Residency Malta’s announcement last week that it had received 180 applicants for a temporary residency scheme for nomads has put the spotlight on a growing economic niche in the country. The scheme is targeted at non-EU individuals with a gross monthly income of at least €2,700. Digital nomads are not tied to an office desk for the usual 9-5, but as long as they have their laptop, mobile and good internet connection, they can be found typing away in a coffee shop, preparing a spreadsheet at the beach or holding an online conference in the comfort of their living room. Malta is not new to the concept of digital nomads and thousands of expats – both from the EU and outside the EU – already live and work here – but who are they? ‘I knew Malta was special after just five days’ Originally from the US but living in Germany and France since 2000, Daniel Thompson-Yvetot arrived in Malta for a short holiday in September last year. “After just five days, I knew I wanted to stay here longer… and now I received my Nomad visa, including my own Maltese ID card and I believe Malta can be the place I call home and where I set up my new business idea.” He is the co-founder, director and CTO of...