🛂 Visa comparison
Malta vs Panama digital nomad visa
Two of the nomad visas Americans compare most, side by side: what each asks for, how long it lasts, where it leads, and what life costs in each country.
The short version
- Panama's income bar is lower: about $3,000 a month vs $3,102.
- Life is cheaper in Panama: from $2,114 a month all-in in Panama City, vs $2,370 in Valletta.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇲🇹 Malta | 🇵🇦 Panama |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Nomad Residence Permit | Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa |
| 💵 Income needed | €2,700/mo (~€32,400/yr) | $3,000/mo ($36k/yr) |
| ≈ In US dollars | $3,102/mo | $3,000/mo |
| 💳 Fees | €300 | ~$300 |
| ⏳ Length | 1 yr | 9 months |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes, up to 4 yrs total | Once (+9 mo) |
| 🏠 Path to residency | Nomad permit years don't count toward PR | Yes via residency routes (not the remote-worker visa) |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🟢 Friendly · Foreign income only if brought in, top 35% | 🟢 Friendly · Local income only, top 25% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 90 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $2,370 · Valletta | $2,114 · Panama City |
General reference, not immigration or tax advice. Income figures in US dollars are converted at current rates from each visa's own requirement; confirm with the consulate before applying.