliving such as Evolve Coliving. This is an easy and low-pressure way to meet and spend quality time getting to know like-minded people from across the world. 

The beauty of staying somewhere like Evolve is that it has a limited number of bedrooms so the maximum number of people will be around 10-15, which is great for variety while not being overwhelming. The one-month minimum stay also plays a large part in community building and helps to foster deeper connections than might otherwise be achievable. Many people make lifelong friends at Colivings and proceed to travel with them all over the world. 

Visit a Coworking Space

Coworking spaces tend to be great for meeting other digital nomads and remote workers, as they often act as a social hub for activities that are happening in the area, and often organise their own. 

It is often beneficial to join a coworking space so that you are getting all of the information fed to you regularly about upcoming events. As you get to know more people, you will begin to hear of events “through the grapevine” of contacts that you have accumulated, and this is when you know that you have made a success of your social integration. 

The events that coworking spaces run can range from BBQs and pizza nights to board games, cinema visits, bar crawls, night club visits and even all-day catamaran trips. Malta also has a vibrant musical scene with some of the largest artists in the world coming to perform there.

Join a Club or Gym / Attend a Quiz / Take a Class / Do an Activity

One of the easiest ways to form friendships is to “meet people where they are”. This means that just by going about your everyday activities such as going to the gym, you will be meeting others who are doing the same thing. It is easier to bond with people over shared activities and new people tend to receive a warm welcome in most circumstances.

If hitting the gym isn’t for you, there are always other activities to take part in. You can take a class to learn how to scuba dive, or how to improve your marketing skills. There are many opportunities to attend classes in Malta on a wide variety of topics and these can be another great way to meet people. 

If you are on your own, attending a pub quiz night can see you assigned to a random team, so you are thrust into the company of other people you haven’t met before. It can be a good ice-breaker and can lead to a really fun evening, as long as you embrace it. 

Taking part in some sort of organised activity is one of the best ways that you can meet people and get to know them. There are groups that organise hikes all around Malta and this can be a great way to see the island in the company of other people like you. 

Meetup.com / Expat Facebook Groups

Social media is a great way to find out about events. There are some expat Facebook groups where people share information about activities and there is also Meetup.com which has all manner of different social activities listed from hikes to wine tastings. Both of these websites give a great range of ways to interact with the digital nomad community and to get to know people. 

Groups on Mobile Apps

There are also specific Slack, Discord Whatsapp and Telegram groups for digital nomads that you can join. These will typically have more up-to-date information and a wide range of events available than you may otherwise gain an awareness of. 

This is what it means to hook into the community and really begin to feel a part of something bigger than just yourself. You will very quickly find events that you will want to attend and start to make friends when you go to them. It is important to remember that everyone is in the same boat and most people are kind and friendly. 

We looked last week at the Bali Digital Nomad Visa and the benefits that you can receive from this. If it isn’t enough to live on a beautiful, sun-drenched island with friendly locals and an incredible variety of wildlife, there is also a preferential tax rate and we will look into this further in today’s article. 

Bali Visa Types for Digital Nomads

People from most countries will automatically have their visa stamped for 90 days when they enter Indonesia, and it is possible to leave and re-enter if you would like to be able to stay for a longer period of time. 

If you enter Bali on a tourist visa, you should be able to work from there on your laptop without too many issues for the duration of your visa without having to register to pay tax in the country. If you are able to stay for more than half of any calendar year, they may make the case that you are a resident for the purposes of tax and should therefore pay taxes in Indonesia.  

Remote Worker Visa E33G

If you intend to stay for longer than this time, you should apply for a new visa called the E33G Remote Worker Visa.and this will allow you to stay for a year without paying any taxes within the country, even though you would normally be considered tax resident if you remained in the country for such a long amount of time.  

It is not possible to extend the visa while you are in Bali, but if you leave and then apply for a new one from outside the country, with all of the same documents that you applied for the original one with, it is likely to be granted if you still meet the same requirements.

There is not a limit on how many times you can do this but it does require you to leave the country each time you want to apply for another visa, which is not as simple as being able to stay there continuously and simply renew. 

How does the Bali Remote Worker Visa Compare to Malta? 

Malta is considered by many to be the “gold standard” when it comes to remote worker and digital nomad visas. The Malta Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live i Malta and not pay any tax for the first year of their stay. 

This has helped Malta to rapidly increase the number of technology startup companies and it now also has a flourishing igaming sector which has over 300 companies and employs over 10,000 people. 

After the first year, the Malta temporary residence permit charges 10% taxation per year and considers those that are there on the visa to be resident in that country for tax purposes. Malta has treaty agreements with many countries that mean you will avoid double taxation on earnings, so all of your earnings while living in Malta on this visa will only incur a rate of 10%. 

The financial entry requirements for the Malta digital nomad visa are considerably lower than the Bali Remote Worker Visa with the amount you have to earn being set at 42,000 euros per annum if you are a new applicant. To compare like with like, this is around $47,000 compared to Bali’s $60,000.  

A lower threshold allows more people to take advantage of being able to work from a beautiful, warm island. Malta has the added benefit for many people that one of the main languages is English. This can help some nomads to integrate and settle much more easily into daily life than having to learn Balinese from scratch. 

The cost of both visas is very similar, with 300 Euros for the Malta digital nomad visa being roughly equivalent to the $350 US Dollar amount for the Indonesian Remote Worker Visa. 

Should I Choose Bali or Malta?

There is absolutely no reason why you can’t try them both for a year and see which you would prefer to spend time in going forward. They both have their merits, and if ease of access to continental Europe is a major factor in your work then Malta makes more sense. 

If you decide to come to Malta, we can make it easy for you by providing an amazing place to live and integrate with other remote workers at Evolve Coliving. We have super fast and reliable internet access, a coworking space and excellent leisure facilities including a gym, swimming pool and jacuzzi.  

If you are looking for a tropical adventure somewhere new for a year then Bali would be an excellent choice. There is no wrong decision and this is the very essence of digital nomad life. Amazing destinations to choose from that make it difficult to decide where to spend time next. 

Best Digital Nomad Destinations in Bali

There are some amazing destinations for digital nomads in Bali and if you decide to take out the e33g Remote Worker Visa for Bali, you will be able to choose which of them suits you the best. Canggu is an amazing place if you want to pursue connections with fellow digital nomads and there are large numbers of coworking spaces and remote worker friendly cafes that facilitate this.

If you are looking for a more spiritual retreat to work on yoga and meditation then Ubud would be a better location as it is set in lush green vegetation amid incredibly scenic rice fields. 

Whichever option you choose you will quickly understand why Bali is such a favourite for the digital nomad community worldwide. The friendly locals haven’t yet decided that the presence of digital nomads is a burden and they welcome the annual influx from all around the world with open arms. 

The cuisine in Bali is beautiful and you will crave some of the food from there long after you have left. The white sand beaches are eminently instagrammable and if you are a travel blogger or have an interest in becoming one, you should absolutely take the opportunity to visit.    

Bali Digital Nomad Visa

Bali, Indonesia, is a spectacularly popular destination for digital nomads due to its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and friendly locals. Understandably, many want to stay there longer, so we will explore the best Bali Digital Nomad Visa options. 

Why Choose Bali as a Digital Nomad?

There are many reasons to choose Bali as a digital nomad, ranging from affordability to Instagrammable scenery to the overall setup for accommodating remote workers. Some people even come for the digital nomad community itself that has sprung up in Bali. 

If you are involved in location-independent living and have travelled anywhere with a large concentration of digital nomads, you will have heard all about the merits of Bali in some detail. The infrastructure is superb with fast internet speeds and many cafes, coworkings and colivings that have been designed for those who need reliable internet and high-quality workspaces. 

The cost of living in Bali is relatively low so it is possible to live on this island paradise for less than it would cost to live in most western countries. Even the increase in prices that has come with more popularity hasn’t stopped Bali from being very competitively priced for those earning their living in dollars, euros or pounds. 

There are many beautiful places to live in Bali, and most people live in shared villas, which have varying costs and degrees of luxury. Some of the villas with swimming pools can be much more expensive than those without. 

Canggu

One of the best places for digital nomads to spend time in Bali is Canggu. It has excellent internet connectivity, and there are many coworking and cafes where you can set up your laptop and get to work. 

The local economy of Canggu has changed to accommodate this influx of remote workers, and many businesses have opened that cater specifically to this market. There are many local technology companies and places to buy technology and accessories, as well as a vibrant digital nomad nightlife scene. 

If you aim to pursue a surfing lifestyle, there are some excellent beaches for this, including Echo Beach and Batu Bolong beach which are incredibly popular with surfers. . 

Ubud

For those looking to explore their spirituality, Ubud is a perfect destination. There are yoga retreats aplenty, and being in the middle of such greenery is sure to be inspiring. The scenery here is lush and green, and as an inland paradise, it is a beautiful place to come and find community with like-minded people. 

Ubud is an entrepreneurship hub and while it lacks the level of nightlife in Canggu, it more than makes up for it with the amount of activities such as mastermind sessions and workshops that are available to attend. 

There are healthy food options to suit every lifestyle choice, and vegans and people who follow a gluten-free diet are particularly well-catered to here. Acai and poke bowls aplenty, as well as many traditional Balinese dishes, are available.

Seminyak

Like Canggu, Seminyak is a beach resort and is perfect for those who want to lie and sunbathe in their downtime. This is one of the most tourist-focused places in all of Bali, so it does mean that it can get very busy at many points in the year.

Like Canggu, there are many coworking places and excellent nightlife opportunities. However, the internet can be slightly worse than in other parts of the island due to infrequent power cuts that sometimes knock out access. If you need to be constantly connected to the internet during your working day, this is something to consider. 

Bali Digital Nomad Visa Options

Indonesia recently launched a remote worker visa that is aimed at business people and tourists. It is explicitly not for anyone making income from companies and businesses inside Indonesia, including Bali. 

Remote Worker Visa E33G

The remote worker visa is also known as the E33G Visa and is aimed at people who are employed by international companies. 

This visa allows people to stay in Bali for up to a year at a time. During that time, you can come and go as you please, entering and leaving as needed. There are some requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible for the visa, and the most important of these are:

You must be able to demonstrate that you are employed by a company that is registered in a country outside of Indonesia and that you don’t undertake work for companies located in the country. You can do this by showing a copy of your contract of employment with the international company that employs you. 

You must earn at least $60,000 annually or the equivalent in your local currency. This is to ensure that you can support yourself in Bali and that you can boost the local economy while you are there. 

It is a higher threshold to meet than is asked for in many countries, and it may be prohibitive for many. However, it does ensure that only those who are making a significant income are able to meet the requirements. 

You must also be able to prove that you have had at least $2,000 in your bank account for the last three months. This shouldn’t be a problem form most people who are making $60,000 per year ad they want to make sure that you have this money available when you arrive.  

If you are self-employed, it may still be possible to take advantage of this visa, but only if you are set up as a company structure and have become an employee of the company. Just being self-employed will not be enough, as they require proof of your contract with a company to issue the visa. 

It costs $150 to apply for the remote worker visa, and this is a one-off fee that all applicants must pay, regardless of whether they are successful in applying. 

International health insurance is also a requirement, so you aren’t placing an undue burden on the Balinese health services while you are there.

Taxation Rates for Digital Nomads in Mexico

In a previous article, we examined the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa and how to best apply for it. The official name for the Mexican digital nomad visa is the temporary residence permit, which allows holders to stay for between one and four years in Mexico, depending on renewals. 

When deciding on whether to apply for a temporary residence permit, one of the important questions that location-independent travellers ask themselves is whether they will be better off in terms of taxation. We will explore this further in this article and compare the situation with some other countries, including Malta.

Taxation as a Digital Nomad in Mexico

If you earn 51% of your income or more outside Mexico, you will most likely be taxed in your country of origin and will not be subject to the mexican tax regime at all. This is because they have agreements in place with many other countries to prevent double taxation on earnings. 

The level of taxation you will therefore be liable for while you are in Mexico will be heavily dependent on which other country you are a tax resident of. Many digital nomads who travel constantly will seek to minimise their exposure to taxation and try not to be resident for tax purpose in any one jurisdiction. 

This can be a complex situation to maintain and a mis-step along the way can see very large tax bills suddenly appearing on the horizon, so great care should be taken if attempting to navigate that particular route. 

Nothing in this article constitutes financial advice and for the best and most up to date advice on international taxation you should contact your own tax adviser. 

Taxes in Mexico

If you are planning to be tax-resident in Mexico then you should be aware that Mexican taxes range from 0-30% and these bands are determined in a progressive manner with higher tax bands for those who are earning more money. 

If you choose to remain in Mexico for more than 183 days per calendar year, you may be asked to pay tax in Mexico on all of your worldwide earnings, if you are unable to conclusively prove that you qualify on other grounds in another country. For example, you may own property in the UK and be employed by a company there, so HMRC would most likely still see you as a UK tax resident in that scenario.

There are generally two tax bands that can apply to non-residents in Mexico and these are 15% or 30%, dependent on your  level of income but it is unlikely that most digital nomads will have to contend with this, as most wont have to pay Mexican taxes at all. 

If you are in any doubt, stay on the correct side of the law by seeking accurate financial advice from an expert. 

How does the Tax Situation Compare to Malta?

The gold standard that all of the other digital nomad visas and taxation offers have to match up to is Malta’s. That is because Malta is keen to attract digital nomads for the skills, entrepreneurship and expertise that they bring to the country. 

Making Malta the home to many tech startups is a main goal and rooting it as a technology hub is well underway, with reliable internet infrastructure and coworking and coliving spaces on the island already.

Malta has a tax situation for digital nomads that is probably one of the best in the whole world. For the first year of the digital nomad visa in Malta, you will pay no tax at all. This isn’t dependent on tax residence in any other country either. For the second and subsequent years, if you renew, it is a 10% flat no matter what you earn. 

The tax offer from Mexico is inferior to the one from Malta, because you will still have to pay tax to the country that you are a tax resident of, and at its lowest rate, the Mexican tax for digital nomads is 15%. This means that the zero % first year and subsequent years of 10% tax make Malta a much better low taxation solution for any digital nomads and remote workers who would like to take advantage of it. 

Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Mexico

The lifestyle offered to digital nomads in Mexico is one that is varied and is only limited by your own imagination. Depending on where you are planning to go in Mexico, you may opt for beaches and wild nightlife in a resort such as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen. 

Alternatively, you may prefer to spend some time exploring the beauty and splendour of Mexico City, or take off to explore some of the Aztec and Mayan ruins. One of the most iconic and world-renowned of these ruins is Chichen Itza.

Violent Crime in Mexico

Mexico generally has a sinister reputation for drug cartel violence but tourists rarely get caught up in it, and if you are careful with your belongings ad your personal safety, this should not be an issue for you. The Mexican authorities have done a lot of work in recent years to ensure that the violent crimes related to the narco-traffickers is contained and kept away from tourist areas.

Experienced travellers will know better than to involve themselves in anything to do with the drug trade in Mexico and those who are new to travelling should go in with a healthy awareness of the situation. 

Don’t allow the threat of violent crime to diminish your trip. You are probably far more at risk by wandering into the wrong part of any major US city than you are in most places in Mexico. Just keep your wits about you, try not to show lots of money in public, and take care when walking alone at night. It is preferable to get a taxi if you are in an area that isn’t familiar to you.

Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

A very popular digital nomad hotspot, Mexico has decided to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the increase in remote workers by offering a temporary residence permit, which effectively doubles as a Mexican digital nomad visa. 

This digital nomad visa / temporary residence permit allows digital nomads to stay in Mexico for one to four years. 

Tourist Visa vs Temporary Residence Permit for Mexico

Many people from all around the world can come to visit Mexico on a tourist visa for up to six months. This will not allow you to set up a Mexican bank account, but the longer-term temporary residence visa will. 

Tourist visas can be issued for up to 180 days, and it is not unusual for people to leave Mexico and re-enter, being issued with a further 180 days on arrival at the Mexican border control. This can be helpful if you are still trying to decide whether to make a longer-term move to Mexico and want to explore some of the different cities and areas there.

One of the perks of the temporary residence or digital nomad visa is that after you have stayed in Mexico for four years, you will qualify to apply for permanent residence, so you are able to make the switch to living in Mexico permanently, if this is what you desire.

If you stay in Mexico for more than 183 days in any calendar year, you may be considered to be a “tax resident” in Mexico and be expected to pay tax on your worldwide income to the Mexican government. 

Mexico has tax treaties with many countries so if you can prove that you are already a tax resident of another country, you may be exempt from “double taxation”. You should explore this with a tax lawyer or accountant, and it is not something to be taken lightly. No part of this blog post constitutes financial advice.  

Qualifying for a Temporary Residence Permit

It is important to know that you must be outside Mexico when you apply for a temporary residence permit. You can make an appointment in advance at your local Mexican Consulate or Embassy. There are some documents that you are required to provide at the interview, so please be sure to take these with you when you attend.The documents are listed below:

A valid passport or other travel document with at least six months left to run on it.

The visa application form, completed in English or Spanish, with a “wet” signature on it.

Proof of income can take the form of bank statements and pay slips from your employer. You must prove income of $3,700 - $4,000 per month after tax or savings of up to $75,000 for over six months.   

This is to ensure that you have enough money so that you are not tempted to try to take on work that a Mexican citizen can do while you are there.

You will also need a passport-sized photo taken against a white background while not wearing glasses. This is to allow for the creation of your temporary residence permit. 

How Long Does it Take and How Much Does it Cost?

It can take at least a few weeks after the interview for your application to be processed. Mexican bureaucracy moves slowly and this is something that you should be prepared for. The application itself costs $40, and once you reach Mexico, you will have to pay a further $150-$350, depending on the length of visa issued. You will have to pay the fee each year that you wish to renew the card.

What Makes Mexico so Attractive to Nomads?

Several factors make Mexico a top-tier digital nomad destination. One is the low cost of living compared to the US, the UK, and many parts of Europe. Apartments in many destinations in Mexico still cost $300- $500 per month, which is attractive to those who want to live relatively inexpensively. Many remote workers have relatively low incomes and being able to live in a place that is inexpensive for them can offer a quality of life that is simply unavailable in their home country. 

The temperate climate in Mexico is another great selling point for digital nomads and remote workers. Being able to escape the colder weather back home is often what inspires people to become digital nomads in the first place. 

According to the popular statistics aggregation website Statista, Internet speeds in Mexico are still lower than the worldwide average. In many towns and cities in Mexico, there is ample high-speed internet for even the most intensive uses by remote workers. 

Home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mexico offers a plethora of interesting sites for people who are interested in history and ancient civilisations. There are both Aztec and Mayan ruins here, and there is more than enough to make it a tempting visit for a history buff, with the famed Chichén Itzá being only a short distance from the digital nomad hotspot of Tulum.

Digital Nomad Hotspots in Mexico

There are many places in Mexico which are popular with digital nomads and this is because of a combination of factors including the temperate year-round weather and the comparatively low cost of living. 

Mexico City

One of the cultural gems, Mexico City attracts many digital nomads because of its vibrant lifestyle. However, there are some dangerous parts of the city that should be avoided by tourists and nomads.

Playa del Carmen

This is a beach lover’s paradise and is generally kept reasonably safe as it is a tourist and expat hotspot. “Playa”, as it is often simply referred to, is a real hub for the international nomad community. 

Tulum

This is one for those who love nature and history, with the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization right on your doorstep. Tulum is a grat place to tick off a few bucket list items for many people and is a fantastic place to live for a while. 

Spain’s Popular Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa for Spain is one of the most popular amongst the nomad community for the sheer range of excellent towns and cities that it encompasses. Want to live in a beautiful, vibrant cultural centre like Barcelona or Madrid? Easy. Want to spend the winter soaking up the sunshine in the Canary Islands? This is also an option with this visa. 

Spain's appeal lies in its diversity of locations and favourable tax rates, in roughly equal measure. 

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa in 2024

Spain's digital nomad visa was launched in January 2023 after legislation to boost the economy and attract inward investment to the country was passed in November 2022. It is aimed at people from outside the EU, EEC, or Switzerland.

This is because people from those areas already have freedom of movement and can spend as much time in Spain as they please, as long as they register with the municipality and pay appropriate taxes.

Digital Nomad Visa Perks

There are several perks to the Spanish digital nomad visa, and we have taken a look at some of these below: 

Low Taxation Rate

A huge perk of the Spanish digital nomad visa is the ability of those who qualify to pay just 24% of tax on earnings up to a threshold of €600,000 for the first four years. This compares favourably with someone earning a similar amount in the UK and being in the 45% tax bracket. People earning this kind of income could save a significant amount of tax. 

This is also favourable when compared to Spain’s regular tax regime for residents and is only an option because of the Startup Law, which was designed to bring new entrepreneurs into the country. 

High Quality of Life

Spain is consistently ranked as having a high quality of life. Much of this is due to the favourable weather, the excellent food and the fact that it can be relatively cheap compared to much of Western Europe. This is obviously dependent on where you go and how tourist-focused the local economy has become. 

The sheer range of different places that can be explored while on a digital nomad visa means that even those with intense wanderlust can still travel extensively within Spain and not get bored. If you crave all-year-round sunshine then this is the digital nomad visa for you. 

Visa Duration

Spain’s digital nomad visa, sometimes referred to as a telework residence permit, is initially one year long. It can be extended to six years in total, and then permanent residence can be applied for once you have stayed long enough to qualify. 

This is an excellent chance for people from outside Europe to qualify for permanent residence in one of the most popular, diverse and culturally vibrant parts of the EU.  

Eligibility Criteria

As with most digital nomad visas, particular criteria underpin the Spanish one, and these can be found below: 

Income Threshold

Before you can gain access to the Spanish digital nomad visa, you must be able to demonstrate an income of at least twice the Spanish minimum wage. In 2024, the figure that must be met is approximately €2,520 per month and this is subject to annual change based on inflation and other relevant factors. This income threshold is increased if you have an unmarried partner, a spouse and/or dependent children.  

Remote Work

The whole premise of this visa is predicated on the fact that you can work remotely. This means that you must be able to show the Spanish authorities that a company outside Spain employs you or that you have clients outside Spain. Up to 20% of your clients may be permissible to be from Spain, but your main focus should not be on Spanish clients or employers.

Stable Employment Situation

Applicants for the teleworking residence permit should be able to show that they have a stable working relationship with their employer. This means that they should have been working for their current company for three months or longer when applying for the visa. The employer must be able to confirm that the applicant has a fully remote position and is authorised to undertake their work from Spain.

Relevant Professional Qualifications

Although this is an optional extra, it may help the approval process go more smoothly. The Spanish government considers a relevant bachelor’s degree or professional qualification or more than three years of experience in your field as a way to strengthen your application. 

Criminal Record Check

A clear criminal record is a prerequisite for obtaining most digital nomad visas, as countries do not want to admit convicted criminals to a route that may end in residency or citizenship. A certificate of good conduct must be submitted from either your home country or from anywhere you have lived in the past five years.

Health Insurance

Nearly all visas will share this requirement because the country doesn’t want applicants to come to the country specifically to use the public health system, potentially making its citizens wait longer for treatment.

Visa Application Process

This is a pretty straightforward process, though you should ensure that you have all of the documents you need to complete it. Being organised at the beginning will make the rest of the process much easier. 

Application Cost and Timing

The application can be made either from outside or inside Spain. If you are outside Spain, you can approach your local consulate or embassy. 

The application fee for this visa can range between €60 to €100, and the processing time can take between 20 and 60 days. You should factor this in when thinking about how and when to apply. If you get this wrong and overstay in Spain before you have the correct visa, this can be a very costly error, so it is best to avoid this if possible.  

Once you have been approved, you must apply for a Tarjeta de Identitad de Extranjero (often abbreviated to TIE) at the local immigration office.

Spain’s Popular Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa for Spain is one of the most popular amongst the nomad community for the sheer range of excellent towns and cities that it encompasses. Want to live in a beautiful, vibrant cultural centre like Barcelona or Madrid? Easy. Want to spend the winter soaking up the sunshine in the Canary Islands? This is also an option with this visa. 

Spain's appeal lies in its diversity of locations and favourable tax rates, in roughly equal measure. 

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa in 2024

Spain's digital nomad visa was launched in January 2023 after legislation to boost the economy and attract inward investment to the country was passed in November 2022. It is aimed at people from outside the EU, EEC, or Switzerland.

This is because people from those areas already have freedom of movement and can spend as much time in Spain as they please, as long as they register with the municipality and pay appropriate taxes.

Digital Nomad Visa Perks

There are several perks to the Spanish digital nomad visa, and we have taken a look at some of these below: 

Low Taxation Rate

A huge perk of the Spanish digital nomad visa is the ability of those who qualify to pay just 24% of tax on earnings up to a threshold of €600,000 for the first four years. This compares favourably with someone earning a similar amount in the UK and being in the 45% tax bracket. People earning this kind of income could save a significant amount of tax. 

This is also favourable when compared to Spain’s regular tax regime for residents and is only an option because of the Startup Law, which was designed to bring new entrepreneurs into the country. 

High Quality of Life

Spain is consistently ranked as having a high quality of life. Much of this is due to the favourable weather, the excellent food and the fact that it can be relatively cheap compared to much of Western Europe. This is obviously dependent on where you go and how tourist-focused the local economy has become. 

The sheer range of different places that can be explored while on a digital nomad visa means that even those with intense wanderlust can still travel extensively within Spain and not get bored. If you crave all-year-round sunshine then this is the digital nomad visa for you. 

Visa Duration

Spain’s digital nomad visa, sometimes referred to as a telework residence permit, is initially one year long. It can be extended to six years in total, and then permanent residence can be applied for once you have stayed long enough to qualify. 

This is an excellent chance for people from outside Europe to qualify for permanent residence in one of the most popular, diverse and culturally vibrant parts of the EU.  

Eligibility Criteria

As with most digital nomad visas, particular criteria underpin the Spanish one, and these can be found below: 

Income Threshold

Before you can gain access to the Spanish digital nomad visa, you must be able to demonstrate an income of at least twice the Spanish minimum wage. In 2024, the figure that must be met is approximately €2,520 per month and this is subject to annual change based on inflation and other relevant factors. This income threshold is increased if you have an unmarried partner, a spouse and/or dependent children.  

Remote Work

The whole premise of this visa is predicated on the fact that you can work remotely. This means that you must be able to show the Spanish authorities that a company outside Spain employs you or that you have clients outside Spain. Up to 20% of your clients may be permissible to be from Spain, but your main focus should not be on Spanish clients or employers.

Stable Employment Situation

Applicants for the teleworking residence permit should be able to show that they have a stable working relationship with their employer. This means that they should have been working for their current company for three months or longer when applying for the visa. The employer must be able to confirm that the applicant has a fully remote position and is authorised to undertake their work from Spain.

Relevant Professional Qualifications

Although this is an optional extra, it may help the approval process go more smoothly. The Spanish government considers a relevant bachelor’s degree or professional qualification or more than three years of experience in your field as a way to strengthen your application. 

Criminal Record Check

A clear criminal record is a prerequisite for obtaining most digital nomad visas, as countries do not want to admit convicted criminals to a route that may end in residency or citizenship. A certificate of good conduct must be submitted from either your home country or from anywhere you have lived in the past five years.

Health Insurance

Nearly all visas will share this requirement because the country doesn’t want applicants to come to the country specifically to use the public health system, potentially making its citizens wait longer for treatment.

Visa Application Process

This is a pretty straightforward process, though you should ensure that you have all of the documents you need to complete it. Being organised at the beginning will make the rest of the process much easier. 

Application Cost and Timing

The application can be made either from outside or inside Spain. If you are outside Spain, you can approach your local consulate or embassy. 

The application fee for this visa can range between €60 to €100, and the processing time can take between 20 and 60 days. You should factor this in when thinking about how and when to apply. If you get this wrong and overstay in Spain before you have the correct visa, this can be a very costly error, so it is best to avoid this if possible.  

Once you have been approved, you must apply for a Tarjeta de Identitad de Extranjero (often abbreviated to TIE) at the local immigration office.

Following on from our recent article about the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, we have decided to take a closer look at the tax benefits that digital nomads can expect when they are approved for this visa. 

People often choose to prioritise a digital nomad lifestyle because they can take advantage of a better tax rate. Frequently, their country of origin has a high tax level that doesn’t allow them to enjoy the benefits of their hard work and earnings fully.

Malta Nomad Residence Permit

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is the official name of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa and it lasts for one year but can be extended three times, for a total of four years. 

The Nomad Residence Permit isn’t available to European Economic Area countries as EU citizens already have freedom of movement. This means they can already move to Malta if they wish with no obstacles. 

Malta’s taxation rate outside of the Nomad visa isn’t quite so attractive, 

Nomad Tax Rate of 10%

The tax rate has been set at 10%, which has to be one of the most attractive reasons for applying for a Maltese Digital Nomad visa. This is a low tax rate and compares favourably with the 20% income tax that you would be expected to pay in the UK. 

20% is the basic rate of taxation in the UK, and someone barely meeting the financial requirements for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa would pay this rate. 

If they were charged the higher rate of income tax in the UK for income over £ 50,271 per year, they would pay 40%, and if they were earning above 125,140, they would be charged 45%.

For people who are currently expected to meet the 45% additional rate of taxation in the UK, this obviously makes Malta’s 10% tax rate a very attractive proposition as they will be able to retain far more of their earnings.

Even for those on the lower rates, this can represent a significant saving on their tax liabilities, which can make a real difference to their lifestyle.

Being able to potentially cut in half or even quarter the taxes that are paid on your earnings for up to four years could provide a massive boost to your financial situation, and it definitely renders the digital nomad visa an attractive option for those who have the flexibility and meet the requirements.  

Malta’s Double Taxation Agreements

One of the things that sometimes puts people off changing where they are resident for tax purposes is the potential for being charged tax twice by different countries and being liable to pay both. Thankfully, Malta has reciprocal taxation agreements with many countries that avoid double taxation on the same income. 

Malta has agreements with the UK and many other countries, 60 of which are currently in force and 10 to be enacted shortly. It is advisable to check whether your home country has agreements with Malta and to take advice from an accountant on how best to proceed. Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice.

The USA is one of the most difficult countries when it comes to its citizens working abroad, so special care should be taken by those coming from the USA to ensure that they are abiding by the tax regulations.  

The US Government expects its citizens to file US taxes, even if they no longer live there, and this can make life difficult for those who have moved abroad. There are accountants and tax advice services that can help to ensure you are getting this correct. 

Accommodation for Longer-Term Nomads

There are many places in Malta that offer excellent rates on accommodation for people who are able to stay for a longer period of time. Evolve Coliving offers excellent deals for long-term residents. 

Having a settled base while in Malta and an advance lease agreement can help the digital nomad visa application go more smoothly. Securing a lease is one of the main requirements before applying, and Evolve Colicing is well-placed to offer this. 

Considering the excellent facilities, including a beautiful pool, outdoor gym, and rooftop hot tub at Evolve’s accommodation in San Gwann, this seems like a sensible option. The location is very central and is within easy reach of most parts of the island and all of the major attractions.

Places to Explore in Malta

Boat trips to the islands of Gozo and Comino are always popular and should be experienced at least once on your trip. Malta has such beautiful azure waters surrounding it, and going on a boat trip to the islands allows you to see the beautiful coastlines and beaches. 

You can also visit the Blue Lagoon on the way to the islands. It is definitely something you should commit a full day to, so make sure you are up early. Boat trips leave from Sliema regularly and offer the chance to see lots of sea life up close. 

One of the really unique tourist places to visit in Malta is Popeye Village at Mellieha. This is a remnant from the 1980 movie production of Popeye starring the late Robin Williams. The film set is still standing and has been converted into a Popeye-themed tourist attraction. 

Character actors wander around in costume and interact with visitors, whether they are young or old. It is also possible to use the comfortable sun loungers and swim in the beautiful clear waters of the village, which sits on the banks.

If you are an adventure sports enthusiast, Malta is somewhere that will more than meet your needs. Parasailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and off-road driving are all well-catered to, and there will be ample opportunities to participate in these activities. 

Jet Skiing and sailing are also fun activities that you can do on the water. Malta has many boats and catamarans for hire, so you can explore the island at your own pace with friends, or you can take part in an organised boat party with an open bar.

This is the first in a series of blog posts exploring the various digital nomad visas available. We will detail the eligibility requirements for each and their potential duration. We will also look at any costs associated with applying for the visa and whether these are refundable if the visa isn’t granted. 

The official name for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa is the Maltese Nomad Residence Permit. This visa was introduced in June 2021 and was one of the first digital nomad visas. It has undergone several revisions since then. Most notable is the amount of money that nomads need to earn annually in order to qualify. As of 1 April 2024, this has increased from 32,400 to 42,000 for new applicants.

The Government of Malta administers the Nomad Residence Permit through the Residency Malta Agency and provides many additional pathways to gaining residence. 

Eligibility for Digital Nomad Visa

You must fulfill several requirements to qualify for the Maltese Nomad Residency Permit, and we have reviewed some of them below.

“Third-Country” Citizenship

You must be a third-country citizen. This means that EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss citizens cannot apply for the permit and makes perfect sense, as these groups are already able to move to Malta with no obstacles, thanks to the rules on freedom of movement within the EU.

At Least 18 Years of Age

To apply for a visa you also have to be at least 18 years of age and be able to prove that you can work remotely via the internet. 

Ability to Work Remotely

There are three different categories that you can apply under:

1. You have an employer in another country and a contract of employment that allows you to work remotely. 
2. You are a partner or shareholder in a company and are in Malta to conduct business for them.
3.  You are a freelancer or consultant who has established contracts with companies based outside of Malta.

The stipulations about having contracts or being employed by a company outside Malta are because they don’t want to deprive a Maltese citizen of a job, by allowing a remote worker to enter. By fulfilling the criteria they have laid down, this means that you have only been able to access work that a Maltese citizen would find it very hard to access anyway. This is a way of safeguarding employment opportunities for people from Malta. For this reason, people are not allowed to contract with a Maltese subsidiary of a company to provide services in Malta.

There are some other regulations that you must meet in order to be able to apply and these are relatively standard for most visa types. 

Valid International Travel Document

You must have a valid internationally recognised form of travel identification, such as a passport in order to apply. All governments have to be able to verify the identity of anyone residing within their borders for the safety and security of their own citizens. 

Health Insurance Cover for Malta

Health insurance coverage valid for Malta is also necessary. This stops people ostensibly coming on a digital nomad visa but actually being there to take advantage of Malta’s excellent healthcare facilities. It also means that if you sustain a severe injury or need medical treatment, you are not a burden on the public finances of the State of Malta. You will have to ensure that your health insurance covers any existing conditions that you may suffer from.

Valid Lease or Purchase Agreement

You must hold a valid property rental or purchase agreement covering the entirety of your stay. Evolve Coliving can provide this in order to make your application process for the digital nomad visa easier and more seamless. 

Background Check and Police Conduct Certificate

You need a police conduct certificate. This is an official document that proves you are free of criminal convictions. There will often be the result of a background check, which is also mandatory before you can apply for the digital nomad visa. Malta is careful who they allow into their country for the longer-term, and this is perfectly understandable. If you have multiple convictions, it is very unlikely that you will be permitted into the country. 

How Much Does the Visa Cost?

Applying for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa costs 300 Euros and this is considered to be an application processing fee.This is per person, so any spouses or dependents will also have to pay the same fee. 

How Long Can I Stay in Malta?

The one-year digital nomad visa can be renewed up to three times, allowing a total of four years in Malta. You are also able to travel throughout the Schengen area visa-free, provided that you don’t spend more than 90 days from every 180 in another country. 

Things to See and Do in Malta

There is much to experience in Malta, from top-quality restaurants to vibrant nightlife and concerts from some of the world’s premier musical acts. 

The ancient walled city of Mdina is a wonder all of its own. It has a population of just 250 within its fortifications, and it dates back to the 8th Century BC. Mdina is next to the more populous town of Rabat, which has a population of 11,000. The view from the walls of Mdina will take your breath away. Mdina is situated on a hill and you can see all the way across the island to the coast.   

The coastlines are spectacular, and the beaches are beautiful. If you are into any type of water sport, this is the place for you. Snorkelling and scuba diving are very well catered for and jetskis and motorboats abound. If you are looking for a dance party aboard a catamaran, this is also possible. 

The capital city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses beautiful architecture and a world-renowned cathedral. The ancient streets have many quaint bars and restaurants spilling into alleyways and the atmosphere is always enjoyable.

There are many well-known digital nomad hotspots in Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world, but there are also places that are slightly less well-known to the community. 

These can be up-and-coming towns and cities that have yet to be fully discovered and haven’t quite been saturated by digital nomads yet.

Most of these places are hotspots for a good reason, with excellent wifi and places to work from. 

For some reason, their popularity hasn’t quite reached the levels of Bali, Indonesia or Chaing Mai in Thailand.

We have taken a look at some of the lesser-known gems below.