Skip to content

Head to head

Malta vs Philippines: the digital nomad visas compared

Low confidence Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Tax treatment differs: Malta — special tax regime; Philippines — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Malta NRP and the Philippines DNV.
Criteria Malta NRP Philippines DNV
Minimum income / month €3,500 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 4 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Special tax regime (Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules (S.L. 123.210)) Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €100,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €300 —
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, Online
Processing time 6 weeks —

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Malta NRP →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Philippines DNV →

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.

Insurance for Malta → Insurance for Philippines →

Sources