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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Maldives Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The Maldives does not have a classic 'residence by investment' program. Long-term stay is generally provided through company establishment, tourism or real estate investment, or work visas; it is therefore important to review current options and requirements with your advisor.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program
No classic residence by investment
Long-term stay
Through company / investment / work visa
Tourism investment
Approved projects
Tax
Low
Note
Requirements vary and must be confirmed

Who is it for?

  • Entrepreneurs seeking tropical living and a low-tax environment.
  • Those wanting to invest in tourism or real estate projects.
  • Those seeking a flexible, tailored solution rather than a standard program.
  • Those planning long-term stay by establishing a company.

No Standard Program

The Maldives does not have a classic 'residence by investment' program like other countries. Long-term stay is generally provided through establishing a company, an approved tourism or real estate investment, or a work visa. The solution is therefore specifically structured according to the individual's goals.

Tourism and Real Estate Investment

In a tourism-focused economy, opportunities exist to invest in approved resort or real estate projects and to establish a business. However, requirements vary and regulations are frequently updated; it is therefore important to confirm current options and requirements before applying.

Working With Your Advisor First

The Maldives does not offer a classic residence by investment programme, so honesty about the available routes matters more here than a headline figure. Long-term stay is generally built through establishing a company, investing in tourism or real estate, or securing a suitable work visa, and the exact conditions can vary and should be confirmed before you commit. This makes the country better suited to entrepreneurs and investors comfortable structuring a genuine business or approved project than to those seeking a passive, off-the-shelf permit. A sensible approach starts by assessing your goals and the most realistic route, then structuring the business or investment, preparing documents, applying for approval, and staying on top of renewal and compliance over time. A clean criminal record is expected throughout. The appeal is real, from tropical living in the Indian Ocean to a low-tax environment and the chance to establish a business, but the framework is flexible rather than fixed. Because so much depends on current regulations and your specific plans, reviewing the options carefully with an adviser is the right first step.

Benefits

  • Tropical living in the Indian Ocean.
  • Low-tax environment.
  • Tourism and real estate investment opportunities.
  • Ability to establish a business.

Requirements

  • Approved business/investment or suitable work visa.
  • Clean criminal record.
  • Confirmation of current regulations.

Costs

Investment
Project/company based, variable

Process

  1. Goal and route assessment

    Work with an advisor to determine whether company formation, tourism/real estate investment, or a work visa best suits your long-term stay goals.

  2. Business or investment structuring

    Establish the qualifying company or finalize the approved tourism/real estate investment required for your chosen route.

  3. Document preparation

    Prepare a clean criminal record certificate and the supporting documents required for your specific permit type.

  4. Application and approval

    Submit the application to the relevant Maldivian authority and obtain approval for your work visa or investor permit.

  5. Renewal and compliance

    Maintain your business or investment activity and renew your permit in line with current regulations.

FAQ

Does the Maldives have a residence by investment program?
There is no standard program in the classic sense; long-term stay is provided through business, investment, or company routes.
How can I stay long-term?
Generally through an approved business/investment or a work visa; confirmation of current requirements is important.
How is the tax environment?
The Maldives is a relatively low-tax jurisdiction; while certain business taxes exist, personal tax burden is generally low.
Can I bring my family?
Through the business or investment route, suitable permits for dependent family members can be considered.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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