Malta

The Malta Digital Nomad Visa opens up exciting opportunities for remote workers and freelancers seeking a vibrant and culturally rich environment to live and work.

Possession of a nomad visa does not guarantee automatic qualification for permanent residency in Malta. Nomad Residence Permit holders are permitted to stay in Malta under the nomad visa for up to a maximum of three years. To be eligible for a long-term residence permit (note that the term "permanent residency" applies exclusively to EU and EEA nationals), an individual must have legally resided in Malta for a minimum of five years.

While there is a possibility, the usual pathway involves obtaining permanent residency as a necessary step toward achieving citizenship through the Malta digital nomad visa.

To get the Malta digital nomad visa, you can follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility
2. Prepare Required Documents
3. Submit Online Application
4. Application Review
5. Visit Malta and Collect Nomad Residence Permit
6. Consider Renewal

To apply for the Maltese Digital Nomad Visa, you need to submit the specified documents:

1. Passport
2. Letter of intent
3. For employment: Employment contract
4. For self-employment: Bank statement, certificate of incorporation, and share register
5. For freelancing: Services contract
6. CV/Resume
7. Bank statement

Upon approval of your application, you will be required to provide the following documents:

1. Proof of accommodation
2. Health Insurance
3. Travel Insurance

To be eligible for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, you must have a monthly income of at least €2,700.

To apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, Russian citizens need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including demonstrating sufficient income, providing necessary documentation, and complying with the visa requirements outlined by the Maltese authorities.

Here are the steps to follow when applying for a nomad visa in Malta:

1. Collect and submit all the necessary documents.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Travel to Malta and obtain your Nomad Residence Permit.

The fee for the primary applicant applying for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa is €300. If individuals want to include their family members, an extra €300 is required for each family member. Additionally, there is a charge of €27.50 per person for the issuance of the residency card, payable at Residency Malta's offices.

Having a digital nomad visa exempts you from paying taxes in Malta if you do not generate any income within the country. Furthermore, if you maintain tax residency in your home country, you are not obligated to pay taxes in Malta, even if your stay exceeds 183 days per year.

The Maltese nomad visa has an initial duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal as long as the applicant continues to meet the necessary requirements. To extend the digital nomad visa before its expiration, individuals can go to the Residency Malta Agency.

The Malta digital nomad visa is initially granted for a one-year duration. Renewal is possible upon application approval by the Residency Malta Agency, provided that the applicant still meets the specified eligibility criteria.

The Malta digital nomad visa, officially known as the Nomad Residence Permit, is specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads seeking to live and work in Malta. Typically issued for an initial one-year period, with the option for renewal, this visa allows individuals to work remotely or engage in freelancing activities while residing in Malta. The application process involves meeting specific criteria, demonstrating a minimum monthly income, and providing necessary documentation. In contrast, regular residence permits in Malta serve a broader range of purposes, such as work, study, or family reunification, each with its own set of requirements and durations.

While holding a Malta digital nomad residence permit, you have the flexibility to visit other Schengen countries within Europe.

No, you cannot directly convert a digital nomad visa to citizenship in Malta. To acquire Maltese citizenship, you must undergo the process of obtaining permanent residency first. Only after obtaining permanent residency can you then proceed to apply for citizenship.

Converting a digital nomad visa to citizenship by investment in Malta is not a direct process. Malta offers a Citizenship by Investment Program, introduced to attract foreign investment and expertise into the country. The previous citizenship by investment program, known as The Malta Investor Programme, reached its application cap and was officially closed.

The new program, introduced in November 2020, is the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services. It provides a secure EU relocation route with a swift residency acquisition process. To be eligible, individuals and their families can obtain citizenship by contributing to the country's economic development through a specified minimum investment. Additionally, applicants must prove 12 or 36 months of residency in Malta.

It's important to note that the digital nomad visa is a separate category, and the citizenship by investment program has its distinct requirements. Directly converting a digital nomad visa to citizenship by investment is not typically part of the established procedures. To pursue citizenship by investment, interested individuals should follow the specific guidelines outlined in the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services program.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Malta digital nomad visa as a digital nomad, you may need to explore alternative visa options or residency programs that align with your circumstances. Malta offers various visa and residence permit categories, and you could consider other routes that suit your purposes, such as work permits, student visas, or residency permits for different purposes. It's advisable to thoroughly research and consult with immigration authorities or legal professionals to find the most suitable pathway for your situation in Malta.

Bill from Madrid says: "It may not be suitable for everyone; it's advisable to consider visiting for a month or two on a tourist visa (if required) to experience it firsthand. I'm currently in my second year on a Digital Nomad permit, and I'm growing to appreciate it.

In general, the Digital Nomad experience has been positive. The agency is highly responsive, rules are transparent, and they consistently meet deadlines."