Prague has long been a digital nomad favorite—stunning architecture, cheap beer, lively nightlife, and one of Europe's most affordable capitals. But the Czech Republic presents challenges: no dedicated nomad visa, cold winters, and the Czech language barrier. Malta offers an alternative European lifestyle with year-round warmth and English everywhere. Let's compare.
Key Takeaways
- Czech Republic has no digital nomad visa; Malta has an established program
- Prague is significantly cheaper than Malta for daily living
- Malta offers 300+ sunny days vs Prague's cold, grey winters
- Malta uses English officially; Czech is required for most official matters in Czechia
- Both are in the EU but only Malta uses the Euro
Visa & Residency Comparison
Visa Options
The Czech Republic does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers must use freelance visas (Živnostenský list) or business visas, which are more complex. Malta's Nomad Residence Permit is specifically designed for location-independent professionals.
| Requirement | Malta 🇲🇹 | Czech Republic 🇨🇿 |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Nomad Visa | Yes | No (Freelance/Business visa required) |
| Visa Duration | 1 year, renewable to 4 years | 1 year (Živnostenský list) |
| Income Requirement | €2,700/month | No fixed requirement (sufficient funds) |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks | 60-90 days (often longer) |
| Language of Application | English | Czech (translations required) |
| Complexity | Straightforward | Complex bureaucracy |
Note: Czech freelance visa (Živnostenský list) requires registering as a self-employed person in Czechia, with associated tax and social security obligations. Malta's nomad visa is simpler—just prove remote employment.
Cost of Living Comparison
Housing Costs
Prague remains one of the cheapest capitals in Western/Central Europe, though prices have risen significantly. Malta is pricier but includes the Mediterranean lifestyle premium.
| Housing Type | Malta (Sliema) | Prague (Center) |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (City Center) | €1,000-1,400/month | €700-1,000/month |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside Center) | €700-1,000/month | €500-750/month |
| Utilities (Monthly) | €80-120 | €120-200 (heating adds up) |
| Internet | €30-40 | €15-25 |
Daily Living Expenses
| Expense | Malta (EUR) | Prague (CZK → EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at restaurant | €15-25 | €8-15 |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | €4-6 | €2-3 |
| Monthly groceries | €300-400 | €200-280 |
| Coffee at café | €2.50-3.50 | €2-3 |
| Coworking (monthly) | €150-300 | €100-200 |
| Monthly transport | €26 | €20 |
Currency Note: Czech Republic uses Czech Koruna (CZK), not Euro. While offering some flexibility, it adds currency conversion considerations. Malta uses Euro, simplifying finances for EU-based nomads.
Tax Comparison
Tax Treatment
| Tax Aspect | Malta | Czech Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Rate | 15-35% | Flat 15% (23% above ~€60k) |
| Non-Dom Status | Yes (0% on unremitted foreign income) | No |
| Freelancer Taxation | Standard rates or non-dom | Flat tax option available |
| Social Security | ~10% (employee) | ~30% (self-employed, significant) |
| VAT | 18% | 21% |
Czech Republic's flat 15% income tax sounds attractive, but self-employed social security contributions add substantially to the total burden. Malta's non-dom regime offers potentially better optimization for those with foreign-sourced income.
Quality of Life
Climate
| Climate Factor | Malta | Prague |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sunshine | 300+ days | ~150 days |
| Winter Temperature | 12-16°C | -3 to 3°C |
| Summer Temperature | 26-32°C | 20-26°C |
| Beach Access | Everywhere, year-round | Landlocked (no sea) |
| Grey Winter Days | Minimal | Frequent (Nov-Feb) |
Lifestyle & Culture
Prague offers stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, world-famous beer culture, lively nightlife, and easy access to other Central European destinations. Malta offers Mediterranean lifestyle, beach culture, water sports, and rich history spanning millennia. Different vibes entirely—Prague is cozy café culture; Malta is outdoor living.
Language
Malta uses English as an official language—everything from government to business to daily life works in English. Czech Republic requires Czech for most official matters, and while English is common in Prague's tourist areas and among younger people, you'll face language barriers in bureaucracy.
Nomad Community & Infrastructure
Coworking & Community
Both cities have established nomad scenes. Prague's has been developing for over a decade with numerous coworking spaces and regular meetups. Malta's scene is newer but growing rapidly, with a focus on tech, gaming, and fintech professionals.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Aspect | Malta Advantage ✓ | Czech Republic Advantage ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Nomad Visa | ✓ Yes, streamlined | |
| Climate | ✓ Year-round sunshine | |
| Language | ✓ English official | |
| Tax Optimization | ✓ Non-dom options | |
| Cost of Living | ✓ 30-40% cheaper | |
| Architecture/History | ✓ Prague is stunning | |
| Nightlife | ✓ World-famous | |
| Central Europe Access | ✓ Vienna, Berlin, Munich nearby |
Ready to Start Your Malta Journey?
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Check Your EligibilityThe Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Czech Republic (Prague) if: Budget is your primary concern, you love Central European culture and nightlife, don't mind cold winters, and can navigate complex bureaucracy in Czech.
Choose Malta if: You want a straightforward visa process, need English for daily life, prefer year-round sunshine and beach access, and want clear tax optimization options.
Prague is a fantastic city for a season—many nomads spend summer months there before heading somewhere warmer for winter. Malta works year-round. For long-term residence with legal clarity and optimal lifestyle, Malta edges ahead. For budget-conscious nomads willing to deal with bureaucracy and winter blues, Prague offers incredible value.