europe Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Malta: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Malta for US/EU companies. Nomad Residence Permit, 15% flat tax on remitted income, English-speaking EU island, and thriving iGaming/fintech scene.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from Malta for US or EU companies. Malta offers a dedicated Nomad Residence Permit for remote workers earning at least EUR2,700/month, valid for one year and renewable. As the only EU country where English is an official language, Malta removes the language barrier entirely. The island offers a unique 15% flat tax on remitted foreign income for nomad permit holders, with 0% on income kept abroad. However, at just 316 square kilometers, Malta’s small size and high population density mean it won’t suit everyone long-term.
Visa Options
Nomad Residence Permit
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit, launched in 2021, is specifically designed for remote workers employed by companies outside Malta. This permit allows you to live and work from Malta while maintaining your foreign employment. Key requirements include:
- Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts with clients outside Malta
- Minimum monthly income of EUR2,700 (gross), or EUR32,400 annually
- Valid travel document with at least 12 months validity
- Health insurance covering Malta with minimum EUR30,000 coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Malta (rental contract or property ownership)
- Clean criminal background check from your home country
- Application fee of EUR300 (non-refundable)
The permit is issued for one year and can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the requirements. After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible for long-term EU residence status.
Schengen Tourist Entry
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, UK, and many other countries can enter Malta visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under Schengen rules. This is suitable for trial periods or short work trips, but does not authorize legal residence or access to local services.
Standard Residence Permit
If you don’t qualify for the Nomad Residence Permit or plan to work for a Maltese company, you’ll need a standard work permit. Malta’s iGaming, fintech, and tech sectors actively recruit international talent, often sponsoring work permits for skilled professionals.
Tax Implications
Nomad Residence Permit Tax Treatment
Malta offers one of Europe’s most favorable tax structures for digital nomads. Under the Nomad Residence Permit scheme:
- 15% flat tax on foreign income remitted to Malta
- 0% tax on foreign income that remains outside Malta (non-remitted)
- No minimum tax or fixed annual fee
- No wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax on foreign securities
This means if you earn USD100,000 and remit USD50,000 to Malta for living expenses, you pay 15% tax only on the remitted amount (EUR7,500 approximately), while the remaining USD50,000 kept abroad is untaxed.
Tax Residency Considerations
You become a Maltese tax resident if you:
- Spend more than 183 days in Malta during a calendar year
- Have your “centre of vital interests” in Malta
As a tax resident, Malta operates on a remittance basis for non-domiciled individuals, meaning only income brought into Malta is taxed. However, any income arising in Malta is taxed regardless of remittance.
Double Taxation Treaties
Malta has tax treaties with over 70 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and most EU nations. These treaties help prevent double taxation, though the specific treatment depends on your employment structure and income sources. Consult a tax advisor familiar with cross-border taxation before making decisions.
Social Security
Nomad Residence Permit holders are not required to pay Maltese social security contributions since they are employed abroad. You should maintain social security coverage in your home country or country of employment.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Sliema & St Julian’s
The coastal stretch of Sliema and St Julian’s is Malta’s primary expat hub and the heart of the island’s modern lifestyle. These adjoining towns offer waterfront living, abundant restaurants and cafes, and the largest concentration of English-speaking professionals.
Pros: Walkable seafront promenade, extensive dining and nightlife, many coworking spaces, large expat and international community, close to Paceville entertainment district Cons: Tourist crowds in summer, higher rents, can feel commercialized, limited parking, noise from nightlife areas Average Cost: EUR1,200-1,800/month for a 1-bedroom apartment
Valletta
Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage capital is a remarkably preserved fortified city with baroque architecture, museums, and cultural events. It’s compact, pedestrian-friendly, and offers a more authentic Maltese experience than the tourist areas.
Pros: Stunning historic architecture, cultural hub with theaters and museums, excellent restaurants, walkable within walls, unique atmosphere Cons: Very limited housing stock, higher-end pricing, few supermarkets, busy with cruise ship tourists during peak season Average Cost: EUR1,400-2,200/month for a 1-bedroom apartment
Mdina & Rabat
The ancient walled city of Mdina (the “Silent City”) and neighboring Rabat offer a quieter, more traditional Maltese experience. These central towns provide easy access to all parts of Malta while avoiding coastal tourism.
Pros: Peaceful atmosphere, beautiful medieval architecture, lower rents than coastal areas, authentic local life, central location Cons: Limited amenities, fewer cafes and coworking options, car often necessary, can feel isolated Average Cost: EUR800-1,200/month for a 1-bedroom apartment
Gozo
Malta’s sister island offers a slower pace, more natural landscapes, and a close-knit community feel. Accessible by a 25-minute ferry from Malta, Gozo attracts remote workers seeking tranquility and nature.
Pros: Cheaper cost of living, beautiful countryside and beaches, tight-knit community, diving and outdoor activities, escape from Malta’s density Cons: Limited nightlife and dining options, requires ferry for Malta access, fewer coworking spaces, smaller expat community Average Cost: EUR600-1,000/month for a 1-bedroom apartment
Timezone Overlap
Malta operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 (CEST) in summer. This positions Malta between American and Asian time zones:
Working with US Companies
- East Coast (EST/EDT): 6 hours ahead - Morning US meetings happen in your late afternoon/early evening
- West Coast (PST/PDT): 9 hours ahead - Expect evening calls for morning US meetings
- Optimal Schedule: Work 1pm-9pm local time for maximum overlap with US East Coast business hours
The timezone gap with the US is the main drawback of Malta for American remote workers. Expect to shift your schedule later if regular synchronous collaboration is required.
Working with EU Companies
- UK: 1 hour ahead (same during summer when UK is on BST)
- Central Europe: Same timezone (Germany, France, Italy, Spain)
- Eastern Europe: 1 hour behind (Greece, Romania, Bulgaria)
- Optimal Schedule: Standard 9am-6pm works perfectly for EU collaboration
Malta’s timezone is ideal for working with European companies and acceptable for UK-based employers, making it particularly attractive for EU remote workers.
Moving to Malta Checklist
- 1 Apply for Nomad Residence Permit online through Identity Malta Agency
- 2 Secure accommodation and obtain signed rental agreement
- 3 Obtain health insurance meeting EUR30,000 minimum coverage requirement
- 4 Get police clearance certificate from your home country (apostilled)
- 5 Gather proof of income (employment contract, bank statements, tax returns)
- 6 After arrival, collect your residence permit card from Identity Malta
- 7 Apply for an e-Residence ID for digital government services
- 8 Open a Maltese bank account (Revolut, Wise, or local banks like BOV, HSBC Malta)
- 9 Register with a local GP and understand the healthcare system
- 10 Get a Maltese mobile number (GO, Vodafone Malta, or Melita)
- 11 Join expat Facebook groups and attend networking events in Sliema/St Julian's
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malta too small for long-term living as a digital nomad?
Malta's tiny size (316 km squared, smaller than most cities) is the most common concern for prospective residents. The island can feel claustrophobic after 6-12 months, especially during hot summers when outdoor activities are limited. Traffic congestion is severe despite the small distances. Many digital nomads use Malta as a base while taking frequent trips to Sicily (80km away), mainland Europe, or North Africa. Gozo offers an escape from Malta's density. Ultimately, whether Malta works long-term depends on your tolerance for small spaces and your travel habits. Many nomads do 6-12 month stints rather than permanent residence.
How does Malta's 15% nomad tax compare to other European options?
Malta's 15% flat tax on remitted income is competitive but not the lowest in Europe. Portugal's NHR offers 0% on most foreign income for 10 years. Cyprus has a 0% tax on foreign dividends and low rates on employment income. However, Malta's scheme is simpler with no complex qualification criteria, and the 0% on non-remitted income means you can legally minimize your tax burden by keeping savings abroad. Combined with no wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains on foreign securities, Malta's overall tax efficiency can be excellent with proper planning.
What's the iGaming and tech scene like in Malta?
Malta is Europe's iGaming capital, hosting over 300 gaming companies including industry giants like Betsson, Kindred, and Tipico. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license is considered the gold standard for European online gambling regulation. Beyond iGaming, Malta has attracted fintech companies, cryptocurrency exchanges (Binance was briefly headquartered there), and AI startups. This creates abundant networking opportunities, tech events, and potential clients or employers for remote workers in these sectors. Many digital nomads in Malta work for or consult with iGaming companies.
How good is Malta's internet for remote work?
Malta's internet is good but not exceptional by European standards. Fiber connections of 100-500Mbps are available in most urban areas through providers like GO, Melita, and Vodafone Malta. Prices are reasonable at EUR30-50/month for home connections. Mobile data coverage (4G/5G) is excellent island-wide. However, some older buildings may only have slower ADSL, and service can be inconsistent during peak hours. Always verify internet capability before signing a rental agreement. Coworking spaces like SOHO Offices, The Vault, and ICONS generally offer reliable high-speed connections.
What's healthcare like in Malta for digital nomads?
Malta has a good public healthcare system, but Nomad Residence Permit holders typically rely on private insurance as required for the permit. Private healthcare in Malta is affordable by US standards with consultations around EUR50-80 and good English-speaking doctors. Mater Dei Hospital is the main public hospital. Many expats use a combination of local private insurance and international coverage for serious issues. Pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments. EU citizens with EHIC cards can access public healthcare, though private insurance is still recommended.
Can I bring my car to Malta or should I rent/buy locally?
Malta drives on the left (British style), so right-hand drive cars from the UK are common. Importing an EU-registered car involves re-registration fees and taxes. Most expats either buy a used car locally (prices are inflated due to import duties), use ride-sharing apps (Bolt is popular), or simply walk and use buses. Traffic in Malta is notoriously bad despite the small distances, and parking is a constant challenge. Many digital nomads in Sliema/St Julian's or Valletta live car-free. If you're on Gozo, a car is more practical due to limited public transport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Malta for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Malta for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Malta.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Malta?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Malta visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Malta?
The cost of living in Malta is moderately high, with monthly budgets of $2,500-4,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Malta have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Malta's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Malta?
The best cities for remote workers in Malta typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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