Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the Maldives is more than just a picture-perfect backdrop. Between choosing the right visa, strict regulations on foreign employment, the impossibility of buying land as freehold property, and a very specific tax system, the settlement process requires genuine preparation. On the other hand, the country has extensively digitalized its procedures and now offers a relatively clear framework for expatriates, investors, and their families.
This article details all the administrative procedures required to move to the Maldives. The information presented is based exclusively on factual data from an official research report, guaranteeing its accuracy and reliability.
Understanding the Entry and Stay Framework
Before discussing work, investment, or long-term residence, one must first understand how to legally enter the territory and under what type of visa.
The Maldives offers a range of visas tailored to different profiles: tourists, employees, spouses of Maldivian nationals, dependents, investors, or participants in professional meetings.
General Entry Conditions
The competent authority for immigration is Maldives Immigration. Even when all conditions are met, entry remains subject to the final decision of the immigration officer at the point of arrival, under the 2007 Immigration Act.
For all travelers, certain basic rules apply:
To enter the Maldives, travelers must present a passport with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) and sufficient validity (at least one year for certain categories). Manually extended passports are prohibited. It is necessary to have a complete itinerary with a return ticket, a prepaid hotel reservation, sufficient financial means, or validated sponsorship. A Traveller Declaration must be submitted online on IMUGA within 96 hours before the flight. Travelers arriving from at-risk areas must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate (except children under one year old). Each minor must have their own passport. Visa and passport validity requirements for the next destination must be respected in case of transit.
Furthermore, holders of Israeli passports are denied entry following the enactment of a specific ban.
Main Visa Types
The Maldives has built a differentiated visa system, based on the purpose of the stay.
| Visa Type | Main Purpose | Base Duration | Possible Extension | Key Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Tourism | 30 days on arrival | Yes | Free, no employment allowed |
| Meeting Visa | Meetings, conferences, conventions | 14 days on arrival | No | Cannot be converted to a Business Visa on-site |
| Business Visa | Temporary business activities | Stays up to 180 days/year | Yes (by periods) | Multiple entry, application via Business Portal |
| Work Visa | Salaried employment | 15-day window to obtain after arrival | Yes (up to 5 years) | Based on a prior Work Permit |
| Marriage Visa | Foreign spouse of a Maldivian citizen | 1 year, then extensions | Yes (up to 5 years) | Marriage registered in the Maldives |
| Dependent Visa | Spouse/children of a Work Visa holder | Linked to sponsor’s visa | Renewable | For dependents |
In parallel, some nationals benefit from longer visa exemptions for visitor stays: for example, citizens of India, Pakistan, Russia, and Sri Lanka can stay up to 90 days visa-free, while those from Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, or Guyana have 30 days visa-free. However, this grants no right to work.
Tourist Visa: Entry Door but No Work
The Tourist Visa is the most well-known: it is issued free of charge on arrival for 30 days, with no pre-approval. It can be extended, under conditions, but absolutely does not allow any paid activity. Therefore, anyone wishing to live in the Maldives cannot rely on a succession of tourist visas, at the risk of violating immigration law.
Meeting Visa and Business Visa: For Short Missions and Business
The Meeting Visa is for very short stays (14 days, non-renewable) to participate in government-approved events (corporate meetings, conferences…).
The Business Visa for the Maldives allows a maximum cumulative presence of 180 days over a 12-month period.
Work Visa: The Standard Path to Work and Reside
To live in the Maldives as an employee, the Work Visa is the standard. It relies on a complex system combining quotas, work permits, and medical procedures.
Working in the Maldives: Quotas, Work Permit, and Work Visa
Foreign worker employment is regulated by the Regulation on Employment of Foreigners in the Maldives (2021/R‑16), substantially amended in 2023. The goal is to protect local employment while meeting the needs of key sectors like tourism, construction, or fishing.
System Architecture: Quota, Work Permit, and Visa
For a foreigner, obtaining the right to work follows a precise sequence:
1. The employer registers in the online Xpat Online System and at the National Job Center. 2. They declare their worksite. 3. They apply for a foreign workforce quota, by activity. 4. They publish the job offer on the Job Center to verify the absence of an available local candidate. 5. Once the quota is granted, they apply for a Work Permit Entry Pass for the foreign employee. 6. The Work Permit (work authorization) is validated. 7. Upon the employee’s arrival, the employer has a period (in practice 15 days) to obtain the Work Visa from Maldives Immigration.
Failure to adhere to this schedule exposes both employer and employee to sanctions, ranging from fines to deportation.
Categories of Foreign Workers
Authorities distinguish three main categories of work permits:
| Category | Required Qualification Level | Typical Work Permit Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Professionals & Managers | Qualifications equivalent to Certificate Level 7 or higher | 1 to 3 years |
| Non-professionals | Secondary to Certificate Level 6 or equivalent experience | 1 year (renewable) |
| Domestic Workers | House help, driver, domestic staff | 1 to 2 years |
For unskilled laborers, the total possible duration is generally limited to 5 years, with a mandatory two-year “gap” before re-hiring.
Security Deposit and Employer Obligations
Each employer must post a security deposit with the relevant ministry for each foreign employee, the amount varying by nationality. This deposit allows the state to cover potential repatriation costs or employer default on obligations (e.g., if the employer disappears).
In addition to main responsibilities, the employer must also ensure compliance with other legal and regulatory obligations specific to their industry and their employees’ situation.
– Pay all fees related to the quota, Work Permit, and Work Visa.
– Provide housing and board for the employee.
– Fund the return ticket at the end of the contract or permit expiration.
– Report any disappearance or job abandonment (“absconding”) via the online Haraheri Portal.
– Register changes in workplace or employer.
The employee is not allowed to bear these administrative costs.
Mandatory Health Insurance and Medical Check
Before applying for a Work Visa, the foreign worker must be covered by the “Expatriate Medical Insurance” provided by Allied Insurance Company. Additionally, a mandatory medical examination must be conducted at an accredited hospital or clinic in the Maldives, including a screening report.
The local public health coverage (Aasandha) is accessible to regular expatriates, but it offers a basic level. It is strongly recommended to obtain supplementary international health insurance, including medical evacuation abroad (to India, Sri Lanka, Singapore), due to the limited medical infrastructure on remote atolls.
Practical Work Visa Procedure
Digitalization has greatly simplified the process. The main steps are as follows:
– The employer or their representative (recruitment agency, licensed intermediary) submits the application via the Xpat Online System.
– Online applications are, in principle, processed within 48 hours.
– Once the visa is approved, an online appointment must be made to submit the employee’s passport.
– Processing the physical visa takes about 3 business days.
– A second appointment is required to retrieve the passport.
– Counters exist not only in Malé but also in Addu City, Fuvahmulah, and Kulhudhuffushi.
Starting in 2025, the employer must absolutely submit the Work Visa application within a maximum of 15 days after the employee’s arrival, under penalty of enhanced sanctions.
Costs for Employer and Employee
There are many fees, but generally borne by the employer.
| Cost Item | Indicative Amount | Usual Payer |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Workforce Quota | 2,000 MVR per quota per year | Employer |
| Work Permit (monthly fee) | 350 MVR per month per employee | Employer |
| Work Visa (visa card, min. 3 months) | 50 MVR (~3.25 USD) + duration fee | Employer |
| Expatriate Medical Insurance (Allied, base) | ~100,000 MVR coverage/year | Employer |
| Business Visa | 750 MVR (~48.5 USD) | Company / Visitor |
| Marriage / Dependent Visa card | 50 MVR per card | Applicant or Sponsor |
Indian nationals have a special feature: they pay no visa fees, including for Work Visas (costs then being fully borne by the employer).
Sanctions and Inspections
Authorities may conduct unannounced inspections at construction sites and workplaces. The most frequent violations involve:
– employment of workers without a quota,
– lack of a Work Permit,
– exceeding the quota,
– working outside authorized conditions.
Possible sanctions include fines (e.g., over 300 USD per illegal worker), suspension or revocation of permits, closure of the site, or even publication of the names of offending employers. An employee without a valid visa faces deportation.
In the context of combating irregular immigration, some sectors have been closed to foreigners (retail trade, neighborhood restaurants, travel agencies, legal services, etc.) to reserve these niches for Maldivians.
Living with Family: Marriage Visa and Dependent Visa
For a long-term life project, issues of family reunification and spousal status are crucial.
Marriage Visa: For the Spouse of a Maldivian
When a foreigner marries a Maldivian citizen, or comes to have a marriage celebrated elsewhere recognized, a specific procedure applies.
Before the interested party arrives, the future Maldivian spouse must sponsor them via a sponsorship declaration on IMUGA. After entry into the territory, the marriage must be celebrated or registered with the Family Court, which stamps the official form.
After the celebration or legal recognition of a marriage, the concerned person has a 30-day window to apply for a Marriage Visa. This timeframe also applies if they were already in France under another status (like a tourist or work visa) and wish to transfer their residence permit to this specific category.
The main required documents are:
– IM23 form for permit extension application.
– Applicant’s passport.
– Form bearing the Family Court stamp.
– Original and copy of the marriage certificate.
– Copy of the Maldivian spouse’s ID card.
– Recent passport-sized photo.
– Medical screening report and health insurance (for a first application).
– Payment for the visa card (50 MVR).
The application is now done online via IMUGA, followed by an appointment to submit and retrieve the passport. The first Marriage Visa is typically issued for 1 year, then renewable in 5-year periods.
Dependent Visa: For the Expatriate’s Spouse and Children
The Dependent Visa allows the spouse and children of a Work Visa holder to reside legally in the Maldives, for a duration linked to that of the sponsor.
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– IM23 form.
– Dependent’s passport (minimum 6 months validity).
– Recent photo.
– Copy of the sponsor’s employment authorization or visa card.
– Marriage or birth certificate proving the family relationship.
– Embassy letter if the dependent is a parent (for ascendants).
– Medical report and yellow fever certificate if necessary.
– Payment of 50 MVR for the visa card and 750 MVR per 3-month validity period.
Again, everything is handled on IMUGA, greatly facilitating life for expatriate families.
Investing and Living as a Resident: Investment Residence Programs
Beyond employee status, the Maldives is actively developing investment residence programs to attract high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs.
Overview of Investment-Related Visas and Residencies
Several schemes can be distinguished, some in a state of transition.
| Program / Visa | Minimum Investment Amount | Permit Duration | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Resident Visa (phasing out) | 1 M USD (business), or 250,000 USD deposit, or 250,000 USD project | 5 years renewable | Companies and executives |
| Investor Residency Program (2024) | 50 M USD direct, or 1 M USD deposit (2 years), or 1 M USD in approved real estate | Variable conditions | Ultra High Net Worth Individuals |
| “Classic” Investor Visa | 250,000 USD in a registered company | 5 years | Investors and entrepreneurs |
| Special Resident Visa (real estate-linked) | Purchase of at least 250,000 USD in an approved project | 5 years renewable | Owners of residential units |
| Retirement Visa | Fixed deposit of 250,000 USD in a local bank | 5 years renewable | Wealthy retirees |
| The Maldives Pearl Residence | Exact threshold to be confirmed (sources: 250,000 to several million USD) | 5 years renewable | International investor families |
Authorities signed an agreement in 2025 with Henley & Partners to design “The Maldives Pearl Residence“, the first major structured investment residence offering. The stated ambition is to attract 1.1 billion USD over 5 years, with an expected overall economic impact of 5 to 7 billion USD.
Maldivian Specificity: No Freehold Land Ownership
The Maldivian Constitution prohibits foreigners from acquiring land as freehold property. Land is reserved for citizens. Non-Maldivians can, however, hold rights via long-term leases, typically for 50 or 99 years, or more in some special economic zones.
Concretely, a foreign investor can purchase:
– luxury villas (overwater or beachfront),
resort residence apartments,
commercial units in tourist areas,
development rights on an entire island (for a resort).
Any purchase must be government-approved and comes with annual ground rent, registration fees, taxes (including a 16% GST on tourism-related goods), and often leaseback programs managed by the resort, which take 40 to 60% of rental income.
Tax Residence and Absence of Local Income Tax
From a tax perspective, the Maldives operates on a residence-based system. An individual is a tax resident if they have their permanent home in the Maldives or stay there at least 183 days in a 12-month period overlapping the fiscal year. Residents are subject to tax on worldwide income, but it is only due above 720,000 MVR annually (progressive rate up to 15%).
For expatriate investors, the main advantages are the absence of personal income tax (PIT) for most of them, as well as the complete absence of wealth tax (ISF) and inheritance tax. Only income exceeding certain thresholds or from specific activities may be taxed. There is no classic property tax, but ground rent is paid to the state for occupying tourist plots.
Cost of Living, Budget, and Everyday Taxation
Living in the Maldives involves anticipating a cost of living above the global average. Data from reference platforms (Numbeo, Expatistan, Wise…) converge to place the Maldivian level about 19% above the global average.
Sample Budgets for Expatriates
Average figures provide an idea of the overall monthly budget, including housing.
| Profile | Estimated Total Monthly Cost (USD) | Monthly Cost Excluding Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | 1,354 | 501 |
| Family of four | 2,871 | 1,409 |
In local currency (MVR), some benchmarks are given for a comfortable standard of living (excluding rent):
– ~39,400 MVR per month for a family.
– ~11,700 MVR for a single person.
Including a reasonable rent in Malé, the indicative ranges are as follows:
– Single person: 22,000 to 25,000 MVR per month.
– Family of four: 55,000 to 60,000 MVR per month.
Housing often represents between 30 and 50% of a household’s budget.
Rent and Utilities: Malé, Hulhumalé, and Beyond
Real estate prices vary greatly between the overcrowded capital, more expensive but modern satellite islands, and more affordable local islands.
| Type of Housing (monthly rent) | Average Range (MVR) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 45 m² furnished studio, expensive area | ~20,000 | Malé / Hulhumalé center |
| 45 m² furnished studio, normal area | ~12,239 | Outside hyper-center |
| 1-bedroom, city center | 12,500 – 20,000 (avg. 14–15k) | |
| 1-bedroom, outside center | 9,000 – 16,000 (avg. 10–10.7k) | |
| 3-bedroom, city center | 20,000 – 38,000 (avg. 25–27k) | |
| 3-bedroom, outside center | 18,000 – 30,000 (avg. 21–22k) | |
| 1-bedroom Hulhumalé center | ~20,000 | |
| 1-bedroom Hulhumalé outside center | ~12,000 | |
| 3-bedroom Hulhumalé center | ~45,000 | High-end |
| 3-bedroom Hulhumalé outside center | ~35,000 |
Utilities (water, electricity, waste collection, air conditioning) for a medium-sized apartment typically range around 1,800 to 3,000 MVR per month. An unlimited 60 Mbps internet connection often costs between 650 and 2,100 MVR.
Indirect Everyday Taxes: GST and Green Tax
Everyday taxation manifests mainly through: income tax, VAT, social contributions, and local taxes.
In Mauritius, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies at 8% for most goods and services, and a specific rate of 16% (T-GST) for the tourism sector, the latter planned to increase to 17%. Additionally, a Green Tax is levied on tourist overnight stays, at 12 USD in resorts and 6 USD in small guesthouses. Long-term residents are generally not subject to it on a daily basis, except during stays in resorts.
For resident consumers, these taxes are integrated into the prices of hotels, restaurants, and tourist services.
Average Salary and Purchasing Power
The average net monthly salary after tax is around 14,700 to 15,000 MVR (approximately 900 to 1,000 USD), which only covers about 0.7 months of the average cost of living. Qualified expatriate employees generally earn more, especially in IT, management, telecommunications, or finance, where average salaries often exceed 22,000 MVR.
For a long-term settlement project, it is essential to align income prospects (local salary, investment income, imported pension) with these cost of living levels.
Practical Settlement: Bank, Customs, Health, Education
Beyond visas and tax matters, living in the Maldives involves a series of other practical steps, often underestimated.
Opening a Local Bank Account
An account in Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) and, optionally, in USD, greatly facilitates daily management: paying rent, receiving local salaries, settling bills, etc.
Major banks (Bank of Maldives, Maldives Islamic Bank, State Bank of India – Maldives) impose strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules.
For a personal account, an expatriate must generally present: proof of identity, proof of address, a tax identification number, and sometimes proof of income.
To compile a complete work visa application file, ensure you gather the following documents: a valid passport, a valid visa or Work Visa (typically with at least 6 months remaining before expiration), proof of local address (such as a rental contract or a utility bill), an employment contract or letter from the employer specifying salary and address, a recent passport-sized photo, and sometimes, a bank reference letter.
Accounts can be opened within a few business days (3 to 7 days for an individual, 7 to 15 days for a company), sometimes longer for foreign companies, which must provide certificate of incorporation, bylaws, board resolution, tax documents, etc.
Importing Personal Effects and Complying with Customs
The Maldives Customs Service applies strict rules on what can enter the country. Declarations are made via IMUGA (Traveller Declaration). Personal effects valued at or below 6,000 MVR are generally not subject to customs duties.
The import of certain items is completely prohibited in the Maldives. This includes alcohol and pork (except in licensed resorts), pornography, non-Islamic religious objects, weapons, drugs, and certain animals (such as dogs, pigs, and protected marine species like black coral, turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks).
Others are restricted: medication (with prescription), tobacco (quantitative limits), powerful communication equipment, chemicals, live plants and animals (with health certificates). Violations can lead to seizure, fines, or even criminal prosecution.
Health, Education, and Family Life
The healthcare system has made great strides but remains very concentrated in Malé. The public Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and private facilities like ADK Hospital or Treetop Hospital offer most specialties. On remote islands, services are limited, making insurance with medical evacuation essential.
For families, tuition fees at international schools can be significant:
– 2,500 to 2,600 MVR per month for full-time private preschool.
– 27,500 to 96,000 MVR per year for an international primary school.
These costs must be integrated into the overall settlement budget.
Starting a Business and Self-Employment
Many foreigners consider the Maldives not only as a place of residence but also as a business platform, particularly in tourism, real estate, logistics, or services.
Legal Forms Open to Foreigners
Foreigners must, in principle, structure themselves as a company or partnership. The most common forms are:
– The private limited company, which can have 1 to 50 shareholders.
– The partnership (general partnership or limited liability partnership).
In a private company, at least one director must be ordinarily resident in the Maldives, except for foreign re-registered companies, which must however appoint a local agent starting 2025.
Partners in a general partnership remain personally liable, while limited liability partnerships limit liability to the amount of contributions.
Foreign Investment Approval and Business Registration
Any company with foreign participation must obtain foreign investment approval under the Foreign Investment Law 11/2024. Criteria include, among others, the sector, amount invested, and capital structure.
The main steps are:
1. Submission of a foreign investment dossier to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (via email/Business Portal). 2. Analysis by the administration, possible consultation with sectoral ministries, then issuance of a letter of no-objection and a draft investment agreement. 3. Payment of a 5,000 USD administrative fee to MIRA. 4. Registration of the company or partnership via the Business Portal (incorporation fee around 80 USD, annual fee about 130 USD). 5. Issuance of the foreign investment license. 6. Final signing of the investment agreement.
Minimum investment thresholds are set by sector, ranging from 250,000 USD to 5 million USD. If no predefined threshold exists for a sector, investment terms are negotiated individually on a case-by-case basis.
Retailer and small local business activities largely remain closed to foreign investors, to protect Maldivian entrepreneurs.
Legal Framework, Arbitration, and Dispute Resolution
The Maldivian legal system combines elements of civil law, common law, and Islamic law. Contracts may choose foreign law, but no provision may contravene the principles of Islam, which are the foundation of the legal order.
Commercial disputes can be brought before the courts (Civil Court, High Court, Supreme Court) or submitted to arbitration under the Arbitration Act 10/2013. Foreign arbitral awards may be recognized and enforced, even if the country is not a party to the New York Convention, based on Article 72 of the Arbitration Act.
Conclusion: A Demanding but Clear Framework for the Prepared
Living in the Maldives first requires choosing the right entry point: Work Visa for employees, Marriage or Dependent Visa for families, Special Resident or Investor Visa for investors, or programs like The Maldives Pearl Residence for high-net-worth individuals.
This settlement comes with specific obligations:
For a successful stay or settlement in the Maldives, several steps and precautions are essential. Start by completing your entry formalities via the IMUGA platform. Scrupulously respect the foreign employment regulations and quotas in force. It is crucial to obtain suitable health insurance, ideally international coverage including a medical evacuation clause. Understand the legal limits regarding property acquisition: only long-term leases are accessible to foreigners, freehold ownership is not permitted. Anticipate the cost of living, which is particularly high in Malé and Hulhumalé. For entrepreneurs, obtaining a foreign investment license and rigorous registration of the structure are mandatory steps.
In return, the country offers an attractive direct taxation system, an increasingly digitized system (IMUGA, Xpat, Business Portal, e‑Visa, mobile apps), and an institutional framework that, despite its complexity, is progressively becoming more transparent for expatriates and investors determined to settle there long-term.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
