Malta digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

The Nomad Residence Permit was launched by the Residency Malta Agency and is specifically designed for remote workers from third countries. Applicants must work via telecoms for a foreign-registered employer, foreign company, or foreign clients; working for Maltese employers or clients is not permitted under this route.

New applicants must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of €42,000 (≈€3,500/month). Applicants who applied before 1 April 2024 retain the legacy threshold of €32,400/year. Proof must cover at least the five months following the application date (€17,500).

The initial permit is valid for one year; it can be renewed up to three times, giving a maximum continuous stay of four years. Renewal requires proof of at least five cumulative months of physical residence in Malta during the preceding twelve months.

A non-refundable application fee of €300 per person plus €100 for the residence card is payable by bank transfer to Residency Malta Agency. Processing takes approximately 30 working days from receipt-of-funds confirmation, during which background checks are conducted.

During the first year of the Nomad Residence Permit, foreign-sourced income is exempt from Maltese income tax. Longer-term residents may fall under the Global Residence Programme flat 15% rate on Malta-remitted income.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (S.L. 217.26, updated January 2025) grants permanent residency to non-EU nationals who hold either €500,000 in capital (minimum €150,000 in financial assets) or €650,000 (minimum €75,000 in financial assets), monitored annually for five years. The Global Residence Programme offers a tax-residency route with a flat 15% rate on Malta-remitted foreign income for non-EU nationals who acquire or rent qualifying Maltese property.