Malta Nomad Residence Permit for founders: can you run your own company?
Can a founder run their own company on Malta's Nomad Residence Permit? Yes. Residency Malta lists a self-employed category: conducting business activity for a company registered abroad in which you are a partner or shareholder. Freelancers serving clients established abroad also qualify. Work for local clients or employers is barred. Income needed: Minimum gross income of €42,000 a year (€32,400 for applications lodged before 1 April 2024), with a guaranteed source of income for at least 5 months from application.
Malta's Nomad Residence Permit, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | The Nomad Residence Permit lets third-country nationals keep work based in another country while legally living in Malta. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Own company | The self-employed category covers business activity for a foreign-registered company in which you are a partner or shareholder. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Local work | Anyone who directly or indirectly provides services to Malta-based companies or individuals is ineligible. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Income | Minimum gross income of €42,000 a year (€32,400 if you applied before 1 April 2024). | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Stay | First issued for 1 year; renewable three times for a maximum of 4 years, at Residency Malta's discretion. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Leads to residence | No. It does not lead to permanent or long-term residence or citizenship. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Fee | €300 non-refundable application fee per person, plus €100 per person for the residence card. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| How to apply and processing time | Apply through Residency Malta's online system. Processing is expected to take 30 working days from receipt of payment, not counting any visa processing. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Health insurance | Health insurance covering risks in the EU (including Malta) and the UK is required, prepaid for a full year. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Tax | Under the Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules, income from authorised remote work is taxed at 10%, with no tax on it for the first 12 months unless you declare your residence is not merely casual. Authorised work means services for clients or an employer not resident or established in Malta. | legislation.mt |
| Renewal condition | To renew, you must show bank transactions proving at least 5 months (cumulative) living in Malta over the previous 12 months. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Family | The main applicant can include a spouse, minor children and certain dependent adult children in the application. | nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt |
Questions founders ask about Malta
- Can I run my own company on the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?
- Yes. Residency Malta lists a self-employed category: conducting business activity for a company registered abroad in which you are a partner or shareholder. Freelancers serving clients established abroad also qualify.
- Can I work for clients in Malta on it?
- Barred. People who directly or indirectly provide services to Malta-based companies or individuals are ineligible, as are contractors serving a foreign company's Maltese subsidiary.
- How much income do I need for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?
- Minimum gross income of €42,000 a year (€32,400 for applications lodged before 1 April 2024), with a guaranteed source of income for at least 5 months from application.
- How much does the Malta Nomad Residence Permit cost?
- €300 non-refundable application fee per person, plus €100 per person for the residence card issued by Identità, plus any visa fees. That's the government fee on the official page; translations, insurance and legal help cost extra.
- How long can I stay on the Malta Nomad Residence Permit?
- Issued for 1 year and renewable three times, up to 4 years in total, at Residency Malta's discretion. It does not lead to permanent or long-term residence or citizenship.
- Do I become tax resident in Malta?
- Under the Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules, income from authorised remote work is taxed at 10%, with no tax on it for the first 12 months unless you declare your residence is not merely casual. Authorised work means services for clients or an employer not resident or established in Malta. A visa doesn't settle where you pay tax, so take advice on your own case.
Other countries
Brazil · Colombia · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cyprus · Estonia · Greece · Hungary · Indonesia · Italy · Japan · Malaysia · Mexico · Portugal · Romania · South Korea · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates
To compare the routes, read digital nomad visas for founders and tax residency for remote founders.
- Official name
- Nomad Residence Permit
- Own company
- Yes
- Local clients
- Barred
- Stay
- Issued for 1 year and renewable three times, up to 4 years in total, at Residency Malta's discretion. It does not lead to permanent or long-term residence or citizenship.
- Government fee
- €300 non-refundable application fee per person, plus €100 per person for the residence card issued by Identità, plus any visa fees.
- Official page
- nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt
- Checked
Visa rules, fees and income bars change, and consulates apply them differently. Check nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.