A newly launched Nomad Residence Permit makes it easy to feel at home in the heart of the Mediterranean
With millions of people on the move worldwide and the increasingly popular trend to work remotely, Malta has become the latest country to acknowledge this global development and launch a Nomad Residence Permit to attract third-country nationals to its shores.
Malta is no stranger to economic migration. Its well-established gaming industry has seen hundreds of foreign nationals move to Malta over the years to work for the big names in i-gaming, creating a large local ex-pat community from countries all over Europe. Europeans enjoy freedom of movement, so no permits needed here. The new Nomad Residence Permit specifically targets new niches beyond Europe via individuals who are able to work remotely for employers registered outside of Malta.
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit: How does it work?
The Maltese government’s agency, Residency Malta, is responsible for the administration of the Nomad Residence Permit. Applicants who wish to work remotely from Malta, for a temporary period of up to one year, must prove they can work remotely, independent of location. They should either work for an employer registered outside of Malta; conduct business activity for a company registered outside of Malta, and of which they are partners or shareholders; or offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country. The application process is straightforward and relatively fast. A fee of €300 applies for each applicant, who will also undergo a police check and a background verification check. Residency Malta is working hand in hand with another government agency—Identity Malta—which will very soon be launching a new Premium Visa Service, a door-to-door option that streamlines the process for busy highly skilled professionals without compromising the due-diligence process.
Malta for nomads
Malta is an idyllic island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, conveniently located between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. A member of the European Union, Malta enjoys laid-back charm and appeal but also a European standard of living. With over 300 days of sunshine and a coast dotted with sandy beaches, it is hard not to fall in love with the islands. In addition, with English being an official language alongside Maltese, and also the language for doing business, settling in should be straightforward.
Malta is one of the safest places in the world and crime is negligible. The country also boasts excellent educational institutions and access to top-class health services. While these are not free to temporary residents, a basic private-health insurance cover will work to ensure peace of mind in case of need. High-speed 5G broadband covers all the islands and government services are offered online for convenience. Heritage and culture permeate every corner of the peninsula. Colonized by the Phoenicians, Arabs, French, the Knights of the Order of St. John and more recently the British, Malta’s checkered history reveals itself in modern-day society. A veritable open-air museum, neolithic temples, historic fortifications and baroque churches abound. The capital city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“If there are any lessons learned from the pandemic, it is that people are willing to move more than ever before,” said Charles Mizzi, CEO of Residency Malta. “Early to recognize the signs, Residency Malta has launched this new permit that allows digital nomads to come to Malta and work here, while enjoying all the perks that Malta offers foreigners. The process is simple and we promise an efficient service that discerning nomads expect. Individuals who can work remotely using technology and entrepreneurs with a flair for traveling and discovering new countries and cultures will feel right at home on our friendly islands.”
More information about Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit may be found at residencymalta.gov.mt
RELATED INTERVIEWS
-
-
Stimulating the economy by strengthening the community
Alex Muscat, Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship and Communities, sees investment migration growing dramatically in the post-COVID-19 era...
-
Utilizing all the right ingredients to garner international interest
Clayton Bartolo, Minister of Tourism and Consumer Protection, strongly believes that Malta has the potential to be at the forefront of digital tourism...
-
Forging a robust and internationally enticing profile for Malta
Charles Mizzi, CEO, Malta Residency Visa Agency, believes that the pandemic provided Malta with the impetus to think long-term...