We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete 2026 guide to Malta\u2019s Nomad Residence Permit: eligibility, documents, fees, family rules, work limits, taxes, renewal, refusals, and official links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-04-04<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malta\u2019s Nomad Residence Permit<\/strong> is a residence authorization for third-country nationals who want to live in Malta while working remotely<\/strong> for a foreign employer, foreign clients, or their own foreign-registered business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It exists to attract location-independent professionals who can support themselves without entering the Maltese labor market. In policy terms, it sits between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is most closely associated with Residency Malta<\/strong> and is officially presented as the Nomad Residence Permit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is primarily a residence permit scheme<\/strong>, not just a short-stay visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, applicants may deal with more than one immigration document:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So it is best understood as a hybrid route<\/strong>: a residence permit category that may also require entry clearance depending on nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malta is in the Schengen area<\/strong>. The Nomad Residence Permit gives a lawful basis to live in Malta, but it is not the same thing as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most commonly used official name is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common shorthand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is commonly confused with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is best for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use the nomad route just for a holiday. Use the appropriate short-stay visa\/visa-free entry<\/strong> route instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are only attending brief meetings, conferences, or exploratory visits, the nomad route is usually excessive. A business visitor\/Schengen short-stay<\/strong> route may be more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not<\/strong> a job-seeker visa for finding Maltese employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you will work for a Maltese employer, you likely need a work permit \/ single permit<\/strong>, not the nomad permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main purpose is study in Malta, use a student residence route<\/strong>, not the nomad route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your purpose is retirement, passive residence, tax residence planning, or residence-by-investment, this is probably the wrong route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These groups usually need purpose-specific immigration categories if their main activity is in Malta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable; use standard transit or entry rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Officially, the route is intended for people who can work independently of location<\/strong> using telecommunications technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical permitted purposes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is widely misunderstood. The Nomad Residence Permit exists specifically to regularize longer-term remote residence. Visitor status is not the same as a residence permit, and visitors should not assume that prolonged remote work from Malta is automatically allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a sensitive point. The scheme is designed around foreign employers\/businesses\/clients<\/strong>. If you plan to serve local Maltese clients or work locally, you should get case-specific official guidance and likely consider another route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main business is a foreign-registered company<\/strong>, that fits the permit structure. If you intend to establish and operate a Maltese local business<\/strong> as your primary activity, this route may not be the correct one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nomad Residence Permit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nomad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nomad Residence Permit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The route is associated with Residency Malta<\/strong> and implemented within Malta\u2019s residence\/immigration framework, with related immigration processing involving Maltese authorities such as Residency Malta<\/strong>, Identit\u00e0<\/strong>, and Maltese diplomatic posts depending on the stage and applicant nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A typical applicant must be a third-country national<\/strong> and must usually show they can work remotely in one of the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The scheme is generally aimed at non-EU\/EEA\/Swiss nationals<\/strong>. EU\/EEA\/Swiss nationals usually rely on free movement rules instead of this permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are from a visa-required nationality, you may also need an entry visa after approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official scheme materials state a minimum gross monthly income threshold<\/strong>. This threshold has been published by official Maltese sources and has changed over time. Because thresholds can be updated, applicants should verify the latest figure on the official Nomad Residence Permit page before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the time official materials have commonly referenced recent thresholds, the minimum has been presented around EUR 3,500 gross per month<\/strong> for the main applicant, but applicants must verify the current official amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants need a valid passport. The exact minimum remaining validity is not always stated in one single nomad-specific public rule page, so follow the official application instructions and general immigration practice: keep substantial validity beyond intended entry and permit processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants must show they have accommodation in Malta for at least an initial period or as required by the application stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants must hold health insurance<\/strong> covering risks in Malta. Coverage standards should match official instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants may be asked for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants should show that their role\/business can genuinely be carried out through telecommunications technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dependants may be included or apply in parallel, subject to proof of family relationship and additional financial sufficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Residence card issuance usually requires biometrics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants should not present a public health or security concern under Malta\u2019s immigration rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No public official lottery or points system is generally described for this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No Maltese employer sponsorship is required because this is not a local employment route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no consistently published general requirement for a degree, language test, or formal points score for the basic route. Applicants should not invent qualifications if not asked. If additional evidence of professional status is requested, provide it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your declared purpose must match the route: living in Malta while working remotely for non-Maltese entities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be refused if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> A common mistake is assuming \u201cremote worker\u201d means any work done on a laptop. For this route, the source and location of the employer\/client\/business matter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subject to approval, family members can reside with the main permit holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Residence in Malta may facilitate travel within the Schengen area for short trips, subject to general Schengen rules and the holder\u2019s passport\/permit status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This route is not intended for reliance on Maltese public assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Nomad Residence Permit is typically granted for 1 year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is renewable<\/strong>, provided the holder continues to satisfy conditions. Official policy has allowed renewals, but the precise maximum cumulative period and renewal practice can evolve. Verify current official renewal guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because this is a residence route, permit holders generally have re-entry rights during validity, but:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, residence validity runs from the permit\u2019s effective issuance period, not from the date you first started preparing your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your permit expires and you remain without lawful status, you may face:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No universal public \u201cgrace period\u201d should be assumed unless officially stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is a practical master checklist based on official scheme requirements and standard Maltese residence processing expectations. Always follow the latest official checklist for your exact case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> uploading blurry passport scans or cropped pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually a core requirement unless specifically requested. If your file would benefit from professional-context evidence, include only relevant materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not a central feature of this route unless someone is hosting you. If relying on host accommodation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on nationality or place of application, authorities may ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If documents are not in English or another accepted language, certified translation may be required. Civil status and police documents may also require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This varies by issuing country and document type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the latest official passport photo requirements. Common standards include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Even if a document seems optional, include it if it directly resolves an obvious question in your file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official guidance has set a minimum gross monthly income threshold<\/strong> for the main applicant. This has commonly been around EUR 3,500 gross per month<\/strong>, but applicants must verify the latest official figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official sources should be checked for the latest dependant financial expectations. Additional means may be expected where family members are included, even if the headline threshold is published only for the main applicant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent statements are usually expected. If there are unusually large deposits, explain them clearly with supporting evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the income threshold, applicants should budget for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your income is in another currency, present a simple conversion note and ensure it clearly exceeds the euro threshold with a safety margin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Meeting the threshold only on paper while bank inflows do not match the salary or contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official fees can change. Always check the latest official fee page or application guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Malta<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Nomad Residence Permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n Nomad<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Long-stay residence authorization for remote workers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n To live in Malta while working remotely using telecommunications technology for employers\/clients\/businesses outside Malta<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Non-EU\/EEA\/Swiss remote employee, freelancer, or company owner serving clients\/employers outside Malta<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Commonly issued for 1 year, renewable if requirements continue to be met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Residence in Malta during permit validity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Permit holders generally have residence-based travel rights; initial entry arrangements can vary by nationality and whether a D visa is needed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, renewal is possible if criteria remain satisfied and official renewal conditions are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited: remote work only for employer\/business\/clients registered outside Malta<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited: short courses are generally possible if compatible with permit purpose; full-time local study is not the purpose of this route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, eligible dependants may apply, subject to proof and additional requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible\/indirect: this permit is not designed as a direct permanent residence route; whether time counts toward long-term residence can be legally and factually complex and should be confirmed with official authorities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect only: Malta naturalization is discretionary and subject to separate residence\/law requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
Is it a visa or a residence permit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why it matters in Malta\u2019s system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Official\/alternate naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Best-fit applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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People who may use it, but only if facts align<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who should usually not use this visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Job seekers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Employees of Maltese companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Investors\/retirees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Religious workers, artists, athletes, researchers, medical travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Transit passengers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Simple decision guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nYour situation<\/th>\n Nomad Permit suitable?<\/th>\n Better route<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Remote employee of US\/UK\/UAE company<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Nomad Residence Permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Freelancer with foreign clients only<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Nomad Residence Permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Want to work for a Malta company<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Single Permit \/ work route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Enrolling in university in Malta<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Student residence route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 2-week holiday<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Short-stay\/visa-free route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Looking for work after arrival<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Work authorization route, if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Moving with spouse and children while working remotely for foreign company<\/td>\n Yes, potentially<\/td>\n Nomad + dependant applications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Usually prohibited or outside the purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I work remotely from Malta as a tourist?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I invoice Maltese clients?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I open a business in Malta under this permit?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Short name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Long name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Administrative context<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Related categories people confuse it with<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCategory<\/th>\n How it differs<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Schengen short-stay visa<\/td>\n Short visits only; not a residence permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Single Permit \/ Work Permit<\/td>\n For local work with Maltese employer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student residence permit<\/td>\n Main purpose is study<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Permanent Residence routes<\/td>\n Different legal basis, thresholds, and purpose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family reunification<\/td>\n Family-based residence, not remote-work based<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Income threshold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accommodation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Background and character<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ability to perform work remotely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dependants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quotas\/caps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Invitation\/job offer\/sponsorship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Education\/language\/work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal patterns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nRefusal trigger<\/th>\n Why it matters<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Wrong visa category<\/td>\n Local work or study does not fit nomad purpose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Weak income proof<\/td>\n Core threshold requirement not met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Unclear employer\/client evidence<\/td>\n Officers must see genuine foreign-source activity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Inconsistent documents<\/td>\n Different addresses, dates, names, salary amounts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Insurance gaps<\/td>\n Mandatory protection missing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate issues<\/td>\n Character\/security concerns<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Applying with a near-expiry passport<\/td>\n Practical and legal issuance problems<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Travel flexibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Work\/study flexibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Lifestyle and administrative benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reporting and compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Public funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Renewal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Entries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grace periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Application form<\/td>\n Official nomad application form<\/td>\n Starts the case<\/td>\n Old form version, missing signatures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Declaration\/consent forms<\/td>\n Official declarations<\/td>\n Compliance and data checks<\/td>\n Unsigned pages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cover letter<\/td>\n Applicant explanation<\/td>\n Clarifies eligibility<\/td>\n Vague purpose, conflicting story<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If employed abroad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If self-employed\/freelance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If company owner\/shareholder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Minimum income<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dependants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Acceptable evidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bank statements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hidden costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Currency issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Typical cost components<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCost item<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Application\/administrative fee<\/td>\n Check latest official amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Residence card fee<\/td>\n May be included or separately structured<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entry visa fee if required<\/td>\n Depends on nationality and visa need<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Biometrics<\/td>\n Usually part of residence-card process, but check current practice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Police certificate<\/td>\n Paid to issuing country authority<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Translation\/notary\/apostille<\/td>\n Varies by country and document volume<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Health insurance<\/td>\n Varies by age, coverage, family size<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Courier\/travel<\/td>\n Depends on where you apply from<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Renewal fee<\/td>\n Check latest official amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n