Version 13.3
Last Updated September 10, 2024

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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

To be eligible one must be:

  • 18 years and over;
  • able to work remotely and independent of location, using telecommunications technologies; and
  • a Third Country National, excluding EU, EEA and Switzerland. Nationals from the currently ineligible countries of (or have close ties with) Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela are not eligible. Additionally, applications from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus are currently not eligible. The list of ineligible countries may be revised from time to time by the Agency, at its discretion.

Furthermore, one must prove that they fit under any one of the three categories hereunder:

  1. Employed – with an employer registered in a foreign country and has a contract of employment.
  2. Self-Employed – conduct business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which applicant is a partner/shareholder.
  3. Freelance – offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom the applicant has contract agreements.

Persons contracted by a foreign company and giving services to the company’s Maltese subsidiary, and persons who directly or indirectly will be providing services to Malta based companies or individuals are ineligible for the Nomad Residence Permit.

Main Applicants (MAs) in all of the above employment statuses must prove they have a guaranteed source of income, as per applicable thresholds, for a minimum period of 5 months (cumulative) from the day of application. The Agency reserves the right to request documentation showing such income. In any case, all submissions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and on their own merits.

Applicants must have a minimum gross yearly income of €42,000.

Applicants who submitted their application prior to 1st April 2024 will still retain the same annual gross income requirement of €32,400.

Other eligibility criteria include a:

  1. valid travel document;
  2. valid property rental/purchase agreement covering the whole duration of the permit upon approval of application; and a
  3. valid health insurance policy upon approval of application.

Yes, the Main Applicant (MA) can include family members in his/her application. The eligible dependants are:

  • the spouse;
  • minor children of the MA and/or spouse;
  • adult children of the MA and/or spouse, which children are not married and who are principally dependent on the MA;
  • adult children of the MA and/or spouse, which children are unable to cope independently due to a medical condition or disability may apply for a Permit under the same conditions, together with the MA.

Note however that in the case of a minor child for whom the applicant does not hold sole custody and who will not be accompanied by both parents in the same application, prior approval to include the dependant must be obtained from Residency Malta, as these requests are examined on a case-by-case basis.

No, this is not possible. However, dependants may be added when the MA is applying for renewal. Newborns are the sole exception to this rule and Form N2, Form N4, a copy of the international passport and a copy of the birth certificate must be submitted on nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt.

Application process

The application must be made through our online application system. The following application guidelines will guide you through the whole process. We recommend that this guide is read before one starts the online application process. A checklist of documentation required may be accessed here.

The application will then be checked to ensure that requested documents have been submitted by one of our Nomad Client Relations and Compliance officers and a receipt of application will be issued with instructions for payment of a €300 non-refundable administrative fee for each applicant, via bank transfer. Payments should be made directly from the MA’s bank account.

Once the payment is received, the processing of the application will start. Application processing is expected to take 60 working days starting from the issuance of the receipt of funds issued from our Finance Department, during which Residency Malta will conduct background checks. This does not include any processing time required for visa issuance purposes. Should the Agency have any queries, we will revert in the form of a report.

Should the application be successful a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued, and one is required to submit proof of accommodation and a health insurance policy within 30 days from the date of issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle. Once the above is finalised, a Letter of Final Approval is issued. If an applicant requires an entry visa, they will be contacted by the Central Visa Unit at Identità (formerly known as Identity Malta Agency) to guide him/her on the process. Kindly refer to the FAQs’ section ‘Visas And Residence Permits’

Once in Malta, the applicant is required to notify us via email to set up an appointment for the capture of biometrics.

The residence card takes between three (3) to four (4) weeks to be issued. Once issued, the applicant will be notified via email and requested to pick up the card in person from Residency Malta’s offices, bringing with them their passport.

In the case of a renewal application, following the Letter of Approval in Principle, all required documents are to be submitted prior to the expiry of the current Nomad Residence Permit.

In cases where an applicant wishes to engage a representative to assist with the application process, a declaration is to be submitted signed by both parties and a witness. This declaration may be downloaded and submitted via the online application system, and by doing so, the applicant gives his/her consent to the Agency to share application details with the representative and allowing the representative to be included in all correspondence. The Agency will only accept instructions coming from the MA.

The following fees apply:

  • a non-refundable application fee of €300 per person, to be paid to Residency Malta Agency via bank transfer from MA’s bank account;
  • a fee of €27.50 for the issuance of a residency card per person, to be paid in person at Residency Malta’s offices. Payments can only be made by card. Cash payments are not accepted; and
  • Any other visa related fees (if applicable).

Applicants will be notified of the application outcome, whether it is approved or rejected by email, via the same email address used by the applicant in the submission of his/her application. Should one change the email address, even after the approval of an application, they are required to notify Residency Malta Agency immediately by sending an email to nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt.

Residency Malta will conduct a background verification check on each application to ensure that the MA and any of his dependants are not, or may not be, a potential threat to national security, public policy or public health.

Due to the sensitive nature of the process of decision making the reason for refusal cannot be shared with the applicant. However, the reasons for rejection may include but are not limited to criminal records, eligibility criteria, adverse media and refusals of previous applications for a Schengen Visa.

If your application has been rejected, you can submit a fresh application 12 months from the date of the Rejection Letter issued by Residency Malta Agency.

The grant of a permit is always discretionary and nothing in the Nomad Residence Permit programme creates any obligation on the part of Residency Malta to grant a permit. The Agency’s decision is final, and an applicant cannot appeal this decision.

Yes, Residency Malta reserves the right to revoke an application after approval, should it become aware of:

– any adverse information on the MA or any of his/her dependants;

– a breach of one or more of the Programme’s eligibility criteria

A Nomad Residence Permit is valid for one (1) year from the issuance of the residency card.

Permit Renewals

To be eligible for renewal, Nomad Residence Permit holders are required to provide a bank statement showing payment transactions carried out in Malta as proof that they have resided in Malta for a cumulative period of at least five (5) months over the previous twelve (12) months.

In addition, Nomad Residence Permit holders must still satisfy the respective eligibility  renewal  criteria. Applicants who submitted their application prior to 1st April 2024 will still retain the same annual gross income requirement of €32,400.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application for renewal is submitted at least between 2 to 3 months prior to the expiry date of their current Nomad Residence Permit. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their immigration status in Malta is regular as per stipulated Immigration Regulations before submitting the application. Any applications of overstaying individuals will be refused. The receipt of application issued to the applicant upon submission of the application for a Nomad Residence Permit is not an extension of your stay as stipulated by the immigration document in hand.

Yes. The initial Nomad Residence Permit is issued for 1 year. The Permit may be renewed three times, for a total stay of a maximum of four (4) years at the discretion of Residency Malta Agency, subject to the applicant still being able to satisfy the programme criteria.

If you do not submit a renewal application, or the renewal application has been rejected, you may submit a fresh application 12 months after the expiry date of the preceding residence permit. When reapplying, please refer to the New Application Checklist. Note that a Nomad Residence Permit may be renewed for a maximum of four (4) years, and previous stays on the Nomad Residence Permit will be taken into account.

Accomodation and residence cards

No, it is not. Proof of accommodation is submitted after the Letter of Approval in Principle is issued. Once the chosen accommodation and its proof is deemed to satisfy the programme requirements, a Letter of Final Approval is issued to the applicant.

Temporary accommodation is a short-term place of stay up to a maximum of one (1) month which can be submitted upon issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle. Applicants who require an entry visa, a 15-night minimum stay is required.  On securing such temporary accommodation, a Letter of Final Approval will be issued, however, upon arrival in Malta, one must opt to secure a 1-year lease for a card to be issued. Examples of temporary accommodation include hotels and Airbnb.

The temporary accommodation must be prepaid.  The applicant must submit both the booking confirmation plus the receipt of payment.

No, a residence card cannot be issued on a temporary address or on a PO Box address. The residence card can only be issued upon submission of proof of a one (1) year accommodation in a residential property.

Yes, co-habitation (or co-living) is acceptable. One would need to provide the following documentation:

  • a signed copy of the contract (property can either be leased or purchased) stating the lessee/owner’s name
  • property type
  • the number of bedrooms within the property
  • the area in square metres
  • ARMS utility bill (water and electricity bill which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
  • External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)
  • housing approval issued by the housing authority

Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks, at its own discretion. The beneficiaries could declare the number of bedrooms and the total square metres of the property either through the lease/purchase agreement or as part of the Housing Authority registration form.

Yes, one can lease a property. One will need to provide the following documentation:

  • a signed copy of the lease contract stating the lessee/owner’s name,
  • property type,
  • the number of bedrooms within the property,
  • the area in square metres,
  • ARMS utility bill (water and electricity bill which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
  • External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)
  • housing approval issued by the housing authority.

Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks at its own discretion. The beneficiaries could declare the number of bedrooms and the total square metres of the property either through the lease/purchase agreement or as part of the Housing Authority registration form.

Yes, one can stay with someone who has a purchased property. One will need to provide the following documentation:

  • a signed copy of the contract (property can either be leased or purchased) stating the owner’s name,
  • Declaration from the owner confirming the applicants stay.
  • property type
  • the number of bedrooms within the property,
  • the area in square metres,
  • ARMS utility bill (water and electricity which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
  • External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)

Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks at its own discretion.

Yes, one can stay in their purchased property. One will need to provide the following documentation:

  • a signed copy of the contract (a property can either be leased or purchased) stating the owner’s name,
  • the number of bedrooms within the property,
  • the area in square metres,
  • ARMS utility bill (water and electricity which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
  • External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)

Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks at its own discretion.

No, it is not acceptable to reside in a hostel.

No, it is not acceptable to reside in a marina or boat.

No, it is not acceptable to reside in a caravan.

The minimum duration required as proof of accommodation for the issuance of a card is twelve (12) months. If a lease extension is required to cover the full duration of the residence permit, the applicant will be notified by the Nomad Client Relations and Compliance team.

A qualifying property means an owned or a rented property, which meets the general health and safety standards in force in Malta from time to time, and is standard for a comparable family in Malta, as the Agency considers appropriate for residence at its discretion.

To ensure that these standards are being met, Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to request further documentation if deemed necessary. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, Housing Authority registration form and compliance certificates.  Residency Malta reserves the right to conduct property spot checks.

Residence cards and change of address

No, but the lease agreement should cover the validity of the Nomad Residence Permit.

Yes, one can change their address once the card is issued.

Yes, an applicant would need to inform the Nomad Client Relations and Compliance team within 10 working days from the change of address and submit the required documentation online on the following email address – nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt.

Failure to notify Residency Malta Agency of a change of address may lead to the revocation of the Nomad permit.

If the applicant terminates the lease agreement, the landlord is required to submit a de-registration form to Identita’ to deregister the applicant from the property on landlords.identita@gov.mt and keep in copy nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt.

Following is the link to the deregistration form – https://residencymalta.gov.mt/wp content/uploads/2024/01/Deregistration-of-Address-Form.pdf

The following documentation is required:

  • Form N3
  • Form K
  • a signed copy of the contract (property can either be leased or purchased) stating the lessee/owner’s name
  • property type
  • the number of bedrooms within the property
  • the area in square metres
  • ARMS utility bill (water and electricity bill which is not older than 6 months) account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
  • External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)
  • housing approval issued by the housing authority

The payment of €27.50 can be completed either by bank transfer or at Residency Malta’s office.

Please note that it is your responsibility to inform Residency Malta Agency when you change your address to a new property. If Residency Malta Agency receives information that an applicant has changed the property address without notifying us, we reserve the right to revoke the Nomad Residence Permit.

A Nomad Residence Permit holder must submit the following documentation to the following email address – nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt.

  • Form N3
  • Form K
  • Lease/purchase agreement
  • A local police report.
  • A foreign police report is required if the Nomad Residence Card was lost outside of Malta.

The payment of €27.50 can be completed either by bank transfer or at Residency Malta’s office.

Cards usually take between three (3) to four (4) weeks to be issued. Once the new card is issued, the Nomad Residence Permit holder will be contacted by our Nomad Client Relations and Compliance team for card collection.

In cases of renewals and a change of address, applicants must bring their current  Nomad Residence Card as this would be collected and replaced with a new Nomad Residence Card.

Visas and Residence Permits

If a person is in Malta with a valid visa, they do not require a further entry visa, and they can directly book an appointment for the capture of biometrics. However, it is recommended to ensure that their visa covers at least thirty (30) calendar days on the day of application.

Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma / Myanmar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Third country nationals hailing from Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan or Sri Lanka must be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through an EU airport international transit area.

These guidelines may change from time to time.

Following the receipt of the Letter of Final Approval, if the approved applicant requires an entry visa they will be contacted by the Central Visa Unit at Identità (formerly known as Identity Malta Agency) in order to receive information about the visa application process.

Once an entry visa is acquired, an applicant can enter Malta within the stipulated timeframe of 90 days as indicated on the Letter of Final Approval and upon arrival, they would need to notify Residency Malta Agency via the following email address: nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt, to book their biometrics appointment.

The Premium Visa Service is the process of applying for a National D Visa however is not available to all jurisdictions. Hence, it is important to verify with the Central Visa Unit on visa.identita@gov.mt for further information.

The extended service allows applicants to book an appointment, for processing their visa application directly through the Central Visa Unit within Identita. For further information kindly visit https://identita.gov.mt/central-visa-unit-main-page/

Following the Letter of Final Approval which has a validity of 90 days, the approved applicant will be required to travel to Malta for the capture of biometrics. If they do not require an entry visa to Malta, they can enter Malta as per Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code). Upon arrival, they will need to notify Residency Malta Agency via email nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt to book an appointment for the capture of biometrics.

The Nomad Residence Permit application process does not provide an automatic extension to one’s visa. If the allowed period of stay is set to expire, prior to full approval for the Nomad Residence Permit, they are required to exit the Schengen area in line with the visa obligations.

It is one’s responsibility to make sure they do not overstay and hence it is recommended that all applications, including the non-refundable fee, must be submitted to the Agency between 2 to 3 months in advance prior to the expiry of the allowable stay period.

The Agency is not responsible for any overstaying and the possible consequences to, the applicant. In case of a travel ban, Residency Malta Agency is not responsible for the lifting of any travel bans.

As long as the Nomad Residence Permit is valid, the holder is free to travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

A single permit authorises third-country nationals to legally reside and take up employment in Malta for a defined period, which may be further renewed at the discretion of Identità (formerly known as Identity Malta Agency), as per Subsidiary Legislation 217.17 of the Laws of Malta – Single Application Procedure for a Single Permit as regards Residence and Work and a Common Set of Rights for those Third Country Workers legally residing in Malta Regulations.

On the other hand, the Nomad Residence Permit enables holders to retain their current employment based in another country whilst legally residing in Malta.

It is not possible to hold two statuses at a time. Hence if one has a Single Permit (or any other permit) and they apply for the Nomad Residence Permit, upon the issuance of the Nomad Residence Permit, other permits held by the applicant are automatically revoked.

In the case that an approved applicant is changing to another local permit from his current Nomad Residence Permit, the applicant is duly bound to notify the Nomad Client Relations Team on  nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt, in order to proceed with the revocation of their Nomad Residence Permit.

No, the Nomad Residence Permit does not lead to any sort of permanent/long-term residency or citizenship.

The Nomad Residence Permit does not lead to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). They are two separate residence programmes. A Nomad Residence Permit holder can submit an application for the MPRP through one of the licensed agents listed on the Residency Malta website and if approved they would need to renounce the Nomad Residence Permit. Link to Agents’ List.

Health Insurance Policy

Should the application be successful, and a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued, applicant will be required to submit a health insurance policy. If this policy is deemed to satisfy the programme requirements, a Letter of Final Approval is issued.

If the foreign health insurance policy meets the requirements to support one in any medical assistance or hospitalisation in Malta and other European countries, then the applicant can present this health insurance for the programme requirements. If the policy submitted does not meet Residency Malta’s requirements the applicant will be required to purchase another health insurance policy.

The health insurance must cover Malta and  other European countries.

The policy should cover both the applicant, and where applicable, all the dependants in Malta and has to be fully pre-paid for a 1 full year. https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Health-Coverage-Table-of-Minimum-Benefits-19.09.24.pdf

No, a travel insurance is not accepted.

No, a Nomad Residence Permit Holder is not entitled to free health care.

The health insurance policy must provide cover for one (1) full year and must cover the validity period of the Nomad Residence Card.

The health insurance policy, receipt of purchase and the table of benefits are all required to be submitted to the Nomad Client Relations and Compliance Department on nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt. Prior to purchasing your health insurance policy, you may consult with our team for further guidance.

No, they are not acceptable. Eligible policies are those with premiums covering a full year, paid in advance. A receipt for this payment may be requested.

Tax

In respect of nomads, tax considerations and obligations might arise under both foreign and Maltese legislation. In respect of income tax obligations under Maltese law, you may wish to refer to S.L. 123.210 Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules and the applicable provisions of the Income Tax Acts, Chapters 123 and 372 of the Laws of Malta.

You are also solicited to seek appropriate professional assistance in respect of both the Maltese and foreign tax treatment applicable in the specific circumstances.

Police Conduct Certificate

Yes, all applicants aged 18 and over at the time of application submission must provide Residency Malta Agency with an original police conduct certificate as issued by the competent national/federal authorities in the country of origin. In instances where countries issue such certificates for individuals below the age of 18, and such minors are part of the application, these certificates are also to be submitted to the Agency.

Police certificates must be original documents, less than 6 months old upon submission of application, and certified by the national/federal police system of the relevant country. The police conduct should be apostilled or legalised. Police certificates do not require a further apostille/legislation if submitted from the following jurisdictions: Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, and Canada. Any police conduct certificates which are not in the English language should be translated accordingly.

In certain countries, police authorities will only send the certificate directly to other foreign institutions requesting it. In such cases, the certificate should be sent to the following email or physical addresses:

Email address: nomad.residencyamalta@gov.mt

Physical address: Nomad Client Relations, Residency Malta Agency, Zentrum Business Centre, Level 2, Mdina Road, Qormi, QRM 9010, Malta

General

No, the Nomad Residence Permit holder is not entitled to a pension in Malta.

No, the beneficiary is not entitled to social benefits in Malta.

Yes, Residency Malta Agency, reserves the right to request any additional documents in addition to those listed in the New Application Checklist, Renewal Application Checklist, and under the relevant sections of this document.

No, a Nomad Residence Permit holder, including also his/her dependants cannot offer their services or be engaged in any economic activity with employers/companies based/registered in Malta. Third-country nationals offering services to companies registered and based in Malta would need to renounce their Nomad Residence Permit and apply for a residence permit on the basis of employment and/or self-employment in Malta. Residency Malta reserves the right to revoke the Nomad Residence Permit should it become aware of such activity being undertaken by a holder of the Nomad Residence Permit. Queries pertaining to work permits should be addressed to Identità (formerly known as Identity Malta Agency) on enquiries.identita@gov.mt.

Travel restrictions may apply, from time to time, as per national guidelines issued by the Government of Malta.

As long as a pet meets the requirements for entry, then it can join permit holder in Malta. For more information about the movement of pet animals into Malta, visit https://agricultureservices.gov.mt/en/vrd/Pages/travelPet.aspx

Malta enjoys 5G network nationwide and has over four hunded free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. Malta also has the widest fibre broadband coverage within the EU with speeds ranging from 1000 Mbps to 2000 Mbps. Additionally, numerous catering and hospitality establishments provide access to free Wi-Fi to their customers. Digital nomads can just plug-and-play from anywhere they fancy.

The largest community of expats and digital nomads tend to live in tourist areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s and the outskirts like Gzira. If one is looking for a more rural atmosphere however, then it is worth considering other towns and villages where nomads can enjoy a more local experience. For more peace and tranquillity and the slowmad experience, the island of Gozo is ideal. One can enjoy a slower place of life, and activities like diving, swimming, water sports, trekking and dining.

For nomads working from Malta, the combination of an efficient business climate, excellent infrastructure and a relaxed holiday environment offers a unique and magical experience. For these reasons, but not only, Malta has been attracting digital nomads from the EU for some years now and an active community has grown organically. There are also nomad associations, co-working and co-living hubs which organise regular networking events