The short version
- Colombia has the lower entry bar: €1,130 per month versus €3,500 for Malta.
- Colombia grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12).
- Tax treatment differs: Colombia — territorial taxation; Malta — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
| Criteria | Colombia V-Nomad | Malta NRP |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income / month | €1,130 (better) | €3,500 |
| Income basis | Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) | Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) |
| Initial duration | 2 years (better) | 1 year |
| Renewable | No | Yes (better) |
| Maximum total stay | 2 years | 4 years |
| Path to permanent residence | No | No |
| Path to citizenship | No | No |
| Family inclusion | Yes | Yes |
| Working for local clients | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Tax treatment | Territorial 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 | ≈ €213 (better) | ≈ €300 |
| Where to apply | Online, Embassy / consulate | Online, Embassy / consulate |
| Processing time | — | 6 weeks |
Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.
Full guide
Colombia V-Nomad →
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 Resolución 5477 de 2022 (MRE), Art. 46 — Visa V Nómadas digitales (opens in a new tab) accessed 2026-06-15
- Government Cancillería de Colombia — Visa costs (opens in a new tab) accessed 2026-06-15
- Government DIAN — tax residency for foreigners / 183-day rule (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