The Benefits of Working in Malta for EU and EEA Nationals

If you’re from a country in the EU or EFTA, or if you’re a close family member of someone from these countries, you don’t need any special permission to work in Malta. However, if you’re from a country outside of the EU or EFTA, you’ll need to apply for a work permit or family member permit to work or live in Malta. 

If you’re from the EU or EEA, you must know that Malta offers residency programs that make it easy for you to live and work here. These programmes range from those for highly qualified professionals to students, retirees and more.

Here’s what you need to know about the residency options available and how you can apply as an EU or EEA national.

Residency Programmes for EU and EEA Nationals

EU/EEA nationals can choose from several residency programmes that enable them to live and work across the European Union and the European Economic Area.

Each program comes with its unique opportunities and advantages, and of course, it depends on individual needs and objectives. Here is a summary of some of the main residency programs available for EU/EEA nationals.

• Ordinary Residence
• The Residence Programme (TRP)
• Highly Qualified Persons (HQP) Scheme
• Student Residence Programme
• Family Reunification Programme
• Malta Retirement Programme
• The Nomad Residency Permit

Ordinary Residence

The Ordinary Residence programme is one of the most straightforward residency options available to EU/EEA nationals. It allows individuals to live and work in Malta without the need for special permits. Find more about visa and residence permits in Malta.

The Residence Programme (TRP)

The Residence Programme is designed for those who wish to enjoy the tax benefits of Malta’s favourable tax regime. It is particularly attractive for high-net-worth individuals and retirees looking for a welcoming place to live. The Residence Programme (TRP) aims to grant its beneficiaries a Special Tax Status (STS), which offers a reduced tax rate of 15% on any foreign income remitted to Malta.

Applicants must own or rent property in Malta or Gozo and meet specific financial criteria. They must also have stable and regular resources sufficient to support themselves and their qualifying family members without relying on Maltese social assistance.

The required minimum annual tax of €15,000 and a one-time administrative fee of €6,000.

Highly Qualified Persons (HQP) Scheme

This scheme targets professionals with specialised skills, particularly in financial services, gaming, and technology sectors. The HQP scheme offers significant tax incentives, such as a flat tax rate of 15% on income earned in Malta. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their employment and salary. Read more about all the guidelines and details here.

Student Residence Programme

The Student Residence Programme is ideal for EU/EEA nationals who wish to study in Malta. It provides students with the opportunity to live in Malta for the duration of their studies. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution and provide proof of sufficient financial resources and health insurance. Check student visa fees here.

Family Reunification Programme

The Family Reunification Programme is designed to help families stay together. It allows EU/EEA nationals residing in Malta to bring their family members to live with them. To apply, residents must provide proof of financial stability, health insurance, and accommodation for their family members. Applicants must register for the Malta Citizenship by Investment program by submitting CEA Form G and Form ID 1A, along with a €27.50 application fee.

Malta Retirement Programme

The Malta Retirement Programme is designed for retirees who wish to enjoy their golden years in a warm and friendly environment. Feel free to read our full informative guide on retiring in Malta.

The Nomad Residency Permit

The Nomad Residency Permit is a new initiative aimed at attracting digital nomads and remote workers to Malta. This permit allows individuals to live in Malta while working for a company based outside the country. Applicants must demonstrate that they can work remotely and have sufficient income to support themselves. This programme is ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers seeking a base in Europe.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Malta as EU and EEA Nationals?

As a member of the European Union, Malta provides a simple way for EU/EEA nationals to relocate to the island. The most popular options typically involve routes through Employment/Self-Employment or Self-Sufficiency.

Applying for a residence permit in Malta as an EU or EEA national is straightforward. 

First, you need to gather the necessary documentation, which includes a completed application form, a valid passport or ID card, proof of health insurance, and evidence of financial stability or employment in Malta. The application can be submitted to the Expatriates Unit of Identity Malta. The fee for the application is typically €27.50, but it’s advisable to check the latest fees on the official Identity Malta website or through direct contact with their office.

Once your application is submitted, processing times can vary, but it generally takes a few weeks to receive your residence permit. During this period, Identity Malta may request additional information or documents, so it is important to respond promptly to any such requests. 

The residence permit, once granted, is usually valid for five years and can be renewed by applying online through the Expatriates Portal as long as you continue to meet the residency requirements. For more detailed information, you can refer to Identity Malta’s guidelines or consult with legal advisors specialising in Maltese residency laws.

Need assistance in preparing the documents and applying for a residence permit? Do not hesitate to contact us at Expatax Malta to ease the application process.

1. Through Employment/Self-Employment 

If you’re planning to move to Malta through employment or self-employment, there are specific requirements you need to meet for residency:

• Valid Identification: You must have a valid passport or national identity card from your home country.
• Proof of Residence: You need a Maltese residential address, which can be either owned or rented. At Expatax Malta, we can help you find the perfect property.
• Employment Contract: Your employment contract must comply with all the rules set out in Maltese employment legislation.

For those looking to move as self-employed individuals, additional documents are required:

• A registration certificate from Jobsplus (Job search in Malta).
• A VAT registration certificate from the VAT department.
• A Tax registration certificate from the Inland Revenue Department.
• A National Insurance registration number.

At ExpatTax Malta, our team of tax consultants are ready to help you gather all the necessary documents and provide any assistance you might need to smoothly transition to living in Malta.

2. Through Self-Sufficiency

For EU/EEA nationals looking to reside in Malta on the basis of self-sufficiency, there are several requirements that must be met:

• Valid Identification: You need to have a valid passport or national identity card issued by your home country.
• Proof of Residence: You must have a residential address in Malta, which can be a property you own or rent. Supporting documents like rental agreements or utility bills may be required to prove your residency.
• Financial Resources: You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and any dependents. This can typically be shown through bank statements, employment contracts, or evidence of a stable income.
• Health Insurance: It is essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage that is recognized in Malta. This ensures you and your dependents can access necessary medical services during your stay.

What is GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict rules for how personal data should be handled in the EU. It requires organizations to keep people’s data safe and secure, whether it’s stored digitally or on paper. The GDPR gives people more control over their own information and demands that companies protect it from misuse and unauthorized access.

Important Note: When applying for residency, it’s important to keep in mind that regulations can change. At ExpatTax Malta, we provide professional advice to ensure you have the latest information. Our team of tax consultants can assist you with document preparation and any other requirements you might need during your application process, helping to make your move to Malta as smooth as possible.