Malta is an island country located in southern Europe. The opportunity to combine remote work with relaxation on the Mediterranean coast attracts a huge number of freelancers from all over the world to this European country. The authorities are creating optimal conditions for self-employed individuals who work remotely (in particular, Malta is one of the first EU countries to provide 5G mobile internet access).
Crossing the Maltese state border with a “nomad visa” grants a remote worker a residence permit for 3 years. The “Nomad Residence Permit” program officially started in 2021. It applies to relocants living outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Specifics of Malta’s freelance visa
Those eligible to apply for a residence permit under the “Nomad Residence Permit” program include individuals who:
- Provide services using telecommunications equipment.
- Work as freelancers (performing tasks for foreign clients).
- Own or are shareholders of a company registered outside the island nation.
Mandatory requirements for applicants for temporary resident status in Malta include a sufficient level of financial security and a clean criminal record. The remote worker must earn at least €3,500 per month (only profits from professional activities are considered). If relocating to the island state with family members (the “Nomad Residence Permit” program provides for such a benefit), the applicant’s income must automatically increase by €255 (per family member).
An essential condition for obtaining temporary resident status is having a permanent residence in Malta for the entire duration of the residence permit. Initially, the residence permit in Malta for the self-employed is granted for 1 year. The temporary resident status can be extended only twice (for the same term).
A residence permit holder is entitled to travel within the Schengen area without a visa and stay in a selected location for up to 3 months within a six-month period. In addition, a digital nomad working in the island nation can benefit from certain tax incentives. However, access to permanent residency and subsequent citizenship in the European country is restricted.
It is sometimes not easy to understand all the bureaucratic intricacies on your own, but our experts are always ready to review your case and help you on your way to a comfortable life.
What taxes does a freelancer pay
Participants in the “Nomad Residence Permit” program are required to pay income tax. Previously, the tax was calculated on a progressive scale (from 0% to 35%), but as of December 7, 2023, the authorities have set a fixed rate of 10%. In the first year of the residence permit, digital nomads are exempt from paying income tax.
If a freelancer spends more than 183 days a year in the island state, they are subject to the rule on double taxation. In such cases, a remote worker may expect a reduction in the tax burden, provided there is a double taxation agreement between the countries.
How much does the visa cost
Applying for a Schengen visa to Malta requires the payment of a €80 consular fee. Applicants should note that in 2024, the visa service fee for VFS Global increased from €80 to €90.
Applying for a Maltese residence permit (documents are submitted to the immigration service) involves paying a state fee of €300.
Required documents
To apply for temporary resident status in the island nation, the applicant must submit:
- application form;
- passport;
- rental agreement;
- 1 photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm);
- contract with an employer (from Malta);
- bank statement;
- medical insurance;
- certificate of no criminal record;
- receipt for payment of state duty.
The application is processed within 30 days. Documents must be submitted in a legalized format.
Recent changes in Malta’s visa policy
Back in 2023, the authorities of the country suspended the issuance of Schengen visas for citizens of some countries. Currently, permission to cross the island nation’s borders can still be obtained, but with stricter conditions. Specifically, a health insurance policy from a foreign company is required. There may also be bureaucratic delays that increase the processing time for a Schengen visa.
According to data from Google Trends, there has been a steady decrease in queries for digital nomad visas in Malta in 2024.
