When remote workers are looking for somewhere to act as their base for a while, it is easy to see why Portugal may be near the top of their lists. When deciding, however, it is also important to look at the amount of tax that they may be eligible to pay, as even within the EU, countries can vary markedly in the amounts of tax that they levy. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa has special tax rates and we will look at these more below.

Portugal for Digital Nomads

Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, Andorra and Gibraltar, Portugal is a beautiful country with a climate that is the envy of much of the world. You can choose between world-class beach and island living or life in some of the country's more rural areas. 

Lisbon and Porto are two of the largest settlements, and the island of Madeira is a popular destination 430 miles off the West coast of Morocco and just 250 miles North of the Canary Islands.

Lisbon is a very beautiful and vibrant city with colourful houses and trams that meander down picturesque streets to the sea. It is definitely worth seeing and spending some time in, though some locals are getting more annoyed that digital nomads are causing the prices for private lets in the City to rise. There is increasingly pushback in many countries and cities against the gentrification that comes with increasingly mobile remote workers.  

The cost of living in Portugal is another factor that makes it a popular destination for remote workers, with the cost of living being over a third cheaper than in the USA. The modern internet infrastructure also helps to make it an ideal place for digital nomads to spend some time. It isn’t great in some more rural parts of the country but in the major towns and cities, you shouldn’t have any complaints.

There is culture and history aplenty, with some amazing museums and art galleries in the major cities. Lisbon is an ancient city which has plenty of historical sites that are ripe for satisfying curious minds, and for getting some truly memorable photos. Portuguese cuisine is also top-notch, particularly when it comes to pastries such as pasteles de nata, krapfen and pasteles de Belem.  

Portuguese Remote Work Visa

The Portugal digital nomad visa, sometimes referred to as the D8 visa, is specifically designed for people who are able to work remotely, whether for a foreign company or on a freelance basis, who can live in Portugal for a sustained period of time.  

The D7 visa is only for people who have investments, receive regular rent or have some other form of passive income which means they don’t actually have to work every day. 

To qualify for the D8 visa, you must not be resident in any country that is in the European Economic Area. This includes all of the EU, Switzerland and some others, including Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway.

The amount that digital nomads have to earn each month in order to qualify for the D8 visa is 3480 euros per month or 41,260 euros per year. This visa is renewable for up to five years and after that period of time, it is possible to apply for permanent residency in Portugal. If this is something that you are genuinely considering, you may wish to look into the tax situation for people on the digital nomad visa as well.  

Portuguese Tax Rate for Digital Nomads

The tax rate for digital nomads in Portugal will depend on how long they have been in the country at any one time and whether they are considered residents for taxation purposes. Anyone who has been in Portugal for 183 days in a calendar year is automatically considered to be a tax resident and is required to pay into Portugal’s tax regime. 

Portugal has treaties with many other countries which means that if you become a tax resident in Portugal, you will then be unlikely to have to pay tax on that same income in a different country. This is known as double taxation and the treaties should allow Portugal to be your sole source of taxation if you become tax resident there. 

Portugal has a progressive tax rate for people who are tax residents and the people who meet the earning requirements for the digital nomad visa will typically start at the 35.5% tax rate that is available for incomes between 27,146 and 39,791. This is obviously dependent on how much money they make and can rise to 48% if they make more than 80,000 eur per calendar year.   

Portugal Digital Nomad Tax Rates vs Other Countries

Portugal has one of the higher rates of taxation compared to some of the other potential options. The taxation bands are higher even than those in Scotland, part of the UK, where a 48% tax band comes into play but not until someone is earning over £125,140 per year.

By contrast, Malta offers one of the best rates of taxation for digital nomads and one of the best environments to conduct business, having become very popular with startups and founders in recent years. The tax rate for the Malta digital nomad visa is 0% for the first year, and in subsequent years it is only 10%. This is an excellent offer and makes Malta a prime destination when it comes to tax concerns. The amount that you need to earn to qualify for the visa is also very similar to the Portuguese digital nomad visa. 

The top tax rate in Italy is 43%, and this is incurred when an individual makes 50,000 euros or more in a year, Although not as favourable as the Maltese digital nomad visa, it is still a lot better than the tax take for the Portuguese one.

When considering where to spend time as a digital nomad, looking at the tax rates offered in different countries is essential. This can help you to choose the best place to conduct your business activities and whether the digital nomad visa for the country is a good fit for you. We will look at the Italian digital nomad visa and the tax rates that are available for remote workers in Italy. 

Italy as a Digital Nomad Destination

As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it is easy to see why Italy is a popular destination for people who can choose to work from anywhere. 

The lovely climate, combined with a wealth of historical ruins and cultural marvels, means that Italy is a top-tier destination. There is so much to see in Italy, from the faded glory of Rome, once the centre of the Roman Empire that spanned half of the globe, to the incredible artistic works and frescoes of Florence and the canals and waterways of Venice. 

There is truly something for everyone, and that is without even mentioning the stunningly beautiful Vatican City, the centre of the Catholic Church, which is a city and a nation state in its own right, which is located in the centre of Rome. The Sistine Chapel has a ceiling adorned by the works of Michaelangelo and is a must-see for anyone who has an eye for High Renaissance art.

This is before we even mention the cuisine, which is one of the most sought-after and highly regarded in the world. Italian staples include beloved dishes such as Pizza and Pasta and desserts such as Tiramisu and Panna Cotta so it is easy to see why digital nomads would like to spend some time eating like a local in Italy. .

Italian Remote Work Visa

The Italian digital nomad visa allows remote workers to relocate to Italy for a year and also permits them to extend the length of the visa for up to a further two years. This depends upon the applicant meeting some stringent criteria in order to qualify for the visa in the first place.  

The Italian digital nomad visa is one of the more difficult digital nomad visas to qualify for because it asks for professional qualifications and experience in working remotely. A university degree level qualification is needed, or proven experience working in your chosen field for not less than five years. You must also work in a field that allows you to complete your wrork using a computer remotely. This allows you to fulfil the “highly qualified” criteria. 

The financial requirement for obtaining the visa is relatively low compared to many other European digital nomad visas, with the current limit being set at 25,000 euros per annum.  

Italian Tax Rate for Digital Nomads

If digital nomads are resident in Italy for 183 days in a calendar year, or if the Italian Government determines that their primary social ties are there, they will be subject to Italian taxation. They will also have to charge Italian VAT rates on all of their worldwide business. 

If they are considered to be tax resident in their country of origin, they are not likely to have any additional taxes in Italy on the same earnings. This is because of the numerous treaties that Italy has with other countries, which make specific reference to double taxation. 

Where digital nomads are tax residents in Italy, they will be taxed on a scale of between 23% and 43%, depending on how much they make per year. Like many European countries, Italy has a progressive taxation scale, with people being asked to pay more if they make more money.  

The taxation bands are as follows:
23% - Up to 15,000

25% - 15,001 to 28,000

35% - 28,001 to 50,000

43% - 50,000 and above.

There are some exceptions available and it is possible for some digital nomads and people returning to Italy who were previously resident there to apply for tax relief of up to 30% of their tax burden. This is not something that is automatically applied and is something that interested parties must enquire about. The best way to pursue this would be through a financial adviser or accountant.

Taxation for US Citizens

The USA has a different relationship to most countries with their residents and considers everyone who is a US citizen to be tax resident in the USA. There are some limited exceptions to this but if you are a US citizen, you must file a US tax return every year, regardless of whether or not you currently live there. It is possible that some American ex-pats will still have to be taxed doubly on the same income as a result of this.

Italian Digital Nomad Tax Rate vs Other Countries

The tax rate for digital nomads in Italy is not as favourable as many of the other options that are available around the world and this is something to take into account when deciding whether to apply. The route to the visa is more complicated than most, with more bureaucratic hoops to jump through as well, so this is something to consider as well. Many will decide that it is worth paying slightly higher taxes for the chance to live in such a beautiful and historic country but others may not. 

Malta, which is just off the coast of Italy, has a far more preferential tax rate for digital nomads, with a 0% tax rate for the first year being offered to digital nomads, followed by 10% in each subsequent year. 

Spain’s digital nomad visa offers a tax rate of 24% on any amount up to 600,000, which is an excellent rate for higher earners and is about half what someone would pay on a similar amount in the UK.  

Indonesia is an incredibly popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers because of its spectacular white sand beaches and verdant interior. Many also enjoy the tropical climate and the fast internet speeds in much of the country, which lend themselves to digital nomad life. 

The low cost of living also appeals to this demographic, which often prizes the ability to stretch money further and get more bang for their buck. If you are planning to spend some time in Indonesia, it is essential to understand the visa requirements.

Key Requirements to Meet

The list below contains key requirements that all digital nomads applying for an annual E33G remote worker visa must meet.

Proof of Employment - An important way to prove that you have permission to work remotely from Indonesia is to show a copy of your employment contract. The stipulation that you can work from anywhere in the world is important. 

It is also essential to be able to show that your work comes from outside Indonesia and that you are not depriving local people of work opportunities.

Income Requirements - If you are on the E33G remote worker visa, you must prove that you make at least $60,000 per year. You can use bank statements or pay slips from your employer to do this. 

If you are applying for the shorter-term 211A visa, the requirement is that you have $2,000 in your bank account.   

Health Insurance - You do not need specific health insurance but it is expected that your travel insurance will be of an appropriate level to cover any problems you may have while in Indonesia. This includes emergency repatriation to your own country on health grounds. 

Background Check - Many countries require that people who plan to stay for more than a couple of weeks provide information about their criminal records. No country wants to invite dangerous people into their country because they want to keep their own nationals safe. You can ask for your criminal records check in most countries and use this as part of the application process.  

Proof of Accommodation - Indonesian immigration will want to know that you have booked accommodation rather than just turning up speculatively and perhaps not finding somewhere suitable. This also gives the police somewhere to contact you if there are any problems with your documents. A rental agreement or a booking acceptance from a website will suffice for this purpose. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Indonesia Visa Application

Step 1 - Prepare your documents - Ensure that you have all the documents you will need for your digital nomad visa Bali application before you apply. Collecting them before you begin the process will help it go smoothly. 

Step 2 - Filling Out the Application Form - Carefully complete the application form, making sure to complete it in full and include all of the information in the correct areas. If you are really struggling to do this, you may want to pay for a service to do the paperwork for you. 

Step 3 - Submitting Your Application - You can submit your application online or in person at your nearest Indonesian Consulate or Embassy. 

Step 4 - Wait for Approval - This may take seven to fourteen working days. You shouldn’t book your travel until you have been successfully approved, as it may take longer than you anticipated, depending on the backlog.

Step 5 - Arrive in Indonesia - Once you have arrived, you can fill out any additional forms you need. Sometimes, people fill out tax forms or forms to open a bank account. These things are best done once you are on location in Indonesia.

Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa Cost

The Remote Worker Visa E33G application costs $150 USD plus IDR 2,700,000, which is just under $170 USD at the time of writing this article in December 2024.

The shorter 60-day B211a visa costs $110, and then it costs an additional IDR 3,200,000, or almost $200 USD, to renew each time, up to two times for a total of 180 days.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

The language barrier can be difficult to overcome, as English is not as widely spoken in Indonesia as in many other parts of the world. Try having someone who speaks more of the local language accompany you and act as a translator if you have any important meetings with the authorities. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and confusion.  

Some people have experienced problems authenticating documents in Indonesia, but if you use a reputable notary public or an accountant, you should be okay with that. 

Additional Tips for a Smooth Process

One of the best pieces of advice for anyone looking to be a digital nomad in Indonesia is to keep up to date with changes to the visa process, as these are constantly ongoing. You should also take the time to engage with the digital nomad and expat communities on social media. 

There are some excellent groups on Facebook, Slack, DIscord and most other social media platforms for destinations worldwide aimed at helping remote workers find accommodation and community. 

They will be a source of support and assistance while you are going through the visa application process and also when you actually arrive. Being able to ask a dedicated group who have faced the same difficulties as you for help is a real advantage to anyone starting out in a new country.  

Conclusion

Indonesia is a brilliant country for digital nomads. The beautiful beaches and landscapes, the spiritual retreats, and the friendliness of the local people are all a big draw for the remote work community, but it is not without its bureaucracy and red tape. 

The local languages can prove to be difficult, but learning a few words in the local language will ease a lot of your interactions with locals and make for a much more positive stay. Indonesia is a popular destination for a reason, and the culture and the people are a large part of this, as well as the glorious beaches and scenery.

Portugal has an enduring appeal as a beautiful European country with vibrant cities and islands that make life and work a pleasure. Portugal has a climate that is never truly cold and has extremely good internet infrastructure, which makes it ideal as a base for remote workers.

Exploring the Two Key Visa Options: Digital Nomad Visa vs D7 Visa

The Portuguese digital nomad visa has been in existence since 2022 and is Portugal’s answer to attracting new talent and workers to the country. Remote workers make up an attractive demographic due to their larger-than-average disposable incomes that they can spend in the country. Many countries including Malta, Spain and Indonesia are all looking at how best to win over this group and encourage them to stay..

Two visas may be of interest to digital nomads: the D7 passive income visa, which is for those with a retirement income or people renting out properties in their home country, and the D8 Digital Nomad visa.

The D8 digital nomad visa has more stringent income requirements than the D7 passive income visa, and this is because people who are digital nomads are generally expected to be making a higher monthly income than an older demographic. There are no restrictions on working in Portugal on either visa type.

Why Portugal is a popular destination for remote workers?

Portugal is a beautiful and diverse country with a stunning array of landscapes to captivate even the most seasoned of travellers and opportunities to enjoy music, culture and local cuisine abound. 

There is the opportunity to experience island life in picturesque Madeira, a vibrant city in stunning Lisbon, or top-notch beach life in Albufeira or the Algarve. There are also quieter villages and towns inland that can give a high standard of living for less money. The digital nomad visa route also provides a path to permanent residency in Portugal after 5 years.

On the digital nomad visa, once you have been there for more than 183 consecutive days, you qualify for Non-Habitual Resident status and a tax rate of 20% on any income earned within Portugal. There is 0% tax on any income earned outside Portugal, which can make this a very attractive option. 

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

The Portuguese digital nomad visa is only available to people who are not already citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland, as the right to freedom of movement exists between the EU member states already.

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must either prove employment with a company that permits remote working or prove that you are working on a self-employed basis for a company or companies based outside Portugal. 

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirements

To qualify for this visa type, you must be able to demonstrate a monthly average income of €3,280 that covers the three months prior to applying for the visa. In addition to this, you must be able to deposit €9,840 in a Portugese bank account prior to submitting the application.

Portugal D7 Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the D7 passive income visa, applicants need to be able to prove that they receive more than €820 per month in passive income. This can be in the form of dividends, rent, pension or copyright payments but cannot include a salary.  It is specified that the requirement is for passive income only. 

The minimum monthly income is €820 for a single person and €410 for an additional adult in the household, with €246 each month for minors. As with the digital nomad visa, €9,840 must be deposited in a Portuguese bank account before the application is made.

Required Documentation

A valid passport with at least as much time left as the visa duration.
A criminal record certificate to prove you hold no convictions.
Proof of address in your home country. Utility bills and bank statements tend to be ideal.
Proof of address in Portugal. A lease agreement.
Travel insurance documents.
A statement from a Portuguese Bank showing adequate funds.
Proof of salary or passive income, depending on which visa you’ve applied for. These can be rental agreements, pension statements, pay slips, etc.
Documents for any family, members, so marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.  

Application Process

The application process is relatively simple for both visas. The process starts outside Portugal, and you should contact the local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country to begin the process.

Checklist for the Visa Applications

There are a number of steps you should follow to successfully obtain a D7 visa or a digital nomad visa. These steps are the same for the Portugal D7 visa checklist and the digital nomad visa checklist.

Step 1: Ask Your Local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate for an Application Form. It may be on their website for downloading. If it is, print it out to fill in a physical copy.

Step 2: Ensure that you have all of the required documentation. This includes proof of money in a bank in Portugal, so you will need to open a bank account there and deposit the necessary amount of money. 

Step 3: Submit the application at the Embassy or Consulate. You will need to make an appointment and you will need to bring all of the necessary documents with you. 

Step 4: Visa Issued. Await the visa being issued to you and then you can make plans to make the move to Portugal. 

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Processing Time

Due to the sheer volume of applications, it can take up to 9 months for applications to be approved, though it is usually significantly quicker than this.

Minimum Stay Requirements as a Digital Nomad in Portugal

For both of the visa options, including the Portugal D7 visa minimum stay is six consecutive months within a calendar year, and eight months in total during the visa period. This may have implications for your taxation status as Portugal may consider you a tax resident after six months of time uninterrupted in their country. The Non-Habitual Resident status is available after six months and can be a real benefit to digital nomads.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Italy's Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Italy launched its digital nomad visa in April 2024, and many remote workers are enthused by the opportunities it offers those from outside the EU. People who are already residents within the European Union can live and work in any other EU country, but this visa is specifically aimed at those from outside the EU and allows them to live in Italy for its duration.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa as an Opportunity for Remote Workers

Italy is a modern country in the heart of Europe. It has fast and stable internet connections throughout the country and has many areas of significant cultural, architectural, and historical interest. Home to one of the greatest empires that ever existed, Italy is filled with relics of the Roman Empire's glory, including the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were preserved under volcanic ash and are still standing today. 

Some of the greatest artists, poets, and inventors of all time have hailed from Italy, which is a very beautiful country for art lovers to visit, as well as those who want to base themselves somewhere warm and with exquisite cuisine.

Italy Nomad Visa Requirements

To apply for a remote work visa for Italy, you need to demonstrate that you are either a freelancer or have an income with a remote work company that brings in 28,0000 Euros annually or more. Demonstrating a consistent source of income is a requirement for this type of visa. You should have worked as a digital nomad for at least six months before applying. 

Being a non-EU national is also a requirement, as there would be no point in someone who is already resident in the EU applying due to existing freedom of movement regulations. 

Required Documents

The documents required to apply for an Italian digital nomad visa are as follows:

• The application form. This can be found on the website of the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. 
• A valid passport, typically with enough time to outlast the digital nomad visa.
• Proof of your income. This can be employment contracts, bank statements, invoices, or tax returns.
• Proof of Accommodation in Italy. This can be a hotel booking or a rental agreement between you and a landlord. It can also be an invitation from someone who will be hosting you.
• Health Insurance Documents. Comprehensive health insurance is necessary to cover your time in Italy. It should cover all aspects of health, including medical expenses, potential hospitalisation, and repatriation.
• Proof of Remote Work. This can be freelance contracts, employment contracts with a company or any other documents supporting your ability to work remotely.
• Clean Criminal Record. You will need a document from your home country stating that you have a clean criminal record. If you are a UK citizen, you can apply for a police certificate online. 
• Passport Photographs. You should have two passport-sized photographs on a white background.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

Many looking for an Italy work visa apply online through their local consulate or embassy website. 

Step-by-step guide on how to apply:

1. Prepare the Documents. Ensure you have all the documents you will require to submit your application. This means taking the time to ensure you have already bought health insurance and that there is enough time left on your passport. You should also have acquired proof of a clean criminal record already.
2. Complete the Application Form. Please complete the application form and ensure all the information is up-to-date and valid.
3. Schedule a Consulate or Embassy Appointment. Depending on your location, you may have to apply to a consulate or an embassy for an appointment. There may be a wait for appointments. Be sure to arrive early on your scheduled day and bring all your documents.
4. Submit the Application. You can submit your application at the embassy or consulate, and they may require your fingerprints or other biometric data to proceed.
5. Pay the Fee. The Italian government adjusts the fee quarterly, and as of November 2024, it is €116. The fee is non-refundable and can be paid by cashier’s cheque or money order at your appointment.
6. Receive Your Visa. It may take a while to receive your visa, depending on the processing times and how busy it is at a particular time of year. It can take up to 120 days at the more extreme end, so consider this when planning your trip.

Where to Apply

Most Italian Embassies and Consulates will take applications, but they may not have any availability for appointments right away.

Application fees and processing times.

The application fees are currently €116, and they are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.

Tips for a successful application

Preparation is the key. Ensure that you ave all of the documents that you need before asking for an appointment. This way, you miss the last-minute scramble to get the documents you need ready in time. 

Italy Remote Visa Duration and Renewal

The Italian digital nomad visa is valid for a year and can be renewed repeatedly for up to three years in the country. 

Understand Challenges and Solutions

Once granted a visa, you must register for Italian VAT within eight days if you are a sole trader. This is a rapid timescale, but it is an excellent way to ensure all your documents are in order at the trip's start. Taxation can be challenging, as you must complete an Italian tax form. Italy has a reciprocal agreement with many countries so that you will not pay twice, but if you have an annual turnover under €85,000, you can opt for a tax rate of 5%. 

Conclusion

Italy is a fantastic location with many fabulous coastlines and beautiful cities to explore. The variety of life in Italy is a large part of its charm. Iconic cities and one of the world's fashion capitals, Milan ensures that Italy remains a beautiful and vibrant country in which to spend time. This new visa makes it a lot easier for digital nomads to come and stay for more extended periods of time. 

Overview of Living in Malta

Malta is a very popular place to live, and there are many reasons for this. It is a beautiful, small, independent country in a fortunate location near Italy, which means it has a temperate climate for most of the year. It has the benefit of having had an extraordinary history of invasion by many different nationalities over the centuries, and this has left its mark culturally. 

In modern times, Malta has become a technological hub, and the Malta digital nomad visa is helping to attract many young people and startup businesses.  

Malta as a destination for digital nomads

Capitalising on the recent increase in digital nomadism, Malta has incentivised remote workers and businesses to relocate by offering fast and reliable internet, excellent coworking and coliving facilities, and a fantastic lifestyle. 

The tax rate offered by the digital nomad visa is one of the most attractive anywhere in the world. The first year of the visa is tax-free, and subsequent years will only see you pay tax at a rate of 10%. 

As one of the main languages spoken in Malta is English, the traffic drives on the left, and even the plug sockets conform to the UK’s standards, Malta is perfectly suited for people from the UK who would like to move there.

Best Areas to Live in Malta

For an island with just over half a million inhabitants, Malta has a surprisingly diverse range of places to live. From the UNESCO world-heritage city of Valletta to the lively ports of St Julian’s and Sliema to the rugged beauty of Gozo. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages which we will outline below.

Valletta

Valletta is the capital of Malta and a truly stunning city with impressive architecture and landscapes. It has UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and it is very easy to see why. The impressive cannon batteries overlooking the harbour are a reminder of Malta’s martial past, and the brilliant fireworks festivals paint the skies in colours. 

For all of its antiquity, Valletta is a vibrant city that is full of life. It has fantastic bars, restaurants, and nightlife to suit all budgets. There are long shopping streets filled with an intriguing mixture of small local boutiques and well-known international brands, and side streets lined with popular bars that spill out onto the pavement. 

 Sliema

There is a long promenade by the sea, and Sliema is popular with joggers and people who value fitness. It is a resort town that is known for its architecture and is a great place to spend some time people-watching and chilling.  There are many international shops, cafes and restaurants, which makes it a popular haunt for ex-pats from all over the world.

St. Julian’s

This is the heart of the nightlife scene for the younger crowd who frequent Malta, and most of the major clubs are based in the Paceville district. It’s not the place to come if you are looking for a quiet time, but if you are prepared for the potential noise, it is a tremendous tourist-friendly place to stay for a while. There is no shortage of local amenities, including a casino, cinema and even a bowling alley and laser tag, should you fancy a different challenge. 

Gozo

Gozo is a stunning, rugged island a short ferry trip from St Julian’s. It is well worth a visit. There are walks around the 75km island that vary in difficulty and intensity. This area has great archeological interest, and the Ta’ Pinu National Shrine is well worth a visit while you are there. Accommodation is cheaper on Gozo than in much of Malta, and this should be a consideration when choosing where to base yourself. 

Cost of Living in Malta

Many people want to investigate the cost of living in Malta before committing to move there for at least six months, and this is a sensible precaution. The monthly cost of living in Malta is not considered high, especially compared with many destinations in central Europe. In comparison to Ireland, it is 17.5% less expensive.

The most expensive places to stay are also the most tourist-focused, with a one-bedroom apartment in Sliema or St Julian’s costing anywhere from 500 to 600 euros per month and larger or more comfortable apartments costing more, sometimes up to 1,000 Euros per month. 

Most locals in Malta shop at one of the large supermarkets, which helps keep costs down considerably. Supermarkets such as Carrefour and Lidl abound in most of the major centres of population.

Breakdown of expenses

Rental can cost between 500 Euros to 1,000 Euros per person per month in many areas, depending on the location and type of accommodation. 

This may or may not include electricity and utilities, which can be a further 100 Euros per month.

Grocery costs can be estimated at 200 Euros to 250 Euros per month per person.

Monthly transport passes can cost as little as 15 Euros. 

A monthly gym pass can range from 60 to 100 euros.

Transportation options

Malta offers many transportation options, including regular bus services, taxis, bikes, ferries, and car hire. Most locals make use of the plentiful public transport options, which are relatively inexpensive. 

Malta Lifestyle and Community

Having become a technology hub and home to many business startups, Malta has many ex-pats who have moved there from all around the world, and it is easy to get to know people. One of the best ways to get involved in the community is to stay at a coliving facility such as Evolve, where you will meet like-minded people and have the chance to bond with them over the course of your stay.

Working in Malta as a Digital Nomad

Malta is an easy place to work, with a good cafe culture and a temperate year-round climate offering many chances to work al fresco. There will be many networking opportunities as Malta feels very connected, with a great many people either working on a side-hustle or for one of the many startups that have based themselves there due to the excellent taxation options.

It is easy to see why Spain consistently makes it onto the top destination lists for digital nomads. Many fantastic destinations within Spain lend themselves well to the remote working lifestyle. Spain is a diverse country with many cities and towns and even fabulous island living options, making the Spain Digital Nomad Visa a popular choice.

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa for Spain allows remote workers to live in Spain for a year and can be extended for up to six years. It is aimed at people who aren’t already citizens of the EEC or Switzerland. It was established in 2023 to capitalise on the increasing number of location-independent workers searching for a base of operations.  

Why is Spain a Top Choice for Digital Nomads?

One reason Spain is such an enduringly popular destination for digital nomads is its temperate climate all year round. Many digital nomads look for destinations that are warm for most of the year, and Spain definitely fits the bill on this front. 

Most of mainland Spain doesn’t get very cold in the winter. Suppose you want to avoid the cold altogether. In that case, the Canary Islands, sometimes called the “Islands of eternal spring” would be ideal for you. The temperature rarely drops below 70C for a sustained period at any point in the year. 

Requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Eligibility Criteria for the Visa

There are a number of eligibility requirements for the Spanish digital nomad visa and these include not being an EEC or Swiss citizen. You should also be earning no less than twice the Spanish minimum wage. This amount breaks down to €2,520 per month and is subject to change annually.

In order to apply for the telework visa, you must be able to prove that you are either employed by a company from outside Spain or that you are self-employed. This is necessary to ensure that you aren’t taking a job that could otherwise be done by another worker who originated in Spain. It is a form of protectionism that prioritises keeping local jobs and prioritising them ahead of immigration interests.

In keeping with many visas which are aimed at remote workers, the Spanish telework visa makes it clear that you must have a comprehensive level of travel insurance. This is because you will be spending a significant amount of time in Spain, and they need to be sure that the ex-pat community won't swamp their health services and make services worse for locals. 

 Required Documents

There are a number of documents that you must supply when applying for a remote work visa in Spain and these are detailed below. You must be in possession of a valid passport and this must have at least six months left on it when the visa expires. You must be able to provide proof of your employment or self-employment and these can be a contract of employment or documents that prove the existence of your own business. 

Income verification can be done via bank statements or pay slips. Your health insurance documents are also required, as is a certificate of good conduct from your home country or anywhere else you have lived during the previous five years. Proof of accommodation will also be requested, and this can take the form of a lease or a booking via an accommodation provider. 

 Application Process for the Digital Nomad Visa

 Step-by-step guide on how to apply for the visa.

1. Ensure that you have all of the documents that you need to apply.
2. Approach a consulate or embassy to arrange an appointment.
3. Attend the appointment and bring all relevant documents.
4. Pay for the Visa. This will be anywhere from €60 to €100.
5. Track your progress online and collect the visa when it is ready. This can take anywhere from 20-60 days.
6. Once in the country, you should apply for a national insurance and tax number and open a bank account.

 Tips for completing the application form

The application form is relatively straightforward. Be sure to answer truthfully and in full. If you need assistance understanding any of the questions, you can ask a relative or friend who has experience or choose to pay an agency to do it for you. 

 Common pitfalls to avoid during the application process.

Some people who apply for the digital nomad visa do so from within Spain when they are there under a tourist visa. If the tourist visa expires before the digital nomad visa has been obtained, this can involve a costly fine.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Understanding the Remote Work Landscape in Spain

S[ain in an excellent place to work remotely from, though many cafes are now actively discouraging remote working from their premises. There is now an active push back against remote workers in many popular destinations as locals are seeing prices rising and are being priced out of housing by this new influx. 

Cost of Living Considerations

The cost of living varies wildly throughout Spain depending on where you are. A coffee and croissant for breakfast in a predominantly residential urban area in a city will cost far less than the same meal beside a beach in the Canary Islands.

Work-Life Balance in Spain

Because of the excellent weather, some remote workers struggle to give enough focus to their job and spend too much time sunbathing or enjoying themselves, risking a loss of employment. Others struggle to disengage enough from their work to properly enjoy their surroundings.

Connectivity and Technology

Internet connectivity tends to be good in most urban areas but it may be lacking in some more rural areas. If you require video calls on a regular basis, this should be a consideration when it comes to deciding where you are based.

Networking and Community Building

Many areas in Spain offer immense opportunities for networking and community building, though this will often be predominantly through other digital nomad groups. It may be harder to integrate with more local communities. 

Finding appropriate digital nomad housing can be quite challenging at times. This is because remote workers and location-independent individuals have specific needs when it comes to accommodation. These include fast and reliable Wi-Fi, somewhere they can work from, and the chance to build friendships or join existing digital nomad communities for social activities. 

Now that the Malta digital nomad visa is available, many people are looking at the possibilities offered by the favourable tax regime and temperate climate that Malta offers. Finding the best place to stay in Malta can be tough and how you define the “best” place is largely determined by your own specific requirements. 

Finding Suitable Digital Nomad Accommodation

Many different types of digital nomad housing have all the amenities you might desire. An easy way to hook yourself into the Malta digital nomad community is to choose to stay at a coliving property such as Evolve. 

Coliving Spaces

Coliving means you have your own bedroom but share other facilities. You are encouraged to take the time to get to know your fellow guests and form a community and friendships with them. You won't become best friends with every single person, but it is a great way to meet many new people from around the world and is an easy introduction to other people in the same position as you.

At Evolve Coliving, for example, there are usually around 15 people there at any one time, which is a manageable number. The setting is a large mansion house in San Gwann, so there is plenty of room for everyone to move around, and it never feels cramped. There are excellent and luxurious facilities, such as a beautiful swimming pool and a rooftop hot tub. There is also an outdoor gym and laundry facilities onsite. The rooftop space is also great for fitness classes such as yoga.

The minimum stay is one month and this is to give people time to form lasting friendships and relationships. There is a real focus on community-building, and many people have made friends for life from the experience and have subsequently travelled to other places with them.

Private Apartments

Although Coliving is an understandably popular option, finding a solo apartment is often popular as well. There are many reasons that people may not want to be part of a coliving environment, and some of these are introversion, a desire for privacy, or perhaps feeling that they are too old for the crowd who frequent coliving spaces. Evolve, for example, has an upper age limit of 45. 

It is easy to find apartments in Malta through popular booking platforms such as Booking.com or AirBnB, and the island is well-served for this type of accommodation. There are options to suit most budgets. Some of those on the lower end may be a little more remote and require a car to access. This should be a factor in choosing where to stay, as many people don’t want to hire a car but would prefer to use Malta’s excellent public transportation system.

The main benefit of having a private apartment is having your own space to do what you want, when you want. Most apartments will have a good workspace where remote workers can get their work done. Malta, in general, has excellent internet connectivity and there shouldn’t be any problems working online from most apartments. 

The major aspect that people miss out on when they are in private apartments is the company of other remote workers, in the way that it is always on hand in a coliving situation. This can be remedied by going to a coworking space during the day or joining one of the many networking opportunities on the island.  

Rooms in Small Private Houses

Many residents in Malta will let out a spare bedroom in their own home to make some extra money during the tourist season and these can often be found through the major websites or through local Malta facebook groups. 

The advantage of staying in a local person's house is that it is possible to get to know them and form long-lasting friendships. They will be able to give you valuable information about island life and will usually know all of the best local places for shopping.  

This option also tends to cost less than many of the others and can be a great way to live on the beautiful island of Malta relatively inexpensively. The private rooms will often be self-catering so you will probably have the use of the kitchen facilities. This means you can choose how expensively you eat and don’t have to rely on expensive options such as eating out or takeaway meals.   

Hotel Rooms

One of the more traditional ways to spend short periods of time in a destination, hotel rooms are plentiful in Malta. They are probably better suited for shorter stays as they don’t tend to come with kitchen facilities. 

Exploring some of the hotel booking websites can lead to decent deals for Malta throughout the year. Like everywhere, hotel prices in Malta have spiked since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the return of mass tourism. 

Demand has risen, and costs have risen with it. Some hotels are now prohibitively expensive for many digital nomads and are often no longer the preferred option.

Nomad Accommodation in Malta

There are many different options for digital nomad accommodation in Malta and some of these offer easier integration with the local community than others. Each accommodation type has pros and cons, and what one person considers perfect is what another considers their idea of hell. 

Finding your perfect accommodation is a very individual thing, but remote workers are resourceful and typically internet-savvy, so they will usually be able to find a great deal on whichever option is right for them. 

If you are looking for easy immersion into the community, there is no doubt that coliving is an excellent option, but if you are looking for a quieter time, a private apartment may be the option for you.

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.