The short version
- Brazil has the lower entry bar: €1,380 per month versus €3,500 for Malta.
- Tax treatment differs: Brazil — standard resident taxation; Malta — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
| Criteria | Brazil VITEM XIV | Malta NRP |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income / month | €1,380 (better) | €3,500 |
| Income basis | Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) | Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) |
| Initial duration | 1 year | 1 year |
| Renewable | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum total stay | 2 years | 4 years |
| Path to permanent residence | No | No |
| Path to citizenship | No | No |
| Family inclusion | No | Yes (better) |
| Working for local clients | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Tax treatment | Standard resident taxation | Special tax regime (Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules (S.L. 123.210)) |
| Health insurance | Required (explicit) | Required (explicit), min. €100,000 |
| Insurance duration required | Full visa period | Full visa period |
| Application fee | ≈ €100 (better) | ≈ €300 |
| Where to apply | Embassy / consulate, Online | Online, Embassy / consulate |
| Processing time | 1 weeks | 6 weeks |
Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.
Full guide
Brazil VITEM XIV →
Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.
Full guide
Malta NRP →
Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.
Don't forget insurance
Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.
Sources
- Official gazette Resolução CNIG MJSP nº 45/2021 (Diário Oficial da União) (opens in a new tab) accessed 2026-06-15
- Embassy Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) — Embassy of Brazil (consular fee, process) (opens in a new tab) accessed 2026-06-15
- Government Eligibility — Nomad Residence Permit (Residency Malta Agency) (opens in a new tab) accessed 2026-06-15
- Government Tax — Nomad Residence Permit (Residency Malta Agency) (opens in a new tab) accessed 2026-06-15
- Official gazette S.L. 123.210 Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules (Laws of Malta) (opens in a new tab) accessed 2026-06-15