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Malta

Nomad Residence Permit

Europe

10% flat tax on overseas income

Last verified 26 May 2026

About this visa & living in Malta

Malta's Nomad Residence Permit gives you a sunny English-speaking EU base in the middle of the Mediterranean. The islands are tiny, which means everything — beaches, restaurants, coworking, the airport — is twenty minutes away, and the expat community is unusually international thanks to the iGaming and finance industries. Recent reforms tax permit holders at a flat 10% on remote-work income after the first 12 months, which is hard to beat inside the EU.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: €3,500 / month · ~$3,780
Length of stay: 1 year
Processing time: 4 weeks
Application fee: ~€300
Tax treatment: Local tax applies
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: No
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: Either abroad or in-country
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: No lump-sum requirement
Cost of living: ModerateGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Standard paperwork
Nationality restrictions: EU/EEA citizens, Banned: AF, KP, IR, CG, SOM, SSD, SDN, YEM, VEN, RUS, BLR

Required documents

Passport valid for full stay
Employment contract with non-Maltese employer or proof of foreign self-employment
Bank statements ≥ €3,500/month for last 3 months
Health insurance valid across EU
Property lease or purchase in Malta

Things to know

Tax residency trigger: Tax residency is typically triggered after spending more than 183 days (roughly 6 months) in the country in a calendar year — at that point local income tax rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Confirm with a local tax advisor before relying on this.
Restricted to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
Banned for nationals of Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Russia and Belarus.
Renewals require continued income proof and Maltese tax filings.
Does not lead to Maltese permanent residency or citizenship.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?

The Nomad Residence Permit requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly $3,780 per month. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Malta on this visa?

You can stay for 1 year. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes 4 weeks. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Nomad Residence Permit?

You can apply either from abroad or after arriving in Malta.

Can I bring my family on the Nomad Residence Permit?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Malta?

Local income tax may apply, especially if you spend more than 183 days (about 6 months) in Malta within a calendar year. At that point you typically become tax resident and local rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Always confirm with a local tax advisor.

Is the Nomad Residence Permit renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Nomad Residence Permit lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

No, the Nomad Residence Permit is a temporary permit and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Malta.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid for full stay; Employment contract with non-Maltese employer or proof of foreign self-employment; Bank statements ≥ €3,500/month for last 3 months; Health insurance valid across EU; Property lease or purchase in Malta. Always check the official source for the latest list.