Updated on March 30, 2026
Residency in Malta for living and working by the side of the Mediterranean Sea
€42,000+
Annual gross income
5+ months
Obtaining period
4 years
Maximum period of stay
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit enables individuals to reside in Malta without interrupting their careers abroad. It fits freelancers, employees or managers of non-Maltese companies, and self-employed professionals who work remotely.
The residence permit is initially granted for 12 months and can be extended three times for the same duration, allowing digital nomads to stay in Malta for up to 4 years.
Applicants must prove an income of at least €42,000 per year and secure accommodation in Malta for the duration of the permit. Their spouse and children can also be included in the application.
1
As Malta is a Schengen member state, Nomad Residence Permit holders can freely travel to 28 other Schengen countries and stay there for up to 90 days out of 180.
As Malta is a Schengen member state, Nomad Residence Permit holders can freely travel to 28 other Schengen countries and stay there for up to 90 days out of 180.
2
Malta is one of the most affordable EU countries to live in. According to Numbeo.com, the cost of living in Malta is 16% lower than in France and 12% lower than in Germany.
Compared to the US, the cost of living in Malta is almost 25% lower.
Malta is one of the most affordable EU countries to live in. According to Numbeo.com, the cost of living in Malta is 16% lower than in France and 12% lower than in Germany.
Compared to the US, the cost of living in Malta is almost 25% lower.
3
Digital nomads residing in Malta are subject to a flat 10% income tax, whereas other Maltese residents are taxed on their global income at progressive rates of up to 35%.
Additionally, digital nomads are exempt from this 10% tax for their first 12 months in Malta.
Digital nomads residing in Malta are subject to a flat 10% income tax, whereas other Maltese residents are taxed on their global income at progressive rates of up to 35%.
Additionally, digital nomads are exempt from this 10% tax for their first 12 months in Malta.
4
According to an analysis by Cable.co.uk, Malta is ranked 21st worldwide for Wi-Fi speed, with an average value of 141.07 Mbps[1]. Digital nomads can find public Wi-Fi in big cities like Sliema and Valletta.
According to an analysis by Cable.co.uk, Malta is ranked 21st worldwide for Wi-Fi speed, with an average value of 141.07 Mbps[1]. Digital nomads can find public Wi-Fi in big cities like Sliema and Valletta.
5
Maltese cities, such as Sliema, Valletta, Gzira, Mosta, and St. Julian’s, which are traditionally popular with expats, offer numerous coworking spaces.
Digital nomads can purchase daily or monthly membership passes and even monthly packages for a dedicated desk or a private office.
Maltese cities, such as Sliema, Valletta, Gzira, Mosta, and St. Julian’s, which are traditionally popular with expats, offer numerous coworking spaces.
Digital nomads can purchase daily or monthly membership passes and even monthly packages for a dedicated desk or a private office.
6
English is one of Malta’s official languages, along with Maltese. This means that expats will have easier everyday communications, allowing them to solve day-to-day tasks smoothly and meet new people.
English is one of Malta’s official languages, along with Maltese. This means that expats will have easier everyday communications, allowing them to solve day-to-day tasks smoothly and meet new people.
7
Digital nomads wishing to discover the island will benefit from an extensive bus network and ferry routes that allow visiting virtually every corner of the country.
Digital nomads wishing to discover the island will benefit from an extensive bus network and ferry routes that allow visiting virtually every corner of the country.
8
Digital nomads looking for an active life with plenty of events and social activities can settle in Sliema, Valletta, or St. Julian’s. Those dreaming of a tranquil life can go to a more rural area of Gozo.
Digital nomads looking for an active life with plenty of events and social activities can settle in Sliema, Valletta, or St. Julian’s. Those dreaming of a tranquil life can go to a more rural area of Gozo.
9
Malta has over 300 sunny days per year, with an average air temperature of 28…32°C in the summer and 15…17°C in the winter, making it an ideal place for life and travel.
Malta has over 300 sunny days per year, with an average air temperature of 28…32°C in the summer and 15…17°C in the winter, making it an ideal place for life and travel.
Get our detailed guide to learn:
How to obtain residency smoothly
Rights and opportunities that come with your new status
Obligations to fulfil to maintain residency
Answers to frequently asked questions
Trusted by 10,000+ investorsCosts for obtaining the Malta Nomad Residence include the purchase or rental of real estate, health insurance premiums, and administrative fees such as an application processing fee and a residence card issuance fee.
The Maltese authorities do not specify minimum real estate rental or purchase prices, so applicants can choose any property they like. Property rental depends on the location and the number of rooms. An average cost is about €1,000—1,500 per month.
The total cost depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses like taxes, insurance, and more.
Trusted by 10,000+ investorsCompare the key terms and benefits of Maltese residency with other popular visas for digital nomads.
Malta, St Julian's
€950,000 — €2,290,000
Elegant apartments, St. Julians, Malta
98 m² — 193 m²
1—3 
1—3 
Malta, St Julian's
€750,000+
Apartments in modern style, St. Julians
172 m²3 2 
Malta, Sliema
€1,170,000+
Apartments in modern style, Sliema
116 m²1 1 The application for the Nomad Residence Permit in Malta is submitted online. After a Nomad Customer Care officer confirms its correctness, the applicant pays an administrative fee. The application is typically reviewed within two months.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary check of a digital nomad before concluding a Services Agreement. We check the information about an applicant against international databases to identify any potential issues that may arise.
The Preliminary Due Diligence is entirely confidential.
1+ weeks
Document preparation
An applicant prepares a pack of documents as per the list provided by Immigrant Invest lawyers. The lawyers fill in the required government forms.
2+ months
Applying and paying a fee
A Nomad Residence Permit application is submitted online via the Residency Malta Agency portal.
At this step, the digital nomad pays a non-refundable processing fee of €300 per person. The payment must be made from the main applicant’s account; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Up to 1 month
Preliminary approval
The Residency Malta Agency reviews the application and requests any additional information if needed. If the application is approved, the Agency issues a Letter of Approval in Principle.
If the application is rejected, the digital nomad can reapply after 1 year. Reasons for refusal are not revealed.
Up to 1 month
Confirmation of accommodation in Malta and purchase of health insurance
After receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle, the digital nomad must provide proof of housing. At this stage, a hotel or apartment booking will qualify.
Insurance should be purchased for every applicant, covering at least €30,000 per person.
The Residency Malta Agency issues a Letter of Final Approval when all the confirmations are provided.
Within 6 months of the approval date
Travelling to Malta and submitting biometrics
Applicants need to go to Malta and set up an appointment with the Residency Malta Agency for biometrics.
Before visiting the Agency, the digital nomad has to finalise the property rental agreement for the entire residence permit validity period.
During the appointment, applicants submit their biometrics, apply for residency cards, and pay a €100 issuance fee per person.
Up to 3 weeks
Collection of residence permit cards
Once the cards are ready, applicants receive an email notification specifying when and where they can get their cards. Applicants need to collect their cards in person.
1 year later
Extending the Malta Digital Nomad residence permit
The Malta Nomad Residence is valid for 1 year and can be extended thrice for the same period.
A renewal application must be submitted 2 months before the expiration of the current residence permit in Malta.
To qualify for a renewal, applicants need to prove that they stayed at least 5 months in Malta over the previous 12 months. To prove this, they provide a bank statement showing payment transactions carried out in the country.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for Malta’s residence and citizenship programs. Since 2006, we have assisted over 1,000 investors and their families in obtaining Malta residence permits, permanent residence, or citizenship.
Our team comprises experienced professionals, including certified Anti-Money Laundering officers, who conduct thorough preliminary Due Diligence checks. This meticulous approach has resulted in a 99% application approval rate, minimising the risk of refusal to less than 1%.
We provide comprehensive legal support throughout the entire process — from the initial consultation and goal setting to Due Diligence, document submission, status acquisition, and ongoing maintenance. By choosing Immigrant Invest, you partner with a reputable, experienced firm that facilitates your successful relocation to Malta.
License № AKM-IMIN
Proven approval record
Rigorous Due Diligence is the foundation of every successful application. Immigrant Invest’s Compliance Department conducts a preliminary assessment before submission, minimising risks and ensuring an approval rate of over 99%.
End-to-end legal support
We guide clients through every stage of the process — from defining objectives and initial consultations to Due Diligence, application filing, approval, and ongoing status maintenance.
Licensed and internationally recognised
Immigrant Invest is authorised by regulatory authorities in the EU and Caribbean jurisdictions to represent applicants in investment immigration programmes. Our licensed status reflects strict compliance with regulatory standards and professional requirements
Confidential
We protect your trust with strict confidentiality, securing your data and investment details under an NDA agreement.
Elena Ruda,
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
With over 20 years of experience and established partnerships in Malta, Immigrant Invest provides strategic legal guidance for individuals pursuing Maltese citizenship.
A multidisciplinary team of legal, compliance, and real estate professionals accompanies clients at every stage of the process — from preliminary Due Diligence and residency arrangements to the preparation of a substantiated proposal and navigation of the multi-layered evaluation and approval procedure.
Each phase is handled with precision, discretion, and strict adherence to Maltese legislation, ensuring a seamless, transparent, and professionally managed pathway to citizenship.
Our Malta-based legal and migration experts know the law inside out and ensure a smooth residency process.
A Malta Digital Nomad Visa application should be accompanied by the following pack of documents:
1.
Our on-site team stays ahead of legal changes, prepares only required documents, offers in-person support, and ensures smooth coordination with Maltese authorities.
Our on-site team stays ahead of legal changes, prepares only required documents, offers in-person support, and ensures smooth coordination with Maltese authorities.
2.
We will help you obtain a Maltese nomad visa for family members, including your spouse or partner and children.
We will help you obtain a Maltese nomad visa for family members, including your spouse or partner and children.
3.
We will remind and help you renew your residence permit card.
We will remind and help you renew your residence permit card.
4.
We will offer property options for rent or purchase based on your goals and budget.
We will offer property options for rent or purchase based on your goals and budget.
5.
We will assist you in preparing the required documents and opening an account in a Maltese bank.
We will assist you in preparing the required documents and opening an account in a Maltese bank.
Schedule a meeting
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
Prefer messengers?
Schedule a meeting
We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.
Head of the Austrian office
Prefer messengers?
