The Ultimate Guide to Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Malta is one of the most beautiful islands to visit in the world with history so rich and culture so vibrant. It’s climate is favorable too making it an island of choice for Digital Nomads. For remote workers, Malta is the place to be because of its breathtaking coastlines, thriving technology scene and easy access to other European countries. Malta is now making headways toward extending its Digital Nomad Visa allowing remote workers to travel to the island and work while helping to strengthen its local economy.
What is Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa is very unique in nature allowing freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs to relocate along with their family for a year, which can be extended. Malta’s digital nomad visa is designed to invite remote workers across the globe to settle down on the island and help strengthen the economy. The islands central position in the Mediterranean together with the excellent digital infrastructure available makes it an amazing spot for remote workers.
And because Malta is a member of the European Union (EU), visa holders can travel to other EU countries while still carrying out their work and receiving income from foreign clients.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
In order to apply for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, you need to fulfill various eligiblity requirements. These requirements are specific enough that a digital nomad will not be dependent on local employment or social services while staying in Malta.
1.Proof of Remote Employment or Freelancing
A candidate of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa is required to show evidence of employment or self-employment with foreign clientele. You need to provide the following evidence:
A contract with a foreign company or employer
Invoices or contracts with foreign clients if you are a freelancer
Proof of self employment in case you own an online business
It is essential that your services are rendered outside the balearic islands since this visa is for individuals that are employed by foreign companies or clients on a remote basis.
2.Income Requirements
Earning a specified income is critical while applying for stay in Malta as one has to support themselves while living on the island. The base income needed for a Malta Digital Nomad Visa is approximately €2,700 per month, which is approximately USD 3,000. This figure is subject to alteration depending on government policies.
You will need to provide proof via bank statements, contracts, or invoices. This requisite is in place so the applicants could manage their living expenses independent of any employment.
3.Valid Passport
Like most visas, a valid passport is needed while applying for Malta Digital Nomad Visa. The passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the planned entry to Malta.
4.Health insurance
Proof of health insurance that incorporates the medical treatment services while living in Malta is mandatory for all applicants. Her coverage should include a variety of medical services which should include hospitalization and emergency medical care. A local policy could be purchased in Malta or an international coverage option could be purchased.
5.Background Check
Starting with a criminal background check from an applicant’s home country (or any country the applicant has resided in for the last five years) is a mandatory step toward applying to Malta. This process allows for the verification that applicants do not possess any significant criminal activities.
6.Application Fee
As with any application, the Malta Digital Nomad Visa comes with its fees. The processing fee is approximated to be around €300, although fees are subject to change. Be sure to visit the official website for current fee information.
How to Apply for the Malta Digital Nomand Visa
Applying for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa is made easy with these steps. Follow this guide for the application process:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Do your best to get all documents ready before applying. Here is a list of necessary documents that may assist you in gathering them:
Proof of employment: Remote work or freelance contracts, invoices, etc.
Statements from a bank that shows proof of income.
A passport that is valid for no less than six months.
Health insurance and its documents.
Proof of not having a criminal record.
Proof of accommodation in Malta.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
You will need to go onto the official Malta Digital Nomad Visa website to fill the application form online. The application form itself will request personal details including, but not limited to, remotely worked job details and planned duration of stay in Malta.
Step 3: Document Submission
Your supporting documents need to be submitted online after the completion of the application form. It’s equally important to ensure the format and clarity of the documents.
Step 4: Fee Payment
Your application fee has to be paid as you were submitting your application, and that also via the online portal.
Step 5: Approval Waiting Period
After paying the application fee and submitting the application, there is an approval waiting period. For Malta Digital Nomad Visa, your application will be processed in around 2-4 weeks. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a notification for it.
Step 6: Travel to Malta
Travel to Malta is permitted only after your visa is approved. Your documents will be required upon reaching Malta to stamp your visa which is valid for as long as you stay in Malta.
Taxes for Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Taxation in Malta is an important topic for Malta digital nomads. It is known that tax rates are very beneficial, but some taxes need additional attention.
1.Tax Residency
You are considered a tax resident of Malta if you spend more than 183 days in Malta within a year. A tax resident is liable to pay tax on his/her income from all over the world. Malta’s tax system is progressive, with taxes ranging from 0% to 35%.
On the other hand, if you remain in Malta for a period less than 183 days in a year and you do not have any business activities in the country, you will most probably not be regarded as a tax resident, thus not liable to pay tax on foreign income.
2.Double Taxation Agreement
Malta has many DTA’s with other countries. These agreements make sure that you will not be taxed for the same income twice. if your home country has a DTA with Malta, you can avoid paying taxes in two countries and thus pay in only the one you reside in or in the one where the income is generated.
3.Social security
Even though employment is not required with the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, if a nomad is employed with a foreign company, depending on their citizenship, they may still be liable to pay taxes or contributions towards social security in their home country.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa to Citizenship
The Malta Digital Nomad Visa is for short stays but holders looking to settle in Malta will find the proces straightforward if not lengthy. The visa requires sponsorship from a Maltese company, which puts the applicant on the path to citizenship through economic participation, along with a few extra steps along the way. Maltese permanent residency is then available, granting extensive benefits before citizenship after a number of years is finally attainable.
Permanent residency
Malta Permanent Residency allows foreign nationals to reside permanently in the country, but applicants must have resided within the country for 5 sequential years under an approved residence permit and must wait an additional 5 years after receiving permanent residency status before being eligible for citizenship.
Citizenship
You can apply for Maltese citizenship after living in the country for 10 years. There are legal tests to show financial sustainabilty, community integration, and other conditions that must be seen to for legally attaining citizenship.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa Discussions on Reddit
When researching a new destination, platforms such as Reddit can prove useful. Digital nomads often discuss their personal experiences, struggles, and suggestions on relevant subreddits like r/digitalnomad or r/expats. Stories regarding residing in Malta, information about the visa process, as well as information on dealing with local bureaucracy can be found there.
Read the threads on Malta Digital Nomad Visa Reddit to see comments and experiences from users who already relocated to Malta, or are currently applying for the visa.
Conclusion
The visa stands as an exceptional opportunity for remote workers and nomads to reside in one of the most stunning and accessible European countries Malta boasts an impressive rich history while having a low living cost compared to other EU countries. Malta offers a unique and lovely atmosphere for nomads.
By meeting Malta Digital Nomad Visa requirements, following the application process, and understanding tax obligations, starting a journey toward residing in Malta becomes attainable. Make sure to check the official Malta Digital Nomad Visa page for the latest updates and application instructions.
If you are seeking to discover a beautiful combination of work and travel in Europe, Malta might be the next country you would want to visit!
