What is the Nomad Residence Permit?
The Nomad Residence Permit lets people from outside the EU live in Malta while they work remotely for a company or clients abroad. It is run by the Residency Malta Agency.
You can work from Malta, but you cannot work for Maltese companies or clients.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need this permit. They can live and work in Malta freely. See Residence Cards.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you are a non-EU citizen and you:
- work for an employer registered outside Malta, or
- own a business registered outside Malta, or
- work as a freelancer for clients outside Malta.
You must earn at least €42,000 a year (gross), which is about €3,500 a month.
What you need
- Passport valid for the whole stay
- Proof of remote work: a work contract, company papers or freelance contracts
- Proof of income: payslips or bank statements showing at least €42,000 a year
- Health insurance that covers you in Malta
- A home in Malta: a rental contract or property you own
- Police conduct certificate from your home country
Costs, length and renewals
| Application fee | €300 per person (main applicant and each family member) |
| Residence card | Small extra fee to Identità per person |
| How long? | 1 year |
| Renewals | Up to 3 times, so up to 4 years in total |
| To renew | You must have lived in Malta for at least 5 months in the last 12 months |
| Family | Your partner and children can join you |
You apply online on the Residency Malta Agency nomad website. Apply a few months before you want to arrive.
Tax for digital nomads
- First 12 months: your remote work income is usually not taxed in Malta, as long as you are not treated as a Malta tax resident.
- After 12 months: your remote work income is taxed at a flat 10% in Malta.
- Other income, such as local rent, is taxed at normal Malta rates.
You may still have to file tax in your home country, for example if you are a US citizen. Ask a tax adviser about your own situation.
Good to know
- The Nomad permit does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship.
- Rent is often the biggest cost. Check prices with our Rent Price Checker and plan your budget with the Cost of Living Calculator.
- Malta has good co-working spaces in Sliema, St Julian's, Gżira and Valletta.