Eligibility Criteria for the Nomad Residence Permit
General Requirements
To apply for the Nomad Residence Permit, individuals must satisfy the following basic criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years old or above.
- Remote Work Capability: Ability to work independently of location using telecommunications technologies.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Third Country Nationals. This excludes citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Specific Ineligibility
Applicants from the following countries or having close ties with these are not eligible:
- Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Belarus.
- The list of ineligible countries is subject to revision at the discretion of the Agency.
Income Requirements
- Before April 1st, 2024: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum gross yearly income of €32,400.
- From April 1st, 2024: The minimum gross yearly income requirement will increase to €42,000.
- Renewal Applications: Existing permit holders seeking renewal will continue under the income conditions originally applied with, irrespective of new income requirement thresholds.
Employment Categories
Applicants must prove they fall under one of the following employment categories:
- Employed by a Foreign Company: Working for an employer that is registered in a foreign country with a valid contract of employment.
- Self-Employed: Conducting business activities for a company registered in a foreign country of which the applicant is a partner or shareholder.
- Freelance: Providing freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, under existing contracts.
Note: Individuals contracted by a foreign company to provide services to a company’s Maltese subsidiary or to Malta-based companies or individuals directly or indirectly are not eligible for this permit.
Additional Documentation and Requirements
Applicants must also provide:
- Valid Travel Document: Passport or other travel documentation recognized by Maltese authorities.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for risks within Malta.
- Accommodation: A valid property rental or purchase agreement in Malta for the duration of the stay.
- Police Conduct Certificate: Evidence of good conduct and pass a background verification check.
Application Review Process
- All applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering individual merits.
- The Agency reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify the source of income for a minimum period of 5 months from the day of application.
Standard Procedures
Standard visa and permit acquisition rules apply, requiring all prospective applicants to follow the established procedures in addition to meeting the specific eligibility criteria outlined above.