Residence in Maldives: permits and requirements
Living legally in Maldives is possible through 5 permit types: other, investment, family, retiree. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Resident Visa
Residence type #1 of 5
Residence permit for foreigners with employment or business in the Maldives
Requirements
- Work contract registered with the Ministry of Human Development
- Or a valid business license for independent professionals
- Mandatory biometric registration
- Payment of the residence fee
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months)
- Registered work contract or business license
- Resident visa application form (RM-2)
- Passport-size photos
- Medical certificate issued in the Maldives (for a work visa)
- Proof of domicile in the Maldives
Frequently asked questions about residence in Maldives
How many types of residence permits are there in Maldives?
Maldives offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories other, investment, family, retiree. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Maldives last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year (coextensive with the work contract), renewable; 2 years initially, renewable up to 5 years; Coextensive with the main holder's visa; 1 year, renewable annually. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Maldives be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Maldives (5 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Maldives?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Maldives lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 12 years’ continuous residence (or >10 years aggregate with absences ≤6 months). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Maldives.
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Anything to correct or add about Maldives?
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