Malta's Nomad Residence Permit lets remote employees and freelancers with at least €42,000 a year in gross income live in Malta for a year, renewable up to 4 years in total. English is an official language.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | 90 days in any 180 (Schengen) |
| Route for remote workers | Nomad Residence Permit |
| Money you need to show | At least €42,000 a year gross (about €3,500 a month) from work for employers or clients outside Malta |
| Length | 1 year, renewable 3 times (4 years in total) |
| Government fees | €300 per applicant plus €100 for each residence card |
| Timeline | About 30 working days after payment is confirmed |
| Where you apply | Online through Residency Malta's nomad portal, then biometrics in Malta |
| Family | Spouse, minor children and some adult children can be included; no extra income amount is published |
| Long-term residence | The permit itself doesn't lead to permanent residence |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
Malta's Nomad Residence Permit lets remote employees and freelancers with at least €42,000 a year in gross income live in Malta for a year, renewable up to 4 years in total. English is an official language.
- Remote employees of companies outside Malta: yes.
- Freelancers and business owners: yes.
- Income: At least €42,000 a year gross (about €3,500 a month) from work for employers or clients outside Malta. That's about $3,920 a month.
Open question: Malta's tax treatment after the first year depends on your circumstances.
Documents
Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.
- Passport
- Employment contract or client contracts with non-Maltese companies
- Proof of €42,000+ gross annual income
- Health insurance with at least €100,000 cover, paid for a full year
- A 12-month lease or property in Malta
- Background check
Step by step from the US
- Check your numbers against the rule above, using the last 6 to 12 months of income.
- Order US documents: FBI background check, apostilles and translations where needed.
- Apply: Online through Residency Malta's nomad portal, then biometrics in Malta.
- Buy health insurance that meets the requirement for your whole stay.
- Arrive and register your address and any residence card on time.
Taxes
- Permit income is tax-free in Malta for the first 12 months under the nomad tax rules, if conditions are met; take advice for later years
- You can't work for Maltese companies or clients on this permit
- No US-Malta totalization agreement
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- Monthly-paid insurance and travel insurance aren't accepted
- Short-term rentals over a month aren't accepted for the card
- Renewals check that you actually spent money in Malta
Where to live in Malta
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Valletta · Sliema · St. Julian's · Gozo (Victoria).
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
- Residency Malta: Nomad Residence Permit FAQ v14.1 (Apr 2026, official)
- KPMG Malta: The Nomad Residence Permit
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