Malta•EuropeNRP — Nomad Residence Permit (NRP - Digital Nomad Visa)
At a Glance
1 month
EUR €300
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Live in Malta as a non-EU remote worker earning €42,000+ a year from foreign employers or clients, with a 1-year permit renewable up to 4 years.
Launched in June 2021 under Legal Notice 121, Malta's Nomad Residence Permit (NRP) lets third-country nationals reside in Malta while working remotely for foreign employers, foreign-registered companies they own, or foreign freelance clients. Residency Malta Agency runs the program; applicants must be 18+ with a minimum gross annual income of €42,000 (since 1 April 2024).
The permit lasts one year and is renewable up to three times for a four-year maximum. A non-refundable €300 administrative fee applies per applicant, and background processing targets about 30 working days, with the residence card issued 3-4 weeks after biometrics. Health insurance and Maltese accommodation are required on approval; holders and dependants cannot work for Malta-based employers.
This visa is ideal for non-EU remote employees, foreign-company owners, and freelancers earning €42,000+ who want to base themselves in Malta for up to four years while their income stays tied to foreign clients.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
MaltaSingle Permit (Permess Uniku)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Be a third-country national (non-EU/EEA/non-Swiss); certain nationalities currently non-qualifying (e.g. Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, DRC, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, Belarus)
Be at least 18 years of age
Be able to work remotely via telecommunications technology
Fit one of three categories: employed by a foreign-registered employer; partner/shareholder in a foreign-registered company conducting business; or freelance/consultant with foreign clients
Demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of €42,000 (applications submitted before 1 April 2024 retain €32,400)
Show guaranteed income for at least 5 cumulative months from application date
Hold valid health insurance covering Malta and the EU (required upon approval)
Provide a valid property rental or purchase agreement covering the permit duration (required upon approval)
Provide an original Police Conduct Certificate less than 6 months old
Hold a valid travel document
Pass background verification with no security, public-policy, or public-health risks
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
42,000 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Application Form N4
Copy of all passport pages (including blank ones) in a single PDF
Signed and dated Letter of Intent
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Bank statements for the last 3 months showing income credited directly to the account
Original Police Conduct Certificate (less than 6 months old)
Proof of remote work (employment contract, business registration, or client service contracts)
Health insurance policy
Proof of accommodation (rental or purchase agreement)
Consent forms for minor dependants (if applicable)
Marriage/Birth certificates for dependants (if applicable)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Up to 4 years' residence in an EU member state (1 year initial + 3 renewals)
- Self-petitioned: no Maltese employer or sponsor required
- English-speaking administration and Schengen-area lifestyle
- Dependants (spouse, minor children, dependent adult children) can be included in the main application
- Foreign-source income not remitted to Malta is outside Maltese tax under general principles
- Application targets ~30 working days for background processing
Worth Knowing
- Minimum gross income of €42,000/year, with guaranteed income for at least 5 cumulative months
- Non-refundable €300 administrative fee per applicant, paid by bank transfer
- Health insurance covering Malta and the EU plus Maltese accommodation required on approval
- Maltese tax treatment depends on S.L. 123.210 conditions and personal circumstances — seek independent advice
- Dependants cannot be added after payment or approval (except newborns at renewal)
- Closed to EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals — third-country nationals only
- Some nationalities currently non-qualifying (e.g. Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela)
- Cannot be used to work for Malta-based employers or clients
Application Process
Confirm qualification
third-country national, 18+, working remotely for a foreign employer, foreign company you own, or foreign freelance clients
Gather documents
passport, CV, Letter of Intent, last 3 months' bank statements, police conduct certificate (<6 months old), proof of remote work
Submit application online via the Nomad portal at portal.residencymalta.gov.mt, attaching Application Form N4 for each applicant
Pay the non-refundable €300 administrative fee per applicant by bank transfer from the Main Applicant's account
Await background checks and decision (~30 working days from receipt of funds)
On Approval in Principle, submit proof of accommodation (rental/purchase) and health insurance within 30 working days
Receive entry visa instructions from the Central Visa Unit if required, then travel to Malta
Email nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt to arrange biometrics; collect residence card in person (~3-4 weeks)
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Application Form N4 | Fill online |
| Application Form N2Optional | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Malta
- Malta Ordinary Residence (EU Nationals)
Residency
- Refugee Status (Stat ta' Refuġjat)
Humanitarian
- Researcher Residence Permit
Study
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