Malta Digital Nomad Visa

A Guide to Malta Digital Nomad Visa Following the Latest 2024 Updates

Dr. Anna Sultana | 24 Apr 2024

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The Malta Digital Nomad Visa (formally known as Malta Nomad Residence Programme) is designed for Non-EU citizens to live in Malta while maintaining their employment or business endeavors in other countries. As such, the NRP caters specifically to digital nomads who can conduct their work remotely. 

Key Legal Developments

  • Malta Residency 
  • Access to Schengen Area
  • 10% Income Tax Rate

Malta Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Securing the Malta Digital Nomad Visa requires meeting certain criteria for interested individuals. Firstly, applicants must be Non-EU nationals and must be in receipt of a minimum gross annual income of €42,000. This threshold has been raised as of April 2024.

Furthermore, they must fall into one of the specified categories, such as engaging in business activities for a non-Maltese company, being employed by a foreign employer, or providing freelance services to clients overseas. It's worth noting that applicants with agreements to work for a Maltese subsidiary are not eligible.

Other requirements include holding a valid travel document, possessing health insurance, and undergoing a background check. The application requirements differ, based on whether the main applicant will be accompanied by dependents in Malta.

Malta Digital Nomad Visa Application: Eligible Dependents

Under the Nomad Residence Permit in Malta, dependents of the Main Applicant, have the opportunity to apply for a residence permit as well. 

This includes the applicant’s spouse, minor children, and economically dependent adult children. Parents of the main applicant and their spouse are not eligible for inclusion. 

Each family member's application incurs a government fee of €300, payable upon submission alongside the main applicant's application. 

Once the main applicant completes the payment or receives approval, it is not possible to include additional dependents. An exception to this rule applies to newborns, for whom inclusion is permissible. While residence permits are granted to family members, they do not automatically grant the right to work in Malta. Those wishing to work must apply for the appropriate permit.

Malta Digital Nomad Visa Tax

In 2023, Malta introduced the Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules, with the aim of offering a tax regime for digital nomads who choose to make Malta their base for work and residence. Under these regulations, eligible main applicants engaged in authorized work can enjoy a reduced income tax rate of 10% on their chargeable income. It's important to note that this favorable rate applies specifically to income earned from authorized work and is subject to the relevant anti-abuse provisions.

For those benefiting from the Malta Digital Nomad scheme and earning income subject to Maltese taxation, there's a requirement to register for tax purposes in Malta, file tax returns, and settle any applicable taxes owed.

Malta Digital Nomad Visa Cost

The Malta Digital Nomad application incurs a fee of €300 for the main applicant, with an additional €300 for each dependent. Moreover, the issuance of visa cards requires a nominal fee of €27 per card. 

The Malta's Digital Nomad Visa program stands out for its flexible property requirements, as there is no specific threshold for the value of the property owned or leased.

How We Can Help

We offer assistance in assessing eligibility, understanding requirements, and navigating renewal procedures. Please feel free to reach out to us for more information.

 


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Reference Materials

Key Contacts

Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti

Senior Partner, Tax & Immigration

+356 22056111
jpc@ccmalta.com

Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker

Senior Partner, Corporate, Tax & Immigration

+356 22056122
pmp@ccmalta.com

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