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Head to head

Malta vs Turkey: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Turkey has the lower entry bar: €2,584 per month versus €3,500 for Malta.
  • Tax treatment differs: Malta — special tax regime; Turkey — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Malta NRP and the Turkey DNV.
Criteria Malta NRP Turkey DNV
Minimum income / month €3,500 €2,584 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 4 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Special tax regime (Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules (S.L. 123.210)) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €100,000 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €300 —
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 6 weeks 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Malta NRP →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Turkey 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 Turkey →

Sources