🛂 Visa comparison
Malta vs Spain 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
- Malta's income bar is lower: about $3,102 a month vs $3,274.
- Life is cheaper in Spain: from $1,712 a month all-in in Seville, vs $2,370 in Valletta.
- Lighter tax once resident in Malta (friendly vs heavy).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇲🇹 Malta | 🇪🇸 Spain |
|---|---|---|
| 🛂 Visa | Nomad Residence Permit | Digital Nomad Visa (Startup Act) |
| 💵 Income needed | €2,700/mo (~€32,400/yr) | €2,849/mo (200% SMI, 2026) |
| ≈ In US dollars | $3,102/mo | $3,274/mo |
| 💳 Fees | €300 | ~€80 visa + permit fees |
| ⏳ Length | 1 yr | 1 yr (consulate) or 3 yrs (in-country) |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes, up to 4 yrs total | Yes, 2-yr renewals up to 5 yrs |
| 🏠 Path to residency | Nomad permit years don't count toward PR | PR at 5 yrs; citizenship at 10 (renounce-US rule applies, Ibero-American exceptions) |
| 🧾 Tax once resident | 🟢 Friendly · Foreign income only if brought in, top 35% | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 47% |
| 🗓️ Visa-free visit first | 90 days | 90 days |
| 💰 Cheapest city, all-in | $2,370 · Valletta | $1,712 · Seville |
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.