Nationality of Maldives: all obtaining pathways
Maldives requires twelve years of continuous residence for ordinary naturalisation —ten in aggregate with special authorisation—, among the longest terms in Asia, and being Muslim is a constitutional requirement. Nationality descends by blood and marriage opens only a discretionary route with no set term.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Be MUSLIM (express constitutional requirement, art. 9: a non-Muslim may not become a citizen; Maldivian Citizenship Act 1/69)
- Aged 21+ and of sound mind
- Residence in the Maldives for a CONTINUOUS period of 12 YEARS (deemed met if, having resided abroad for periods ≤6 months, the person has resided >10 years in the aggregate)
- Adequate knowledge of the Maldivian Constitution
- Able to orate in Dhivehi and adequately educated
- No political offences, no hudud offences under Islamic Shariah, no unlawful drug production/distribution/trading
- Service DISTINGUISHED to the Maldives
- Renunciation of any other citizenship (no dual citizenship allowed)
- Final decision by the President’s Office on the Ministry’s proposal (official MFA procedure)
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a residence permit and work visa
- Criminal record certificate
- Dhivehi-knowledge certificate
- Certificate of conversion to Islam (if applicable)
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Formal application
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Maldivian citizen
- A Maldivian father can transmit citizenship automatically
- A Maldivian mother married to a foreigner can transmit citizenship under set conditions
- The Maldives do not allow dual citizenship
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' Maldivian passports
- Maldivian identity register
3By marriage
By marriage
Requirements
- A foreign wife of a Maldivian citizen may apply for citizenship (Act 1/69, marriage section)
- Be a Muslim (Constitution art. 9 requires it of every citizen)
- Residence in the Maldives and good character
- Renounce the previous citizenship (no dual citizenship)
- DISCRETIONARY grant by decision of the President’s Office — no guaranteed legal term
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in the Maldives
- Spouse's Maldivian identity
- Residence certificate
- Islam faith certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Maldives
How many years of residence does Maldives require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Maldives (Naturalization by residence), the term is 12 years’ continuous residence (or >10 years aggregate with absences ≤6 months). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Maldives allow dual nationality?
Renunciation of any other citizenship (no dual citizenship allowed)
Can the nationality of Maldives be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the By marriage pathway (Discretionary). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Maldives require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a residence permit and work visa; Criminal record certificate; Dhivehi-knowledge certificate; Certificate of conversion to Islam (if applicable); Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Maldives?
Maldives provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, By marriage.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Maldives?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Maldives, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.