Why Choose to Live in Malta
Once recognised mainly for its flourishing gaming industry, Malta has evolved into a multicultural hub that attracts professionals from many fields. Its pubs and bars, filled with both locals and expatriates, create a lively social environment after work. Traditional offices have gradually adopted modern work cultures, while co-working spaces thrive as networking centres for freelancers and remote workers. This distinctive atmosphere merges career advancement with lifestyle benefits.
The cost of living depends on personal choices but generally offers good value. Monthly expenses for a single professional range from USD 1,800 to USD 2,500 (EUR 1,700 to EUR 2,400), including housing, dining out, and transport. These figures are seen as reasonable when weighed against Malta’s overall standard of living.
Healthcare and education bolster Malta’s appeal. The healthcare system is ranked among Europe’s best, featuring both public and private services with high standards. Families benefit from excellent schools, including international and bilingual options, ensuring robust support for those relocating with children.
Malta also provides varied business opportunities, bridging the European, Middle Eastern, and North African markets. Entrepreneurs benefit from tax incentives, reliable infrastructure, and a broad international talent base. This combination makes Malta a highly regarded setting for both new and established enterprises.
What Is the Nomad Residence Permit Malta
The Nomad Residence Permit Malta is a government-backed programme tailored to remote professionals and freelancers who wish to live in Malta while being employed or contracted elsewhere. It allows individuals to reside legally on the island for up to one year, with the option to renew if specific requirements are maintained. This arrangement suits modern work styles by enabling a flexible career structure alongside the advantages of Mediterranean living.
By holding this permit, you can tap into Malta’s well-developed infrastructure, diverse culture, and expanding expatriate community without needing to join the local job market. Whether working for an international company or running a freelance operation with overseas clients, the permit offers a simple path to enjoy Malta’s lifestyle while staying aligned with global career commitments.
Who Is Eligible for the Nomad Residence Permit Malta
The permit is designed for people who work remotely and receive their earnings from outside Malta. It particularly caters to digital nomads, freelancers, and professionals who want to experience Malta’s lively culture while continuing to work abroad. Eligibility hinges on set criteria, ensuring applicants can financially support themselves independently of Malta’s local economy.
You must show the capacity to work remotely via employment with a non-Maltese entity, self-employment involving international clients, or running a business located abroad. Meeting the monthly income requirement is key, and you also need private health insurance. The main conditions include:
- Employment or contracts from a company registered outside Malta
- Self-employment or ownership of a business operating abroad
- A minimum gross monthly income of USD 3,600 (EUR 3,500)
- Full-coverage health insurance valid in Malta
- Proof of accommodation in Malta
- A clean criminal record
If you fulfil these requirements, you can look forward to a straightforward application process for a rewarding stay in Malta.
How to Apply and the Documents Required
Applying for the Nomad Residence Permit Malta involves preparing paperwork and liaising with Maltese authorities. Follow these steps to simplify the process:
- Gather Your Documents
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for your entire intended stay
- Proof of Remote Work – Employment contracts, freelance agreements, or evidence of business ownership abroad
- Income Statements – Bank statements or payslips showing at least USD 3,600 (EUR 3,500) monthly
- Full-Coverage Health Insurance – A policy that will cover medical expenses throughout your stay in Malta
- Proof of Accommodation – Rental agreement, property ownership, or hotel booking
- Completed Application Form – Correctly filled out and signed
- Criminal Record Certificate – From your current country of residence
- Passport-Sized Photographs – Meeting official format requirements
- Proof of Payment – Receipt for the application fee
- Complete and Submit Your Application
- Access the official Nomad Residence Permit website
- Fill in the online application form
- Upload all documents and pay the processing fee
- Await Response
- Maltese authorities will review your application. If successful, you will get an approval letter.
- Final Verification on Arrival
- Present your approval letter and additional documents when you arrive in Malta.
- Once fully confirmed, you will receive your permit.
Ensuring all documents are correct and up to date helps avoid delays and creates a more efficient application process.
Renewing Your Nomad Residence Permit Malta
If you wish to keep living in Malta beyond your permit’s expiry, start the renewal process before it ends. You will need to submit updated proofs of remote work, income, health insurance, and accommodation. As long as you continue to meet all the original conditions, renewal typically proceeds without any issues, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted residency in Malta.
The Nomad Residence Permit Malta Compared to the Malta Residency by Investment Program
Malta offers two principal residency routes for foreign nationals: the Nomad Residence Permit and the Malta Residency by Investment Program. Though both enable you to live in Malta, they serve different purposes.
Nomad Residence Permit Malta
- Created for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote professionals
- Valid for one year, with possible renewals
- Requires proof of USD 3,600 (EUR 3,500) monthly income
- Dependants included if meeting financial criteria
- Employment restricted to businesses or clients outside Malta
- No direct route to citizenship
- Processing time of roughly 4–6 weeks
- No dedicated tax advantages
Malta Residency by Investment Program
- Tailored to high-net-worth individuals and investors
- Grants permanent residency, subject to continued investment compliance
- Requires a minimum investment of USD 390,000 (EUR 375,000) to purchase a property or lease a property with an annual rent of at least USD 14,500 (EUR 14,000). Plus government contributions, administration fees and EUR 500,000 in capital assets.
- Dependants included under the main investment plan
- Permits involvement in Malta’s business landscape
- Possible pathway to citizenship after 5+ years
- Usually processed in 3–6 months
- Offers tax benefits
The Nomad Residence Permit is ideal for those seeking a temporary solution and maximum flexibility, while the Malta Residency by Investment Program may appeal to individuals who want a permanent base, along with the opportunity to invest in and engage with Malta’s local economy.
Living and Working in Malta
Malta strikes a balance between a high standard of living and professional options suited to modern remote work styles. Its residency pathways, including the Nomad Residence Permit, allow newcomers to experience the island’s lively culture, friendly community, and up-to-date infrastructure. Whether you prefer Malta’s beautiful Mediterranean shoreline or international business networks, the island provides an environment where both personal and professional interests can flourish.
Opting to live and work in Malta goes beyond mere practicality—it also paves the way for a truly rewarding life experience. With a longstanding heritage, excellent healthcare and schooling systems, and resident-focused policies, Malta continues to rank among Europe’s top choices for professionals and families seeking to establish a new home.
