Are you considering a digital nomad visa for your next adventure? With more countries offering flexible visa options for remote workers, Malta and Spain stand out as two attractive destinations. Both offer unique benefits, but choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, budget, and work preferences.
Albert Ioffe, Legal and Compliance Officer at Immigrant Invest, compares Spain and Malta digital nomad visa requirements, helping you decide which one best suits your needs.
Digital Nomad Visas Overview
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period, often ranging from one to a few years. These visas cater to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees who can work from anywhere, providing an opportunity to experience a new country while continuing to earn a living.
Many European countries, including Malta and Spain, have introduced their own digital nomad visa programs. These visas generally offer tax incentives, lower living costs, and the chance to explore new cultures.
However, each program has different requirements, benefits, and drawbacks, which we will explore in detail for both Malta and Spain.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements and Application Process
Spain Nomad Residence Permit launched in late 2022, making it a top contender for remote workers in Europe. This visa allows you to live in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies. Below are the key requirements and application process for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa.
Requirements of Spanish nomad residence:
- applicants must be employed by a company outside of Spain or be self-employed with clients outside the country;
- you need to demonstrate a stable income. The minimum income requirement is approximately €2,650 per month, though this can vary based on the applicant’s family size;
- you must have valid health insurance that covers you while living in Spain.
- a clean criminal record is required.
Application process:
- Submit your application. You can apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country or from within Spain if you’re already there on another visa.
- Provide documentation. Submit proof of income, employment status, health insurance, and a criminal background check.
- Wait for approval. Once your application is processed, you will receive a residence permit to work remotely in Spain for up to one year, renewable for an additional two years.
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a solid program for remote workers, with its relatively straightforward application process and attractive location in Europe. However, the income requirement may be a hurdle for some, particularly those just starting out in remote work.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements and Application Process
Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean, has also introduced a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Known for its sunny weather, English-speaking population, and strategic location, Malta is an appealing destination for digital nomads.
Requirements Malta nomad residence:
- like Spain, applicants must work for a foreign company or be self-employed with clients outside of Malta;
- the minimum income requirement for Malta is set at €3,500 per month;
- proof of valid health insurance covering you in Malta is required;
- you need to show that you have a place to live in Malta for the duration of your stay;
- a clean criminal record check from your home country is necessary.
Application Process:
- Submit your application. You can apply online through the official Malta government portal.
- Provide evidence of employment, income, health insurance, and accommodation.
- Approval and residency: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a one-year visa, with the option to extend or renew.
The Malta Digital Nomad Visa has a simpler application process compared to Spain and is known for its fast approval times. However, the monthly income requirement is slightly higher than Spain’s, which could be a consideration for those with tighter budgets.
Malta and Spain Digital Nomad Visas: A Comparison
Both Malta and Spain offer appealing digital nomad visa programs, but there are several key differences between the two that might influence your decision.
Income requirements. Spain requires a minimum monthly income of €2,650, while Malta’s threshold is slightly higher at €3,500. If you’re just starting out or don’t have a high income, Spain might be the more accessible option.
Cost of living: Generally, Malta has a lower cost of living than Spain, especially in terms of rent and daily expenses. If budget is a primary consideration, Malta could be the more affordable choice.
Visa duration and renewals. Spain offers a three-year visa with the possibility to renew for two additional years. Malta offers a 12-month visa that can be renewed three more times.
Language. While both Malta and Spain have English-speaking communities, Spanish is the main language in Spain, which might pose a challenge for non-Spanish speakers. In Malta, English is one of the official languages, making it easier for English-speaking digital nomads to settle in.
Climate and lifestyle. Spain offers a more diverse climate with both coastal and inland areas to explore, from the beaches of Costa Brava to the vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Malta, on the other hand, offers a sunny Mediterranean lifestyle with a small but thriving expat community.
Conclusion
Choosing between Malta and Spain for your digital nomad visa depends on your personal preferences and work situation. Spain offers a more extensive network of cities and a variety of cultural experiences, making it ideal for those looking for a diverse lifestyle. Maltese nomad residence, with its English-speaking environment and more affordable living costs, is a solid choice for those seeking a quieter, Mediterranean lifestyle.
Both countries provide strong benefits for digital nomads, and it ultimately comes down to factors such as income requirements, cost of living, and your preferred lifestyle.
