The Nomad Residence Permit

The Nomad Residence Permit offers a route to non-EU nationals who can work remotely and independent of location to take up residence in Malta. The permit is issued for one year and can be renewed for up to four years.

Key requirements for an individual to qualify for the permit include: 

• Is a non-EU national who would normally require a Visa to travel to Malta;
• Proof that the individual falls under any of the following 3 categories:
  • Works for an employer registered in a foreign country and have a contract of work;
  • Conducts business activities for a company registered in a foreign country and of which the applicant is a partner/shareholder; or
  • Offers freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishment are in a foreign country, and with whom the applicant has contracts.
• Have a minimum gross yearly income of €42,000;
• Holds a valid property rental or purchase agreement which covers the duration of the residence permit;
• Is expected to be physically present in Malta for 5 months at a minimum in each year;
• Holds a valid travel document;
• Holds a comprehensive health insurance covering all risks across the whole of the EU;
• In addition to the proof of eligibility, standard rules and procedures for obtaining Visas and similar permits apply.

Holders of valid Nomad Residence Permit are subject to tax in Malta at rate of 10% on their income derived from authorised work, i.e. work falling under any of the three categories mentioned above, subject to any relief of double taxation. Such income is also deemed to constitute the first part of the eligible individual’s total income for the relative year.

The eligible individual would be exempt from tax in Malta on income from authorised work for the first 12 months from the later of:

• The date on which the Nomad Residence Permit is issued; and
• 1 January 2024.

Such exemption does not apply if the eligible individual files a written declaration with Residence Malta that their residence in Malta is not merely of a casual nature.

Any other income derived by the eligible individual that is chargeable to tax in Malta, and/or any income derived by any family member which is included in the Nomad Residence Permit and which is chargeable to tax in Malta, shall be subject to the normal tax rules and rates set out in the Income Tax Act.

Income earned by eligible individuals from authorised work in terms of an employment contract is not subject to the Final Settlement System (FSS) Rules.

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