Residency Malta sees growing interest in Malta from digital nomads

Residency Malta, a state agency, has received 180 applications from digital nomads wishing to take up residence in Malta, an average of one every working day since the Nomad Residence Permit was launched in June 2021.

The agency received several hundred other queries, which it said it hopes will translate into applications at a later stage, when travel restrictions ease and the COVID situation settles.

The majority of applicants hail from the UK and the US. Applicants have an average age of 37 and are predominantly male. Most applicants are employed and self-employed, tailed by freelancers.

Popular sectors are IT, management and marketing but other sectors are also represented, with the common element being that the work can be done remotely.

“Malta is not new to digital nomads and there already is an established community of nomads hailing from EU countries,” said a statement released by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Citizenship and Communities.

These individuals do not need permits as they enjoy freedom of movement across Schengen. Residency Malta’s permit now extends this possibility of working remotely from Malta also to third country nationals.

“With a significant average income of €60,000 and applicants who overwhelming have a degree, Malta is attracting quality applicants who are able to contribute to the local economy,” said Charles Mizzi, CEO of Residency Malta.

Malta has joined its European peers in seeing an influx of digital nomads, as remote working becomes more and more mainstream in the wake of the pandemic.

As employers acknowledge the pros, value and productivity of a remote or hybrid workforce, individuals who are seeking to work abroad are looking beyond their borders to combine work, travel and leisure into a workaction.

“This initiative requires a relatively low effort from the government while reaping the benefits of the lifestyle that digital nomads lead – they rent apartments or use Airbnbs, use public transport and cabs, eat and drink, spend money on entertainment and in restaurants and explore cultural sites,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship and Communities Alex Muscat.

“At the same time, the country is attracting new ideas, skills and talent. Digital nomads have a reputation for also being entrepreneurs, being mostly relatively young or young at heart, adventurous, and willing to launch their ideas in new markets.”

About the Nomad Residency Permit

To be eligible, applicants must be non-EU individuals having a gross monthly income threshold of €2,700. They should work for an employer registered abroad, conduct business activities for a company registered abroad (e.g. partner or shareholder) or offer freelance or consulting services to clients abroad.

Moreover, applicants must have a valid travel document and health insurance cover. They must also provide proof of address and pass a background verification check.