Malta (MT)

Malta is a small EU island nation in the central Mediterranean — the smallest EU member state by area — celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of history (the Knights of St John, ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge), warm climate of 300+ sunshine days per year, English as a co-official language making it uniquely accessible for anglophone expats, a thriving iGaming and fintech sector, and a strategic location halfway between Europe and North Africa.

Capital: Valletta

Region: Europe

Language: Maltese

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 62)

Emergency: 112

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Malta.

Visa-Free Access

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have full freedom of movement — no visa needed. Malta is a Schengen Area member, so nationals of countries with a Schengen visa waiver can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visa-free countries include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and most Latin American countries. Citizens of countries not on the visa waiver list need a Schengen visa to visit Malta.

Malta is a Schengen Area member — entry and exit rules align with the broader Schengen system. EU citizens have full freedom of movement and simply need to register at Identità within 3 months. Non-EU nationals should note that Malta, being an island, has strict border control — immigration rules are enforced. All arrivals must hold valid travel documents. Malta does not have a border with any other country, which simplifies some aspects of immigration enforcement. For the latest application forms, fee schedules, and appointment booking, visit identita.gov.mt (formerly Identity Malta). Processing times can be long — apply well in advance.

EU Freedom of Movement / eResidence Card

Karta ta' Residenza Elettronika (eResidence)

€27.50 (card fee)

Duration: 5 years (renewable)

Eligibility

EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Swiss nationals

Processing time

4–8 weeks (appointments required)

Requirements

✓Valid EU/EEA/Swiss passport or national ID card
✓Proof of address in Malta (rental contract or property ownership)
✓Evidence of economic activity: employment contract, business registration, or proof of self-sufficiency + health insurance
✓Passport-size photograph
✓Completed application form from Identità

💡 Apply at Identità (expatresidence.gov.mt) within 3 months of arrival. The eResidence card is your proof of legal residence in Malta and provides your Maltese ID number — essential for banking, employment, healthcare, and all government services. Without it you are effectively invisible in the formal economy. The card is mandatory for stays over 3 months.

Single Permit for Residence and Employment

Permess Waħdieni għar-Residenza u l-Impjieg

€280.50 (single permit fee)

Duration: 1 year (renewable up to 3 years)

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have a job offer in Malta

Processing time

4–8 weeks from complete application

Requirements

✓Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond permit end date)
✓Employment contract from a Maltese-registered employer
✓Employer must demonstrate Labour Market Test (LMT) unless role is on shortage occupation list
✓Medical insurance proof
✓Accommodation proof in Malta
✓Criminal background check from country of origin (apostilled)
✓Passport photographs

💡 The Single Permit replaces separate residence and work permits. The employer typically initiates the process. Both Identità and Jobsplus are involved. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, eligibility for Long-Term Resident status (permanent residence equivalent) arises.

Nomad Residence Permit

Permess ta' Residenza Nomad

€300 (government processing fee)

Duration: 1 year (renewable)

Eligibility

Third-country nationals (non-EU) who work remotely for employers or clients outside Malta

Processing time

4–6 weeks

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Employment contract or client agreement(s) showing remote work for non-Maltese employers
✓Monthly gross income of at least €42,000/year (~€3,500/month) — raised from the earlier €2,700/month threshold; applicants who applied before 1 April 2024 retained the prior €32,400/year threshold
✓Health insurance covering Malta (minimum €30,000 cover)
✓Clean criminal record (apostilled from country of origin)
✓Proof of accommodation in Malta

💡 Malta was one of the first EU countries to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa (2021). Specifically for remote workers employed by or contracted with non-Maltese entities. The income threshold was raised to €42,000/year (residencymalta.gov.mt verified) for new applicants. Note: EU citizens already have the right to reside in Malta and do not need this visa. Apply at nomad.gov.mt.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Programm ta' Residenza Permanenti ta' Malta

€98,000 (government contribution) + €2,000 donation to registered NGO + property purchase €375,000 (Malta) or €300,000 (Gozo/south) OR rental minimum €14,000/year (Malta) or €11,000/year (Gozo/south)

Duration: Permanent (indefinite)

Eligibility

Non-EU nationals who invest in Malta (property purchase or rental) and pay a government contribution

Processing time

6–12 months

Requirements

✓Clean criminal record
✓Property purchase or rental commitment
✓Government contribution payment
✓Stable financial resources (no criminal record, no serious health conditions)
✓Health insurance
✓Application through MPRP-authorised agent

💡 The Malta Permanent Residence Programme grants indefinite residence rights in Malta to non-EU nationals and their families. It does NOT grant Maltese or EU citizenship. The main advantage is a stable permanent residency with the ability to travel within the Schengen Area. Apply through an authorised Malta Permanent Residence Programme agent (list at residencemalta.gov.mt).

Nomad Residence Permit

Digital Nomad

Permess ta' Residenza Nomad

€300

Duration: 1 year, renewable annually

Eligibility

Non-EU nationals (EU citizens use freedom of movement) working remotely for non-Maltese clients/employers

Processing time

4–6 weeks

Requirements

✓Minimum net monthly income €2,700 (from non-Maltese sources)
✓Health insurance (min. €30,000 coverage)
✓Clean criminal record from country of origin (apostilled)
✓Proof of remote work contract or client agreements
✓Accommodation in Malta

💡 Apply at nomad.gov.mt. Malta's English-speaking environment and EU membership make it attractive for non-EU digital nomads seeking an EU base. The Nomad Permit holder can eventually transition to permanent residence after 5 years.

EU Blue Card Malta

Blue Card

Karta Blu tal-UE — Malta

€280.50

Duration: 1–2 years (renewable), maximum 3 years initially

Eligibility

Non-EU nationals with a university degree (or 5 years relevant professional experience for IT roles) and a qualifying job offer in Malta

Processing time

4–8 weeks

Requirements

✓Higher education qualification (university degree or equivalent — minimum 3 years)
✓For IT professionals: 5 years relevant professional experience accepted in lieu of degree
✓Employment contract with salary at least 1.5x the average gross annual wage in Malta (approximately €38,600+ gross in 2026, but verified by Jobsplus)
✓Valid passport
✓Health insurance
✓Proof of accommodation

💡 Malta's Blue Card scheme follows the EU Blue Card Directive. After 18 months with a Maltese Blue Card, the holder can move to another EU country under the Blue Card mobility provisions. Processing is done jointly by Identità and Jobsplus.

Premium Section

Visa & Immigration

Unlock the complete Visa & Immigration guide for Malta — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere