🇲🇹 Malta
English-speaking EU island hub with a remittance-based tax system
Visa Options
- Nomad Residence Permit (1 year, renewable up to 4 years total) — €42,000/yr (~€3,500/mo) remote income
- Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) (Permanent) — €375k property purchase (or €14k/yr rent) + ~€99k government fees/donation + €500k–650k capital
- Key Employee Initiative / Work Permit (Employer-sponsored (renewable)) — Job offer in a specialist role, fast-track processing
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: 0% (up to €12,000) – 35% (progressive)
- Nomad Permit Tax: 0% in Year 1 (foreign income exempt), then flat 10% on income remitted to Malta from Year 2
- Corporate Tax: 35% headline; effective ~5% for trading companies after the shareholder refund system
- VAT: 18%
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): €1,300 – €1,900/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Sliema/St Julian's): €900 – €1,300/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Valletta): €800 – €1,150/mo
- Groceries: €220 – €320/mo
- Utilities: €100 – €160/mo
- Dining out: €12 – €25/meal
- Public transport: €26/mo pass
Relocation Checklist
- Obtain a Maltese Tax Identification Number
- Open a Maltese bank account
- Apply for the Nomad Residence Permit / eResidence card online
- Secure proof of accommodation (lease agreement)
- Take out private health insurance (required)
- Complete eResidence biometrics at Identity Malta
- Register your address with the local council
- File an annual tax declaration if remitting income to Malta