The list of countries hoping to attract remote digital workers to the shores just grows longer. Today, Malta has launched its initiative for digital nomads to work on this beautiful Mediterranean island nation.
The cost of the visa will be €300, and will be valid for one year and can be extended. To apply, you need to be able to prove that you work remotely for an overseas company and have a contract as proof. Digital nomads also need to prove that they run a freelance business and make at least €2,700 per month.
Applicants will also need to have valid medical insurance and, in most cases, a rental contract.
Residents of some countries may also need an entry visa, which is separate to the Malta digital nomad visa. Check out all the details here.
So, with that out of the way, what’s Malta like? Is it the sort of place you could live for a year and enjoy a great digital nomad lifestyle?
About Malta
This tiny island nation sits in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, right between Italy and Tunisia in North Africa. Malta is famous for her craggy rocky coastline, and only has a few beaches of note. So if you’re planning on sitting in a hammock sipping pina coladas, this might not be the country for you.
But… Hold on! Being in the Med, the weather is good for most of the year, with hot summers and beautiful scenery. There is also some of the best scuba diving in Europe, a lively night life and a unique and beautiful culture.
The towns such as Valletta, Mdina and the sister island of Gozo are full of historic sights, friendly people and cultural attractions. Although I spent a week here a few years back, this definitely felt like the sort of place you could enjoy exploring at leisure. And the small size means that sightseeing isn’t a drag, like you might find in bigger countries.
In fact, the entire pace of life here feels very much slower than neighbouring Italy for example. And there are plenty of quirky things about the island that are great fun. For example, the many quaint old cars, the multitudes of cats everywhere, and the fact that there is a statue around nearly every corner.
Food sits somewhere between Italian and North African, with lots of pizza and pasta, but also stews and fish as seen in the Maghreb.
Malta is also well connected to most other European countries by air, including a sea link to Italy.
The cost of living in Malta
As far as expenses go, Malta is very affordable for the average digital nomad. Expect to pay around €650-1000 for an apartment, although the capital Valletta (which is tiny) is more expensive of course. The north of the island around St Pauls and Melieha is where the beaches are.
Food and drink is very inexpensive, but you will most likely need a car to get around, even though the island is tiny.
According to Numbeo, the monthly cost of living in Malta is around €1600 for one person.
So if you think you’d like to live on a lively European island with great connectivity (both digital and with the outside world) and an outdoors lifestyle, check out the new Malta digital nomad visa.
