Maldives Investor Visa Program 2025: Latest Updates & Insights

In 2025, the Maldives investor visa is all over the news because the government is welcoming foreigners wishing to reside for an extended period by investing in real estate and other investment opportunities permitted by the government. It is the first time that qualified investors can obtain Maldives residency together with their family members by simply fulfilling the financial requirements and levels of the new program. The move is part of Vision 2040 to transform the country's economy, attract international capital, and lessen dependency on tourism.

Background & Economic Strategy

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (Vision 2040) aims to stabilise and diversify the Maldivian economy. Being traditionally driven by tourism, the Maldives is now seeking new sources of development by facilitating the presence of foreign investors who want to stay longer in this country and contribute to its business.

Key Policies:

• Decreasing the tourism reliance.

• Increasing the infrastructure and services.

• Attracting wealthy people and international talent.

• Branding the nation as an upmarket and commercial destination.

Overview: How the Maldives Investor Visa Works?

A Maldives investor visa program offers foreign citizens or nationals the opportunity to purchase long-term residency to acquire a relatively big property or a qualifying deposit at one of the local banks. The program developer is carried out in collaboration with Henley & Partners, assisting in structuring due diligence and compliance. The original residency is given a 5-year term, which can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained.

Who Can Apply?

• Any foreigner who is 18 and over

• Investors, business owners, directors, shareholders, and their family members (spouse, children, select dependents)

• Candidates who pass a background check and financial demands.

Key Investment Requirements & Pathways

Below are the primary ways to qualify for the Maldives investor visa program:

Investor Profile & Family Inclusion

Investors may include such dependents as:

• Spouse

• Children (minors or adults)

• Parents, grandparents, and grandkids.

Step-By-Step Application Process

The step-by-step process is:

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Valid passport (at least six months validity)

• Recent photographs (per Maldives Immigration standards)

• Document of proof of funds/source of investment

• Travel and health insurance

• No criminal record in any of the countries of stay and police clearance in all countries of residence

Step 2: Online Application

• Sign up for a verified government account at business. egov.mv using a verified government account

• All documents should be submitted for preliminary approval

Step 3: Investment Execution

• Invest the money in stocks or a fixed deposit

• Acquisition of Government/Regisseur approvals

Step 4: Visa Processing

• Government/Henley & Partners due diligence

• Visas are issued within 14–30 days (standard processing); renewals must be filed 90 days before expiry.

Benefits for Investors & Their Families

Taxes, Real Estate, and Business Climate

The tax environment, real estate and business climate are highlighted below:

Tax Environment

• Corporate tax: 15% (general businesses), 25% (banks)

• No resident personal tax on income, wealth or inheritance

• Custom tax holidays and import duty waivers up to 8 years on SEZ investments.

Real Estate Investment Rules

• Foreigners can only buy leasehold property (99 years); select SEZs may offer longer terms

• Only government-approved developments can be bought in the form of real estate

• Soneva, Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, and Henley & Partners are popular developers.

• Income gained through rent and sale is allowed during program regulations

Business Opportunities

The important areas involved in the program:

• Tourism & hospitality (USD 3.6B in 2023 revenue)

• Infrastructure & construction

• Technology & renewable energy (government targets 33% renewables by 2028)

• Shipping and financial services.

Latest Policy Developments and Key Dates

The latest policy developments and key dates are:

Risks, Due Diligence & Compliance

The risks and due diligence are:

Due Diligence

• Global criminal records checks are undertaken on all the applicants who are vetted strictly.

• Those who have cases or are being prosecuted or have been deported are not allowed to apply

• The origin of wealth and funds is highly considered.

• Compliance is continually checked; status can be cancelled in case of violation.

Risks & Important Restrictions

• The prohibition of April 2025 Israeli passport holders

• Only Muslim applicants are eligible for citizenship (residency is open to all, but permanent naturalisation is restricted)

• Real estate ownership limited to leasehold (freehold only in rare SEZ cases)

• At least 50 per cent of the working population should be Maldivian nationals, and USD 100K should be the annual business turnover in its investment pathway to enter a business.

Comparative Analysis: Maldives vs. Other Golden Visa Destinations

The Future Outlook and Market Trends

Analysts in the industry expect to see high demand, as there is a world-renowned reputation for exclusivity and natural beauty in the Maldives, combined with its low tax regime and the introduction of flexibility to investors. Real estate and law firms are preparing luxury properties to satisfy the expected demand. Maldivian authorities will oversee program integrity against abuse and align standards with the world's best practices, thus becoming an attractive choice for long-term investors.

Conclusion

Maldives's investor visa program is changing the country's face, making it a hot zone for international investors who seek exclusive residence opportunities with flexible conditions, including their family, and high-quality benefits. Investor Visa Maldives is a new opportunity where global investors will work out a lifelong business journey along with opportunities to live in a tropical area and ensure long-term residence, which they are willing to get in 2025 and afterwards.

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