🇲🇹 Malta
How the 90/180 rule applies to Malta, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
2007
Currency
EUR
Timezone
Europe/Malta
Calling code
+356
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in Malta counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in Malta are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a Malta national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in Malta itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in Malta, specifically
US, UK, and EU citizens walk into Malta visa-free for 90 days. Indian and many other nationalities will need a Schengen visa beforehand.
Who Gets In and How
Malta, as part of the Schengen Area, generally allows visa-free entry for citizens of over 60 countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. If you’re from one of these places, you’ll likely get a passport stamp upon arrival, though some border guards might skip it. For those needing a Schengen visa, apply well in advance from your country of residence. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will launch soon, requiring electronic pre-approval for visa-exempt travellers, but it's not active yet. Keep an eye on official EU sources for the exact launch date and requirements; expect it to be an online application.
The 90/180 Rule: Malta Edition
That 90 days in any 180-day period is the critical rule for short stays. Don't overstay, even by a day. Malta stamps passports on arrival and, if you’re leaving via ferry to non-Schengen countries, on departure. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a residence permit. This isn't a simple process and requires proving you have sufficient funds and health insurance. It's not a digital nomad visa, but a permit for residents. Many people mistakenly think the 90-day clock resets with a short trip outside Schengen, but it doesn't; that’s a common trap.
Where Nomads Actually Hang Out
Most remote workers gravitate towards the larger islands. Sliema and St Julian's are popular for their modern amenities, co-working spaces, and proximity to cafes with decent Wi-Fi. Valletta itself is beautiful but can be pricier and quieter at night. Expect monthly living costs to range between €1200 and €1800, depending heavily on your accommodation choices and lifestyle. Internet speeds are generally good, especially in the more developed areas, with fibre optic widely available. For payments, international credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some Euros cash on hand is useful for smaller local shops or markets. You'll find most transactions straightforward.