Malta: A Hotspot for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs

If you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, or budding entrepreneur looking for a sun-soaked Mediterranean base that combines lifestyle, opportunity, and a favorable tax climate—Malta might just be the hidden gem you’re looking for.

But first, let’s get a sense of the place itself.

Where is Malta?

Malta is a small island nation located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between Sicily (Italy) to the north and the North African coast to the south. Despite its modest size—just 316 square kilometers—Malta boasts a strategic location that has made it a hub of history, culture, and commerce for centuries.

The country consists of three main islands: Malta (the largest), Gozo, and Comino. Its capital city, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in baroque architecture, and the nation is renowned for its warm climate, crystal-clear waters, and bilingual population—English and Maltese are both official languages.

Now that you know where it is, let’s explore why it’s become such an attractive destination for freelancers and business owners alike.

Freelancing in Malta: Mediterranean Work-Life Balance

With its laid-back lifestyle, English-speaking population, and EU membership, Malta is emerging as a hotspot for freelancers from across the globe. Here’s why:

1. English is Widely Spoken

For freelancers coming from the US, UK, or other English-speaking countries, Malta offers a soft landing. English is one of the two official languages and is widely spoken in business, government, and everyday life. This means freelancers can operate comfortably without needing to learn a new language.

2. EU Residency Options

As part of the European Union, Malta offers accessible visa options for EU citizens who want to work remotely. Non-EU citizens also have options through visa schemes and digital nomad permits, like the Nomad Residence Permit, which allows remote workers to stay for up to one year, renewable.

3. Growing Digital Infrastructure

Despite its small size, Malta punches above its weight in terms of digital infrastructure. The country has fast internet speeds, reliable mobile networks, and a growing network of coworking spaces in Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s—perfect for those looking to blend productivity with scenic views.

4. Low Cost of Living (Compared to Western Europe)

While not the cheapest destination in the EU, Malta is still more affordable than places like London, Paris, or Berlin. Rent, transportation, and food are reasonably priced, and you get the added benefit of living in a sunny climate year-round.

Opening a Business in Malta: Opportunities and Advantages

Beyond freelancing, Malta is also an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and startups looking to establish a European presence. Here’s what makes Malta a smart choice:

1. Business-Friendly Tax Environment

Malta operates a full imputation system for taxation, which means that company profits taxed at 35% can often be refunded in part to shareholders, reducing the effective tax rate for foreign owners to between 5% and 10%, depending on how the structure is set up.

This has made Malta a popular destination for holding companies, online businesses, iGaming firms, and SaaS startups.

2. Strategic Location for International Trade

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Malta serves as a logistical hub for international companies. Its proximity to major markets makes it ideal for companies that need efficient access to EU trade routes and global shipping networks.

3. Simple Company Formation Process

Setting up a business in Malta is relatively straightforward. You can register a company in as little as 2–3 weeks. The most common type of business entity is the Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd), which requires:

• At least one director and one shareholder
• A minimum share capital of €1,165 (only 20% must be paid up)
• A registered local address
• A company secretary

Once set up, your business can access Malta’s double taxation agreements with over 70 countries, making international expansion easier and more tax-efficient.

4. Government Incentives

The Maltese government actively supports startups and international businesses through a range of grants, tax credits, and financial schemes. Malta Enterprise, the government’s economic development agency, offers incentives for innovation, R&D, export growth, and job creation.

Challenges to Keep in Mind

While Malta offers many perks, it’s not without its challenges:

• Limited labor pool: Due to its small population, finding specialized talent locally can be difficult. Many companies recruit remotely or bring in foreign workers.
• Housing demand: As more digital workers move to Malta, rental prices in popular areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s have increased.
• Bureaucracy: Like many Southern European countries, you may encounter slow administrative processes or excessive paperwork. Patience is key.

Still, for many freelancers and entrepreneurs, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Living the Maltese Dream

What truly sets Malta apart is its lifestyle. It’s not just about tax incentives or startup permits—it’s about waking up to sea views, enjoying a swim on your lunch break, or sipping espresso in a historic piazza after work. It’s about being part of a tight-knit, international community of creatives, developers, writers, marketers, and business founders.

You can work from a coworking space in Gzira in the morning, take a ferry to Gozo for a weekend retreat, and network with tech founders at a rooftop bar in Valletta in the evening. Malta’s blend of natural beauty and modern convenience makes it an ideal setting for building your freelance brand or launching your next big idea.

The Malta Golden Visa: A Residency Pathway for Global Entrepreneurs

For non-EU citizens dreaming of working, living, or building a business in the European Union, Malta offers one of the most attractive residency programs in Europe: the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)—commonly referred to as the Malta Golden Visa.

This program isn’t just about acquiring residency—it’s a gateway to EU mobility, financial security, and an enviable Mediterranean lifestyle.

What Is the Malta Golden Visa?

The Malta Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment scheme designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and their families. In exchange for making specific investments in Malta, eligible applicants are granted the right to reside permanently in Malta, with no requirement to physically relocate or spend a minimum number of days there.

This program has gained popularity among remote workers, high-net-worth individuals, and global entrepreneurs seeking a Plan B within the EU.

Key Benefits of the Malta Permanent Residence Program

• EU Residency Rights: While the program doesn’t grant EU citizenship, it offers permanent residency rights within Malta—allowing you and your family to live, work (with a separate work permit), study, or retire in Malta.
• Family Inclusion: The main applicant can include a spouse, children, and even dependent parents or grandparents in the application.
• Visa-Free Schengen Travel: Residency in Malta allows for visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• No Physical Stay Requirement: You’re not required to live in Malta full-time to retain your residency—ideal for location-independent freelancers and business owners.
• Stable, Safe Jurisdiction: Malta is politically stable, economically growing, and offers a strong legal and financial system backed by EU frameworks.

Investment Requirements

To qualify for the Malta Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following financial commitments:

1. Government Contribution:
   • €68,000 if purchasing property in Malta
   • €98,000 if renting property
2. Property Investment:
   • Buy a property valued at €300,000 (in the south of Malta or Gozo) or €350,000 (in other parts of Malta)
   • OR rent a property for at least €10,000/year (Gozo or south) or €12,000/year (rest of Malta)
3. Donation: A €2,000 donation to a registered Maltese NGO
4. Due Diligence and Admin Fees: Additional processing and background check fees apply

Applicants must also show evidence of stable income or wealth, proving they can support themselves without relying on Malta’s public resources.

Who Is This Ideal For?

• Digital entrepreneurs seeking European market access
• Remote freelancers who want a Mediterranean base without renouncing their home citizenship
• Retirees or semi-retired professionals seeking EU residence for lifestyle and travel
• High-net-worth individuals pursuing long-term security in a stable jurisdiction

Golden Visa vs. Nomad Residence Permit: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to distinguish between the Golden Visa and Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit, which targets remote workers on temporary stays.

In short: if you’re looking for long-term or permanent residency with travel flexibility, the Golden Visa is the better fit. If you’re testing Malta as a digital base, the Nomad Visa is a faster, lower-cost option.

Final Take on the Malta Golden Visa

For non-EU freelancers, consultants, startup founders, or retirees with the means to invest, Malta’s Golden Visa is a powerful tool to secure European residency. You get access to one of the most beautiful, business-friendly countries in the Mediterranean—without the bureaucracy of traditional immigration channels.

Couple this with Malta’s vibrant expat scene, startup-friendly tax rules, and Schengen mobility, and it’s easy to see why so many global citizens are putting down roots here.

Getting There: Air Malta and Travel Accessibility

One of the best things about relocating or working remotely in Malta is how surprisingly easy it is to get there—especially thanks to Air Malta, the national airline.

The Gateway to the Island

Air Malta operates regular flights between Malta and major European cities such as London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Vienna. The airline offers both budget-friendly options and flexible business class fares, making it a go-to carrier for freelancers and entrepreneurs commuting between Malta and the EU.

What makes Air Malta especially convenient for business travelers and remote workers is the frequency of flights and its hub at Malta International Airport (MLA), which is just a 15-minute drive from most of the island’s key towns like Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s.

Additionally, Malta is well-connected by other budget carriers, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, so you’ll have no trouble hopping to nearby countries for business meetings, conferences, or weekend getaways.

The Weather: Sun, Sea, and Blue Skies

One of Malta’s most underrated advantages? The incredible Mediterranean weather. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s a climate that inspires productivity and enhances quality of life.

What to Expect Year-Round

• Spring (March–May): Arguably the best time to be in Malta. Temperatures are mild (15–24°C), flowers bloom across the islands, and tourist crowds are still light.
• Summer (June–August): Expect hot, dry days with average highs around 30–35°C (86–95°F). It’s beach weather every single day—ideal for freelancers looking to take a quick swim between Zoom calls.
• Autumn (September–November): The sea remains warm, and the heat starts to ease off. It’s still a great time for outdoor work and island exploration.
• Winter (December–February): Mild and damp, with temperatures ranging from 10–17°C (50–63°F). While not beach-perfect, it’s still sunnier and warmer than most of Europe.

There’s no snow, minimal rain, and hardly any gloomy weeks—perfect for anyone who needs sun to stay focused and energized.

Final Thoughts: Is Malta Right for You?

If you’re looking for a place where work and life blend seamlessly, Malta is worth considering. It offers the infrastructure and stability of the EU, the accessibility of the English language, a business-friendly ecosystem, and the kind of scenery that fuels creative energy.

Whether you’re freelancing as a content creator, consulting in fintech, or launching your own e-commerce brand, Malta provides a sunny, safe, and inspiring backdrop to do your best work—and live your best life.

Andrej Fedek

Andrej Fedek is the creator and the one-person owner of two blogs: InterCool Studio and CareersMomentum. As an experienced marketer, he is driven by turning leads into customers with White Hat SEO techniques. Besides being a boss, he is a real team player with a great sense of equality.