Malta is a member of the European Union, which means EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can move here freely without the need for a visa or work permit. For non-EU nationals, the most common routes are through an employer-sponsored work permit or a residence permit. In recent years, Malta has also launched the Nomad Residence Permit (nomad.residencymalta. gov.mt), which allows remote workers earning at least €42,000 (~$47,000) per year to live and work on the islands for up to twelve months (with the option to renew for up to three years); and the Malta Startup Residence Programme (startinmalta.com/schemes/startup-residence), which gives founders launching a startup a three-year residence permit (extendable for up to 5 years). International students can apply for a student visa if they are enrolled in licensed institutions such as the University of Malta or MCAST. All residency applications are processed by the Identity Malta Agency (identita.gov.mt), and applicants are expected to provide proof of income, valid health insurance and proof of accommodation. Processing times vary, so applying early is advisable.

Written by Yessica Klein
Main photo by unsplash