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October 30, 2025 | PanamaPanama: Government Reporting Requirement Enforced; Strict Penalties May Apply
October 30, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Consultation Open Regarding Right to Work Scheme Extension to Gig Workers
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Digital Nomad Permit Now Available

June 15, 2021

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Country / Territory

  • MaltaMalta

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At a Glance

Malta now offers a one-year Digital Nomad Residence Permit for foreign nationals seeking to reside in Malta while:

  • working for an employer registered abroad with whom they have an employment contract; or
  • conducting business activities for a company registered abroad, of which they are partners or shareholders; or
  • offering freelance or consulting services to foreign clients with whom the applicant has a contract.

The situation

Malta now offers a one-year Digital Nomad Residence Permit for foreign nationals seeking to reside in Malta while continuing to work on behalf of their home employer via telecommunications tools.

A closer look

Details of the new immigration route include the following:

TOPIC DETAILS

Permitted activities 

Applicants can perform the following activities under a Digital Nomad Residence Permit:

  • Work for an employer registered abroad with whom they have an employment contract; or
  • Conduct business activity for a company registered abroad, of which they are partners or shareholders; or
  • Offer freelance or consulting services to foreign clients with whom the applicant has a contract.

Key eligibility requirements 

  • Applicants must be able to work remotely using telecommunications tools.
  • Applicants must earn sufficient minimum income according to government regulations.
  • Applicants must hold health insurance valid in Malta and local accommodation (leased or purchased).
  • Applicants must pass a background check, performed as part of immigration processing.

Application process

  • Applications are filed via email. Applicants receive filing confirmation and a request to pay EUR 300 government filing fees.
  • Maltese authorities conduct background checks and process the application in approximately 30 calendar days. 
  • Visa nationals’ process. Successful visa nationals can apply for a Premium Visa (provides expedited processing) and are granted a National Visa for a 90-180 day stay. Those who seek to stay 181-365 days can they apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit in Malta.
  • Visa-exempt nationals’ process. Successful visa-exempt nationals can enter Malta with their passport. Applicants who intend to spend up to 180 days in Malta will be issued a National Visa. Those who intend to spend 365 days or more in Malta will be issued a Residence Permit.

Other permit details

  • Applicants can sponsor a spouse, partner and/or minor or dependent children.
  • Permit holders are not permitted to perform work or services in Malta.
  • The permit is renewable; no limit on renewals is currently published. 

Impact

Digital nomads now have access to an immigration status in Malta, where no such option previously existed. Interested employers benefit from being able to offer their employees flexible residence choices.

Background

  • Remote work visa warning. In countries where remote work is unregulated, workers and employers may unknowingly put themselves at risk of noncompliance with many aspects of the law, exposing them to possible fines or other penalties, depending on the country. Importantly, noncompliance with regulations could result in employers losing their rights to hire foreign labor. Additionally, this type of work arrangement may have employment or tax law impacts. It will become increasingly important as such policies are developed (and in many countries where remote work is unregulated) for employers to analyze strategies and assess risks associated with implementing and/or continuing remote work policies with a trusted immigration partner. 
  • Current programs in Europe. European countries that offer Digital Nomad or Remote Work visa options include Croatia, Estonia (which was the first country in the world to offer this type of visa), Georgia and Iceland. Greece and Romania are expected to implement remote work visa programs in the near future.

Looking ahead

As the non-traditional workforce grows and countries focus on post-COVID-19 economic remobilization, more governments will likely start to slowly adapt and update remote work policies. Fragomen will report on related developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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  • MaltaMalta

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