Table of Contents What is the Digital Nomad Visa for Malta? Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility Requirements The Application Process Step by Step Costs and Fees: What the Malta Remote Work Visa Really Costs Tax Implications for Digital Nomads My Experience and Practical Tips Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Frequently Asked Questions What is the Digital Nomad Visa for Malta and who is it for? The Digital Nomad Visa for Malta—officially called the “Nomad Residence Permit”—is Malta’s answer to the remote work boom. Since 2021, both EU and non-EU citizens can legally live and work on the island for up to a year, without the need for a separate Maltese work permit. The big advantage: You continue to work for your foreign employer or freelance clients, but—under certain conditions—pay significantly less tax than you would in Germany. I’ve gone through the process myself and here’s one thing I can promise: It’s less complicated than filing a German tax return, but definitely more bureaucratic than booking a flight for your vacation. Malta created this visa to attract highly qualified remote workers who are ready to spend at least €2,700 per month on the island. Who is the Malta Digital Nomad Visa for? The visa targets three main groups: Remote employees: You work full-time, remotely, for a company based outside Malta Self-employed & freelancers: You serve clients outside Malta and can work location-independently Entrepreneurs: You run a business that is not registered in Malta Important: During your visa stay, you cannot take up work for Maltese companies or serve Maltese clients. Doing so would violate the visa conditions. EU vs. Non-EU: Key Differences As an EU citizen, you could theoretically just move to Malta and start working—the Digital Nomad Visa, however, offers some tax benefits. For non-EU nationals, it’s often the only legal way to stay and work in Malta for more than a short visit. Status Without Visa With Digital Nomad Visa EU citizens Unlimited stay, full tax liability Tax benefits, 15% flat tax possible Non-EU citizens 90-day tourist visa 365 days stay + work permit Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility Requirements Malta doesn’t make it too hard for you, but there are still a few hoops to jump through. Here’s a rundown of all the requirements—and which ones tend to be tricky in practice. Minimum Income and Proof You’ll need to prove a gross annual income of at least €32,400—that’s €2,700 per month. Sounds reasonable, but paperwork can get tricky: Employees: Work contract plus pay slips from the last three months Self-employed: Previous year tax statement or profit/loss account Entrepreneurs: Dividend statements or managing director’s salary My tip: If you’re a freelancer with fluctuating income, prepare a detailed breakdown of your projects. Maltese authorities want to see consistent earnings above the threshold. Health Insurance: EU vs. Private You need health insurance that’s valid in Malta. Here’s how it works: EU citizens: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is theoretically sufficient Non-EU citizens: Private international health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage Everyone: A private supplementary policy is recommended (the Maltese health system can take some getting used to) Clean Criminal Record & Other Documents Malta wants to know who they’re dealing with. You’ll need: Police clearance certificate from your home country (issued within the last 3 months) Passport (valid for at least 12 months) Rental contract or hotel booking covering your whole stay Flight tickets or proof of intent to depart at the end of your stay The criminal record check was the most time-consuming part for me. In Germany, the online process takes about a week, but I’d allow a two-week buffer just in case. The Accommodation Requirement Here’s the practical part: You need to show proof of accommodation for your whole stay when applying. This can be a rental contract, a hotel reservation, or even an Airbnb booking. Reality check: Most apply with a hotel or Airbnb booking for the first month, then look for longer-term apartments after arrival. That’s perfectly legal, as long as you can always provide an official address. Technical Requirements for Remote Work Malta expects you to be fully remote-ready. That means: Laptop or computer Stable internet connection (Malta’s internet is actually quite good!) Communication tools for your team Sounds like a given, but I actually had to list my technical setup in my application. The Application Process Step by Step: How to Get Your Malta Remote Work Visa Now let’s get specific. Here’s a walkthrough of the whole process—from initial prep to the day you finally pick up your visa. Phase 1: Preparation and Collecting Documents (2–4 weeks) Before even starting the online application, you’ll need all your documents in hand. My checklist: Request police clearance certificate (Germany: €13 online, 1–2 weeks wait) Compile income documents and have them translated Check health insurance or take out new coverage Get passport photos (EU standard) Research accommodation and make a provisional booking Pro tip: Any document not in English needs to be translated. Certified translations in Germany run about €25–35 per page. Phase 2: Online Application (1–2 hours) You’ll apply via the “Residency Malta Agency” portal. The website looks straight out of 2015—but it actually works quite well. You’ll need to: Enter your personal details Upload all documents as PDFs Write a statement explaining why you chose Malta, how long you’ll stay, and your plans Pay the application fee online Your statement should be convincing, but no need to overdo it. I wrote that I planned to use Malta as an EU hub for my clients and experience the island’s cultural diversity. Cheesy? Maybe. But it worked. Phase 3: Processing and Follow-Up (4–8 weeks) Now you wait. Officially, processing takes 30 business days, but in reality, it can be up to eight weeks—especially in spring, when many digital nomads head to the Med. Expect the authorities to request additional documents or clarification. Common follow-up requests: More detailed income documentation Confirmation of health insurance Clarification of your employment status Phase 4: Approval & Visa Collection If all goes well, you’ll receive approval via email. The actual visa must be collected in person in Malta—within 30 days of your arrival. Collection takes place in Valletta at an unremarkable office building you’ll never find without GPS. Bring: All original documents Biometric photos Proof of your Maltese address Cash for possible additional fees Typical Processing Times Season Processing Time Notes Jan – Mar 6–8 weeks Peak period for applications Apr – Jun 4–6 weeks Stable, but lots of follow-up requests Jul – Sep 4–5 weeks Officials’ holiday season Oct – Dec 3–4 weeks Best time to apply Costs and Fees: What the Malta Digital Nomad Visa Really Costs Time for the bottom line. Malta isn’t exactly known for cheap bureaucracy, and the Digital Nomad Visa is no exception. Official Visa Fees The base fee is €300—and that’s the cheapest part of the process. On top of that: Application fee: €300 Processing fee: €27 Visa card (physical document): €27.50 Express processing (optional): +€150 Total: €354.50 for the standard process, or €504.50 if you’re in a hurry. Express processing only shortens the wait by around a week—hardly worth the extra money, in my experience. Hidden Preparation Costs The real expenses come from getting your documents ready. Here’s my real-world breakdown: Item Cost (Germany) Cost (Switzerland/Austria) Police clearance certificate €13 €20–35 Certified translations (3 docs) €75–105 €90–150 Biometric passport photos €15–20 €20–25 Apostille (if needed) €25 €30–50 Document postage €10–15 €15–25 Ongoing Costs in Malta Having the visa is just the start. You’ll also need to prove you’re spending the required €2,700 per month in Malta—which isn’t all that hard to do: Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €800–1,400/month Living expenses: €600–900/month Utilities (electricity, internet, etc.): €150–250/month Transport: €26/month (bus pass) or €300–500/month (car rental) As you can see: You’ll easily meet the minimum €2,700 unless you live in a hostel dorm and survive on pastizzi alone. Full-Year Cost Breakdown Here’s the real cost of your first year as a digital nomad in Malta: Expense One-Off Monthly Year Total Visa fees €500 – €500 Document prep €200 – €200 Accommodation – €1,100 €13,200 Living expenses – €750 €9,000 Utilities – €200 €2,400 Transport – €400 €4,800 Total €700 €2,450 €30,100 That’s just below the €32,400 expenditure threshold—leaving you with a €200 monthly buffer for eating out, excursions, and unexpected costs. Tax Implications: How You’ll Be Taxed as a Digital Nomad in Malta Now for the interesting—and tricky—part. Taxes are the main reason many choose Malta. But beware: Make one wrong move and you might be taxed in two countries. The 183-Day Rule: When Do You Become a Maltese Tax Resident? Like most countries, Malta applies the “183-day rule.” If you spend more than 183 days in Malta in a calendar year, you’re automatically considered tax resident. With a Digital Nomad Visa for a full year, you’ll almost certainly become Malta tax resident. That doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of the German or Swiss tax system. Here’s where double tax agreements (DBAs) come in. In short: You pay where your “center of vital interests” is. The 15% Flat Tax for Non-Domiciled Residents Malta has a tax setup designed for foreign residents. As a digital nomad, you can benefit from so-called “non-dom status”: Income from Malta sources: Standard Malta rates (15–35%) Foreign income not remitted to Malta: 0% tax in Malta Foreign income remitted to Malta: 15% flat tax That’s the key: You’re only taxed on money you actually bring into Malta. If your salary stays in your German account and you only wire over what you need to live, you’ll only pay 15% on that transferred amount. Case Study: Anna, Remote Project Manager Anna makes €60,000 gross as a remote project manager for a Berlin-based company. She has the Digital Nomad Visa and spends 10 months in Malta. Her tax scenarios: Scenario Tax Germany Tax Malta Total Tax No Malta (full German tax) €18,500 €0 €18,500 Malta non-dom, €30k remitted €0 €4,500 €4,500 Malta non-dom, €50k remitted €0 €7,500 €7,500 The savings are considerable—but only if everything is set up properly. Social Security: The Overlooked Issue Taxes are only half the story. Social security is often overlooked and can get expensive: German employees: Keep German social security via employer German freelancers: Voluntary German health insurance or Maltese social security Non-EU nationals: Must maintain private health insurance My advice: Consult a tax advisor who understands international tax law. Spending a few hundred euros on advice can save you tens of thousands in back-taxes later. Exit Tax (“Wegzugsbesteuerung”) Germany has a special rule: “exit tax.” If you own more than 25% in a corporation and move abroad, you might be taxed on any value increases—even if you haven’t sold your shares. This mainly affects entrepreneurs and startup founders. If this could apply to you, get qualified tax advice first! Avoiding Tax Pitfalls From my experience, here are the most common mistakes: Not officially deregistering in Germany: You remain fully liable for German taxes Misjudging your center of life: Family, property, main bank accounts in Germany = German tax Forgetting about social security: Can be very costly retroactively Poor documentation: You need to be able to prove everything if audited My Experience and Practical Tips for Applying After a year with the Malta Digital Nomad Visa and many conversations with fellow remote workers, I’ve learned quite a lot. Here are the tips that made a real difference for me. The Best Time to Apply Timing is everything. My recommendation: October to December: Best processing times, little competition January to March: Avoid—everyone’s fleeing winter Arrival in Malta: September to November, or February to May I arrived in March and had perfect weather: 22°C, few tourists, and the island already lively. July and August are tough—35°C and crowded beaches aren’t for everyone. Apartment Hunting: What Really Works Finding a place is the most stressful part. Here’s what worked for me: First two weeks: Airbnb or hotel in Sliema/St. Julian’s Search locally: Facebook groups “Malta Property Rent”, “Digital Nomads Malta” Viewing tour: Schedule 4–5 viewings per day Decide fast: Good apartments go within 24 hours The best areas for digital nomads: Area Pros Cons Price 1-Bedroom Sliema Central, good infrastructure Touristy, noisy €900–1,300 St. Julian’s Nightlife, expat community Noisy parties, pricey €1,000–1,500 Gzira Quieter, more affordable Less going on €700–1,000 Valletta Historic, cultural Few modern flats €800–1,200 Msida University, young vibe Student flatshares €600–900 Workspaces and Coworking Malta has a surprisingly strong coworking scene. My top picks: SOHO, Sliema: €150–200/month, professional, great networking events Esplora, Kalkara: €180–220/month, modern, a little out of the way The Office Hub, Gzira: €120–160/month, affordable, basic Library Café, Valletta: Free, perfect for the day, but can get noisy Internet in Malta is generally good. I had a 500 Mbps connection with Melita for €35/month—plenty for video calls and cloud work. Banking: A Tricky Subject Opening a Maltese bank account is… quite an experience. The visa entitles you to one, but banks aren’t always cooperative: HSBC Malta: Fairly expat-friendly, but high minimum balance (€2,500) Bank of Valletta: Local bank, process is complicated Revolut/N26: Works well as a stopgap My tip: A German online bank will do for the first few months. Take your time with the local account. Finding Community Malta is small, but the expat community is huge and very welcoming. Main hubs: Facebook groups: “Expats in Malta”, “Digital Nomads Malta”, “Germans in Malta” Meetups: Malta Digital Nomads Meetup (first Wednesday each month) Coworking events: Networking events at coworking spaces WhatsApp groups: Usually formed out of the Facebook groups The Maltese mentality takes getting used to—relaxed, sometimes inefficient. “Mela, tomorrow” is a phrase you’ll hear more than you’d like. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them During my year in Malta I met many digital nomads—and saw the same mistakes over and over. Here are the big pitfalls, and how to avoid them. Mistake 1: Poor Document Preparation The most common reason for rejection or delay is incomplete or incorrect documentation. I know someone who had to submit their application three times because: Police clearance was one day too old Translation wasn’t certified Income proof was too vague How to do it right: Check every document three times and ask someone with experience to review your application. Paying €50 for a professional prep check can save you months of waiting. Mistake 2: Unrealistic Budgeting Malta’s pricier than many expect—especially Germans. Even a modest 1-bedroom in a popular area costs at least €800, often more. Don’t forget: Electricity (can be €150+ in summer, thanks to AC) Groceries (20–30% more expensive than Germany) Transport (hard without a car) Eating out (restaurant prices at London levels) How to do it right: Budget at least €3,000/month if you want to live comfortably. The legal €2,700 leaves little room for extras. Mistake 3: Tax Naivety Biggest mistake: Assuming you’ll automatically save on taxes just because you’re in Malta. I know a freelancer who ended up liable for taxes in both Germany and Malta—true double taxation. Tax mistakes people make: Not properly deregistered in Germany Misjudging center of vital interests Not correctly applying for non-dom status Completely overlooking social security How to do it right: Invest in proper tax advice. €1,000–2,000 for an expert can save you five-figure back-tax bills. Mistake 4: Underestimating Island Fever Malta is 316 square kilometers—smaller than Bremen. After three months, you’ll know every corner. It can get claustrophobic, especially in winter if weather’s bad and ferries to Sicily are canceled. Symptoms of “island fever”: You keep going to the same restaurants You know every expat by name You get excited about visits from mainland friends You plan a trip off the island every couple of months How to do it right: Plan regular trips to Sicily, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe. Ryanair and Malta Air have cheap routes. Mistake 5: Wrong Expectations about Infrastructure Malta is an EU country, but some things work… Mediterranean style. Power outages (esp. on Gozo), buses that never show, offices that close at 11:30—its all part of the charm. Especially frustrating: Public transport: Unreliable, especially on weekends Tradespeople: “Tomorrow” can mean next week Bureaucracy: Everything takes twice as long as promised Online services: Often outdated or non-existent How to do it right: Always build in some buffer time and embrace Maltese patience. Things somehow always work out—mela. Mistake 6: Staying in the Expat Bubble Many digital nomads stay in the expat bubble. It’s comfortable, but you miss the real Malta. Locals are incredibly welcoming if you make an effort. How to step out of the bubble: Learn a few words of Maltese (very appreciated!) Join local festivals and celebrations Shop at local markets Avoid expat hotspots like Sliema and St. Julian’s Mistake 7: Poor Time Management for Renewal The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for exactly one year. If you want an extension or a different status afterwards, you need to start the process early. Begin at least three months before expiry. Your options after one year: Renewal of Digital Nomad Visa: Possible, but not guaranteed EU residence permit: If you’re an EU citizen and want to register regularly Global Residence Programme: For high-net-worth individuals Leave and reapply: After a six-month break, you can apply again Frequently Asked Questions about the Malta Digital Nomad Visa Can I renew the Digital Nomad Visa? Yes, you can apply for another 12 months, but renewal isn’t automatic. You’ll need to meet all requirements again. Most people do get renewed, but there’s no guarantee. Can I work for Maltese clients with this visa? No, that’s strictly forbidden. You can only work for foreign employers or clients. Violating this rule risks visa revocation and a ban on re-entry. Do I really have to spend €2,700 per month? Yes, you’ll need to prove you spend at least this amount in Malta. It isn’t checked daily, but you should be able to show evidence if you’re ever audited. Does this visa work for freelancers without a fixed income? Yes, but you still have to prove an average annual income of €32,400. The best way is with tax declarations or detailed client/project records. Can I bring my family? Yes, spouses and minor children can apply for family reunification. Each person needs their own application, and extra fees apply. What if I want to stay longer than a year? You can apply for renewal or switch to another residency status. As an EU citizen, you can also register as a resident and make use of free movement rights. Do I need a Maltese bank account? Not required for the visa, but practical for longer stays. German online banks work fine in Malta, but a local account makes some things easier. How about health insurance? EU citizens can use their EHIC, but a private add-on policy is advisable. Non-EU nationals need private cover with at least €30,000 in coverage. Do I need to learn Maltese? No, English is an official language and is spoken everywhere. Still, a few words of Maltese are a great way to connect locally and are highly appreciated. What if I get sick or lose my job? The visa requires you to continue remote working and meet the minimum income. If you’re unemployed for an extended period, your visa may be revoked.
