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 euros to 42,000 euros 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.
You must fulfill several requirements to qualify for the Maltese Nomad Residency Permit, and we have reviewed some of them below.
You must be a third-country citizen, meaning that EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss citizens cannot apply for the permit. This 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.
To apply for a visa, you must also be at least 18 years old and able to prove that you can work remotely via the internet.
There are three different categories that you can apply under:
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.
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.
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.
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 or have been convicted of anything more serious than a minor traffic offence, it is very unlikely that you will be permitted into the country.
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.
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.
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.
Typically replies within an hour
I will be back soon
