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

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Maldives.

Visa-Free Access

All nationalities receive a 30-day free visa on arrival at Velana International Airport (VIA) — no prior application needed. Extension possible for an additional 60 days (USD 30). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Onward ticket and proof of accommodation required at entry. This makes the Maldives one of the most open destinations in the world for initial entry, though long-term stays and work require specific permits.

Key rules: (1) Working without a valid Employment Approval is illegal and results in immediate deportation and a ban on re-entry. (2) There is no "visa run" workaround — frequent entries on tourist visa with gaps are scrutinised. (3) Maldives Immigration has increased enforcement in recent years. (4) Overstaying results in fines (USD 100/day), arrest, and deportation. (5) Ramadan may slow government processing — plan applications well in advance of the holy month. (6) Islamic law applies — LGBTQ+ individuals face legal risks regardless of visa status.

On-Arrival Tourist Visa

Tourist Visa on Arrival

Free on arrival. Extension: USD 30 for 60-day extension (submitted to Maldives Immigration)

Duration: 30 days, extendable to 90 days total

Eligibility

All nationalities

Processing time

Immediate on arrival

Requirements

✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✓Onward/return ticket
✓Proof of accommodation (resort booking, hotel confirmation, or letter from host)
✓Sufficient funds (USD 100/day minimum)

💡 The standard entry visa. Ideal for tourists and resort guests. Cannot be converted to a work visa without leaving the country and re-entering on a new category. Extensions (total max 90 days) applied for at Maldives Immigration office in Malé.

Employment / Work Visa

Employment Visa

MVR 1,500–3,000 (employer typically pays)

Duration: 1 year (renewable)

Eligibility

Foreign nationals with a valid Employment Approval (EA) from Maldives Immigration

Processing time

2–6 weeks after Employment Approval is granted

Requirements

✓Valid Employment Approval (EA) obtained by employer
✓Valid passport
✓Medical certificate (HIV, TB, Hepatitis B free)
✓Police clearance certificate (apostilled)
✓Employment contract signed by both parties
✓Employer's business registration and tax compliance documents

💡 The Employment Approval must be obtained BEFORE the work visa application. EA is employer-specific — changing employers requires a new EA and new work visa. EA process takes 4–12 weeks. During EA processing, the employee may remain on tourist visa if already in the Maldives.

Residence Visa (Dependent)

Dependent Visa

MVR 500–1,500

Duration: Same duration as the primary work visa holder

Eligibility

Spouse and children of valid work visa holders

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Requirements

✓Valid work visa of primary holder
✓Marriage certificate (apostilled) for spouse
✓Birth certificates (apostilled) for children
✓Evidence of financial support from primary holder
✓Health insurance coverage for all dependants

💡 Dependants are not permitted to work on a dependent visa. A separate Employment Approval is required if spouse wishes to work.

Student Visa

MVR 500–1,000

Duration: 1 year, renewable for duration of studies

Eligibility

Foreign nationals accepted into accredited Maldivian educational institutions

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Requirements

✓Admission letter from accredited institution
✓Proof of tuition fee payment or scholarship
✓Health certificate
✓Police clearance (apostilled)
✓Proof of financial means
✓Health insurance

💡 Students may not work without separate Employment Approval. Maldives National University (MNU) and other accredited colleges must confirm enrollment to Immigration.

Business Visa

Free (on-arrival tourist stamp covers business visits)

Duration: 30 days, extendable

Eligibility

Business visitors and investors meeting with Maldivian companies

Processing time

Immediate on arrival

Requirements

✓Invitation letter from Maldivian business counterpart
✓Company documents of inviting company
✓Return ticket
✓Hotel or resort booking

💡 Business visits are covered by the standard on-arrival tourist visa. If undertaking paid work or recurring business activities, a proper work visa is required.

Work From Maldives

Digital Nomad

Work From Maldives Scheme

USD 840/year (application fee)

Duration: 1 year

Eligibility

Remote workers employed by non-Maldivian companies or self-employed serving foreign clients

Processing time

5–15 business days

Requirements

✓Proof of remote employment or self-employment (employment letter or business registration)
✓Proof of income: minimum USD 3,500/month from foreign source
✓Valid passport
✓Health insurance valid in Maldives
✓Clean criminal record

💡 Launched in 2022. Allows genuine remote workers to live in the Maldives for up to 1 year and work for foreign employers without a local Employment Approval. Income earned from foreign clients is not subject to Maldivian tax. Accommodation must be pre-arranged — resorts and guesthouses on tourist islands are the typical base. This visa does NOT permit working for Maldivian clients or employers.

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