Applying for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa: A Step-by-Step Process

The Malta Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers the opportunity to live and work in Malta. With a monthly income requirement of €2,700+ and a remote workplace, applicants can apply for this visa for a chance to experience the beautiful coastal country and its benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Malta Digital Nomad Visa

Income and Workplace Requirements

To qualify for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must demonstrate a stable monthly income of €2,700 before taxes. This income should solely come from professional activities, excluding passive income like dividends or rental earnings. A bank statement is required to confirm this income.

Proof of workplace varies based on the applicant's professional status:

• Hired workers need to provide an employment contract, supplemented by a letter from the employer if remote work isn't specified
• Self-employed freelancers must submit a service agreement detailing the work scope and remuneration
• Entrepreneurs are required to present documentation from the register of legal entities and founders

It's crucial that the provided contracts ensure an average monthly income of €2,700+ for at least 5 months from the visa application date. For instance, an employment contract should be valid for a minimum of six more months, or a service agreement should cover the same duration.

Document Collection and Translation

Gathering the right documentation is a critical step in the Malta Digital Nomad Visa application process. Ensure all documents are scanned into separate PDF files for submission. This includes completed application forms detailing information about the main applicant and any family members, as well as scans of all passport pages.

Before submission, double-check that your documents meet the following criteria:

• Applications and documents must be completed in English
• If original documents are not in English, provide authenticated translations
• Organize documents in the order specified by the Residency Malta Agency

Submission Process

Once you've gathered all the necessary documents, the submission process begins. Ensure all documents are correctly filed and translated into English. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Power of attorney and application submission
2. Receipt of a Letter of Approval in Principle or a Letter of Rejection
3. If approved, making the required qualifying investments
4. Receipt of the Letter of Final Approval
5. Collection of biometric data and issuance of the residency card

It's crucial to note that during the application process, which may take up to six months, you might be required to travel to Malta, potentially for an interview.

Processing Time for Malta Digital Nomad Visa

Application Review

Once your application for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa is submitted, the review process kicks into gear. This is a critical phase where the Approvals Board takes the helm, meticulously examining each document to ensure compliance with the stringent requirements.

During this period, applicants are advised to be patient and responsive. Any requests for additional information should be addressed promptly to avoid delays.

The timeline for this stage can vary, but applicants typically receive one of two crucial documents:

• A Letter of Approval in Principle, signaling a green light for the next steps
• A Letter of Rejection, which unfortunately means it's back to the drawing board

Approval and Refusal

Approval hinges on meeting the set conditions and ensuring you pose no threat to national security or public order. A refusal, often without detailed reasons, may occur if you've previously been denied a Schengen visa or have legal issues within the Schengen area.

In case of refusal, reapplication is possible after one year. The steps following approval are critical:

• Fulfill the qualifying investments, which may include real estate transactions or donations
• Your licensed agent submits the application pack and receives a receipt
• Upon satisfying all requirements, a Letter of Final Approval is issued
• The last step involves biometric data collection and the issuance of your residency card

Residence Permit Acquisition

Once you've navigated the application process, the final step is acquiring your residence permit card. This grants you the official status to live and work in Malta. The process is straightforward but requires your presence in Malta.

To initiate the acquisition, you must first notify the Residency Malta Agency upon your arrival. Following this, an appointment will be set for you at Residency Malta, where you'll submit your biometrics and the necessary documents. A nominal state fee of €100 is also payable per person.

After submission, you will receive an email notification regarding the readiness of your residence permit cards with the collection point and time.

Benefits of Malta Nomad Residence Permit

Travel Privileges

Holders of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa enjoy unparalleled freedom to explore Europe. With the ability to travel freely across 27 countries in the Schengen Area, nomads can immerse themselves in diverse cultures and landscapes without the hassle of additional visas. The permit allows for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period.

Key travel benefits include:

• No internal border checks within the Schengen zone
• Easy access to meet friends and family residing in Europe
• The convenience of attending conferences and meetings across multiple countries

Renewal Requirements

Keeping your Malta Nomad Residence Permit active requires attention to detail and timely action. Renewal is not automatic; it's a process that demands you to demonstrate ongoing eligibility.

• Annual Compliance: Each year, you must prove your continued residence in Malta by submitting evidence of your property lease and valid health insurance policy
• Physical Presence: To renew your permit, a minimum stay of 5 months within the calendar year in Malta is mandatory
• Family Inclusion: If you have family members on your permit, their eligibility for renewal is tied to yours

The permit is initially granted for one year and can be extended for up to four years, provided you still meet the necessary criteria.

Minimum Income Comparison

Here's a quick comparison of minimum income requirements across various EU nations:

Conclusion

The process of applying for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa involves confirming a monthly income of €2,700+ and a remote workplace, along with an application fee of €300. The application process takes approximately 5+ months, during which the applicant collects, translates, and notarizes the required documents before submitting them to the Residency Malta Agency online.

Upon review, the immigration agency provides an approval or refusal within 30 working days. Successful applicants receive a D visa and can come to Malta to obtain a residence permit card. Having a Schengen visa may eliminate the need to obtain a D visa after approval. holders of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit are allowed to travel within the Schengen Area without visas.

Overall, the Malta Digital Nomad Visa offers an opportunity for remote workers to live and work in Malta, providing a unique experience by the Mediterranean Sea.

Next Steps After Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, you'll need to prepare for life in Malta. Here are the essential guides to help you settle in:

• Opening a Bank Account – Required for rent and local payments
• Health Insurance Options – Understanding your coverage requirements
• Choosing a Neighborhood – Where to live based on your budget and lifestyle
• Understanding Your Tax Obligations – What you need to know about taxes

Frequently Asked Questions