How to Write a Letter of Intent — Malta Nomad Residency Application

After procrastinating about this for a long time, here is a guide to writing your letter of intent and a template to get you started. I hope this helps you with your application. Good luck.

How to write a letter of intent image cover.

Hello buddy,

Prelude: Long time no see or talk. I hope you’ve been well. I am winging it — So far, so good.

I promise that I had this in the draft for a long time because I wanted to get it perfect, and then when I thought I should publish it, I was dealing with moving to Amsterdam and being homeless and never got to put the finishing touches and send it to you.

Since writing the piece on how I relocated to Malta on a digital nomad visa, I have had requests to review or share tips on how to write a solid letter of intent. Some even asked me to share mine, but knowing humans — I knew that sharing my template would make people not think to make theirs unique, which may or may not jeopardize their application.

For some people, I spent time on a call or via chat to explain things to them and even shared tips on thinking about it. This piece highlights essential details you should include in your application.

Why do you need an intent letter?

A letter of intent is literally what it implies: “A letter that shows an intention towards something.” In the real world, when you want something, you prepare, define, and defend why this is important to you. For some religious people, you make a case to God why you need to get this thing.

It’s the same for most applications you’ll do as a person. Nomad Residency wants to know how much you want the residency without sounding desperate or too lax.

This is what you want your letter of intent to say:

• Who are you, and what do you do?
• Explain why you’re interested in the program.
• Why are you an excellent candidate for the program?
• What makes the program a good fit for you?
• What will your contribution be?
• Declare unequivocally that the program is an opportunity to broaden your horizon while learning about a new culture and supporting the community in the best way possible.
• Why Malta and not other places? What makes Mlata attractive to you? The beaches, churches, the fact that it is a small island, or some of the Game of Thrones scenes were shot in Malta? You can Google Fun or unique facts about the country. Or even say I recommended it; you’ll love to experience everything firsthand instead of reading from postcards.
• STAND OUT — Remember to personalize the letter of intent and tailor it to the nomad residency program you are applying for (for people applying to other nomad residency programs). Ensure that you follow specific guidelines or requirements the program organizers provide, such as word count or formatting instructions.

Before you start…

First, I need you to understand that this intent letter is like a cover letter. You are selling yourself to the Residency Malta office on why you should be considered for this program. So, put your best foot forward.

A clip from the official checklist of what is expected in your intent letter, as seen on the Residency Malta checklist, is shared below:

“a signed and dated declaration by the Main Applicant clearly stating the motivations for moving to Malta and the intention of applying for the Nomad Residence Permit. The letter should also include the list of documentation which will be submitted at the application stage to support the application.”

Therefore, I have drafted a template to help you write your letter of intent for the Malta Nomad Visa or any nomad visa. I hope this helps you. But first, a structure and an attached checklist for the letter of intent.

Checklist of things to include in your intent letter.

Use the following outline to start your letter. Also, bear in mind that this is an outline of mine. There is no set-in-stone standard, but I hope this helps you get started or know what to cover and what’s most important. You can add or remove from the outline as much as you want.

However, refer to the official checklist to see what’s most important. Read the checklist as often as possible. Below is an outline you can use to create your letter of intent.

Letter Heading

• This letter is a semi-formal letter. The receiver's date, Address, and office — in this case, Residency Malta.
• Salutation — Start with a “Dear Sir/Madam.”
• Letter Title

Introduction

• Mention the specific nomad residency program or opportunity you are applying for.

Identify Yourself

• Briefly introduce yourself, including your name, background, and current location.
• What do you do — job title, company name, job description. If you’re feeling generous, you can describe a typical “day in the life.”
• Some incredible or inspiring story about yourself, why you like to travel, why you want a nomad visa, why Malta?
• Introduce your partner if you have one (Single people, you know not to look at this bullet point).

Motivation and Qualifications

• Explain why you are interested in participating in the nomad residency program. — Why do you want to be a digital nomad, or why do you like to travel? It could also be a trip that changed your mindset or something cool.
• Highlight your passion for travel, exploration, and the nomadic lifestyle.
• Discuss how this opportunity aligns with your personal and professional goals.
• Mention any relevant skills, experiences, or qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program.
• Emphasize how your background or expertise can contribute to the community of nomads.

Expectations and Goals

• Share your expectations for the nomad residency, such as what you hope to learn, achieve, or experience, like visiting the Game of Thrones location and basking under the sun, given that the weather is similar to Nigerians' climate. While in Malta — List the fun things you wish to do or see in Malta.
• Describe your goals during and after the residency.
• On arrival, what do you plan to do? — “Before leaving for Malta, I’ll get a short let in Buggibba (wherever you get a short let or plan to get one. )for a month and schedule my biometrics appointment. At the same time, I will look for an apartment and move in.”

Commitment

• Express your commitment to fully participating in the program and adhering to its rules and guidelines. Here, you can state about being a law-abiding citizen and plan to maintain order and abide by the community and island rules.
• Mention any flexibility or willingness to adapt to different environments.

Closing and Signature

• Thank the Nomad Residency for considering your application. Thank the reader for taking the time to read and tell them how excited you are about moving.
• Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
• Add Signature
• Provide your contact information.

Attachment

• If required, include any additional documents such as your resume, portfolio, or letters of recommendation — A pdf saved to drive and linked to the intent letter.
• Share a bullet list of documents you are sending alongside the application.

Link to a standard template for an intent letter.

Understand that this template can be tweaked to fit different purposes. So, explore various angles. Tell a story and have fun while doing it. I haven’t heard anyone got rejected because of their intent letter. So, give it your best and deliver.

On a final note…

Finally, after writing, you should check the grammar and punctuation to avoid basic mistakes. No one is above mistakes, and there are many tools, like Grammarly.

I hope this helps you or someone you know through their application. I also hope that for those of you who have been waiting for this but never got it, you forgive me and understand that I, too, have had bad days.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Till I write you again, Ciao.

Obiagu.