Maldives (MV)
The Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country — a chain of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, of which only about 185 are inhabited.
Capital: Malé
Region: Asia
Language: Dhivehi
Currency: MVR (Rf)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)
Emergency: 119
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Professional Services
Finding lawyers, accountants, doctors and other professionals in Maldives.
The Maldives is a small country where professional services rely heavily on personal relationships. Recommendations from colleagues, resort HR departments, and expat networks (Facebook groups) are the most reliable way to find trusted professionals. Many service providers are based in Malé and operate remotely for island-based clients via WhatsApp and email. Language is generally not a barrier — English is the professional language. Always request written agreements before commencing any professional engagement.
Language options: English is the professional language for virtually all expat-facing services. Dhivehi-only professionals are rare in the business and legal sectors that serve expatriates. Arabic-speaking professionals may be available for Islamic law matters. Hindi and Tamil speakers are available given the large Indian professional community.
Immigration Lawyer / Consultant
MVR 5,000–25,000 (USD 325–1,625) for Employment Approval processing. Hourly consultation: MVR 1,000–3,000. How to find: Search "immigration lawyer Maldives" or "visa consultant Male". Firms like Luthfy & Associates, Mohamed Ameen and Associates, and smaller consultancies operate in Malé. Recommendations from expat Facebook groups are the most reliable source.
Maldives Bar Association
💡 Immigration processes in the Maldives are heavily bureaucratic. A local lawyer or consultant who knows the current processing queues and officers is worth the fee. Essential for investors, business setup, and complicated visa scenarios.
Accountant / Tax Adviser (MIRA Registered)
Tax return preparation: MVR 3,000–10,000. Monthly bookkeeping retainer: MVR 2,000–8,000. Audit (small company): MVR 15,000–50,000. How to find: MIRA (mira.gov.mv) lists registered tax agents. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Maldives (ICAM) has a member directory. Leading firms: Deloitte Maldives, KPMG Maldives, and local firms like Precision Accounting.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Maldives (ICAM)MIRA Registered Tax Agents List
💡 No personal income tax means individual foreign workers rarely need a tax adviser. Businesses, resort operators, and those with BPT or GST obligations should engage a registered MIRA agent. Big 4 firms (Deloitte, KPMG) have offices in Malé for larger mandates.
Lawyer / Advocate (General)
Hourly: MVR 1,000–5,000. Contract drafting: MVR 5,000–20,000. Court representation: MVR 10,000–50,000+. How to find: Maldives Bar Association directory (bar.mv). Most practising advocates are based in Malé. English-speaking lawyers are available for international commercial work.
Maldives Bar Association
💡 Maldivian law is a hybrid of Islamic Shariah and common law. Family law, inheritance, and personal status matters are governed by Islamic law. Commercial law is more aligned with English common law. Confirm the advocate's expertise in the specific area before engaging.
Real Estate Agent
Agent fee: typically 1 month's rent commission from the tenant. No standardised fees. How to find: No formal real estate association exists. Agents operate through word of mouth, Facebook groups ("Male Flats for Rent"), and property listings on erecruit.mv and classifieds. Diaspora networks and "property managers" are common in the informal market.
💡 The rental market in Malé is extremely informal. Many transactions happen without written contracts or through WhatsApp. Insist on a written rental agreement. Foreigners face significantly higher rents than Maldivians. Verify landlord ownership documents before paying deposit. Property management for resort investors: specialist firms manage resort leases and operational compliance.
Medical Evacuation (MedEvac) Coordinator
Air ambulance: USD 8,000–30,000 per evacuation (to India or Sri Lanka). Insurance with MedEvac coverage: USD 50–150/month additional premium. How to find: International SOS, AEA International, and Atlas MD are major international medical evacuation providers with Maldives presence. Your international health insurance should include MedEvac coverage.
💡 Medical evacuation is essential in the Maldives. Local medical capacity is limited outside Malé — serious injuries or conditions require evacuation to Colombo, Chennai, or Trivandrum. Ensure your health insurance explicitly covers MedEvac. Verify 24/7 emergency line of your insurer is saved on your phone.
Shipping / Freight Agent
Sea freight (20ft container, Europe to Maldives): USD 2,500–5,000. Air freight: USD 5–10 per kg. Customs clearance: MVR 1,000–5,000. How to find: Ocean Network Express (ONE), Evergreen, and local agents like FEL (First Expat Logistics) and STO subsidiary handle imports. For personal goods, Crown Relocations and Allied Pickfords have regional networks.
💡 Import duties in the Maldives range from 0% to 200% depending on item category. Alcohol, pork, and certain goods are prohibited. Customs clearance through Maldives Customs Service can be complex — a licensed customs agent (broker) is recommended for significant shipments. Most expats keep personal goods to a minimum given the complexity and high cost of importing.
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