Who is eligible for Malta's Nomad Residence Permit?

Non-EU nationals who work remotely for an employer or clients based outside Malta, earn at least €2,700/month gross, hold valid health insurance covering Malta, and can provide proof of accommodation in Malta. EU nationals do not need this permit but must register residence separately.

How long does the Malta Nomad Residence Permit take?

Processing times are approximately 4–8 weeks from the date a complete application is submitted to the Residency Malta Agency. Processing times can vary and are not guaranteed.

Can I renew the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?

Yes. The permit is issued for 1 year and can be renewed. You must continue to meet the eligibility criteria — including the income threshold — at the time of renewal.

Malta Nomad Residence Permit: Requirements, Process & Costs 2026

Malta's Nomad Residence Permit lets non-EU remote workers live legally in Malta for up to 1 year, renewable, while earning income from employers or clients outside Malta. This guide covers eligibility, documents, and the application process.

Official SourceLast updated 9 June 2026

EU nationals: different route

EU/EEA nationals do not need the Nomad Residence Permit. If you are an EU citizen staying in Malta for more than 3 months, you must register your residence with the authorities, but you do not require a work or nomad permit to work remotely.

Eligibility criteria

Criterion	Requirement
Nationality	Non-EU/EEA nationals only (EU citizens use EU freedom of movement)
Work type	Remote work — employed or self-employed, for entities outside Malta
Minimum income	€2,700/month gross (as of 2026)
Income source	Employer or clients based outside Malta
Health insurance	Valid policy covering Malta for the permit duration
Accommodation	Proof of rented or owned accommodation in Malta
Clean background	No criminal record — a police clearance certificate is typically required

Residency Malta AgencyLast verified: 2026-06-09.

Required documents

The Residency Malta Agency publishes a detailed document checklist. Typical requirements include:

Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity beyond the permit duration)
Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts — employment contract or signed client agreements confirming the work is for entities outside Malta
Proof of income — recent payslips, bank statements, or tax returns showing at least €2,700/month gross
Health insurance policy certificate — covering medical costs in Malta
Proof of accommodation — rental contract or property ownership documents
Police clearance certificate — from your current country of residence and/or country of nationality
Passport-size photographs
Application form (from the Residency Malta Agency portal)

Application process

Step	What happens
1. Gather documents	Collect all required documents. Have originals translated if not in English or Maltese.
2. Create account on the Residency Malta portal	Register on the Residency Malta Agency online portal and complete the application form.
3. Submit application online	Upload all documents and pay the application fee through the portal.
4. Biometric appointment	You may be called to attend an appointment in Malta for biometric data (fingerprints, photo).
5. Decision	Residency Malta Agency reviews the application. Processing takes approximately 4–8 weeks.
6. Collect permit card	If approved, collect the residence permit card from the Residency Malta Agency office in Malta.

Fees

Application fees for the Nomad Residence Permit are set by the Residency Malta Agency and are subject to change. Check the official Residency Malta Agency website for the current fee schedule before applying.

In addition to the application fee, budget for any translation costs, notarisation fees, and police clearance certificate fees from your home country.

Tax residency follows permit residency

Holding a Nomad Residence Permit does not automatically make you a Malta tax resident. Tax residency is triggered by spending 183 or more days in Malta in a calendar year, or by establishing your habitual residence here. This can have significant implications for your home country's tax obligations. See the tax residency guide before making decisions.

Renewal

The Nomad Residence Permit is issued for 1 year. To renew, you must continue to meet the original eligibility criteria — including the income threshold — at the time of renewal. Apply for renewal before your current permit expires.

There is no publicly stated limit on the number of times you can renew, but accumulating years of Malta residence may have tax and long-term residence implications. If you plan to stay in Malta for several years, seek specific legal and tax advice about your options.

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Author and editorial standard

Maintained by MaltaPathway

This guide is written from public official sources and labelled limitations. MaltaPathway is independent, not a law firm or government agency. Founder proof, source policy, correction policy, and monetization disclosure live on the About and trust page.

Sources

Official SourceNomad Residence Permit — OverviewVerified 9 Jun 2026

Official SourceNomad Residence Permit — EligibilityVerified 9 Jun 2026

Official SourceNomad Residence Permit FAQsVerified 3 May 2026

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MaltaPathway is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. The information on this page is based on publicly available official sources and is provided for informational purposes only. Immigration rules change — always verify with the relevant authority before making decisions. If your case is complex, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.