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Country Details

1. Geography: The Maldives is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It consists of 26 atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. The islands are known for their stunning white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life.

2. Capital and Major Cities: The capital city of the Maldives is Malé, which is located on the island of the same name. Malé is the economic and political center of the country. Other significant cities include Addu City, Fuvahmulah, and Hithadhoo.

3. Tourism: The Maldives is renowned for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities. It attracts tourists from around the globe who come to experience the pristine natural beauty and relax in the tranquil surroundings.

4. Environment and Biodiversity: The Maldives is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine species. The country is committed to environmental conservation and is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels.

5. Government and Culture: The Maldives is a presidential republic, and the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The Maldivian culture is influenced by South Indian, Arab, and Sri Lankan traditions. The official language is Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

 

Immigration Details

Immigrating to the Maldives involves specific requirements and procedures. Here's an overview of the different aspects:

1. Visa Types:
- Tourist Visa: Most nationalities are granted a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. It can be extended up to a maximum of 90 days.
- Work Visa: To work in the Maldives, a work visa is required. It is usually sponsored by an employer who will initiate the application process on behalf of the employee.

2. Establishing a Company:
- To establish a company in the Maldives, you need to comply with the regulations set by the Maldives Investment Board and the Ministry of Economic Development.
- The capital requirements may vary depending on the type and size of the company. It is advisable to consult with local authorities or seek legal advice to understand the specific requirements.

3. Employment and Work Permits:
- Foreigners seeking employment in the Maldives must have a valid job offer from a local employer.
- The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee. The process involves submitting necessary documents and meeting specific requirements set by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

4. Real Estate:
- Foreigners are generally not allowed to purchase land in the Maldives. However, they can lease properties on designated islands for long-term periods.
- The lease agreements are regulated by the Maldives Land Act, and it is advisable to consult with local authorities or legal professionals for detailed information.

5. Study:
- The Maldives offers limited opportunities for international students. To study in the Maldives, it is advisable to contact specific educational institutions for information on admission requirements, student visas, and study permits.

6. Citizenship and Permanent Residency:
- Currently, there is no specific program for obtaining citizenship or permanent residency in the Maldives through investment or other means.
- Citizenship is primarily granted based on Maldivian heritage or marriage to a Maldivian citizen. The requirements and procedures are regulated by the Maldivian government.

Please note that the information provided is a general overview, and requirements, fees, and processing times may vary. It is recommended to consult with the Maldivian authorities, immigration lawyers, or authorized agents for up-to-date and accurate information tailored to your specific circumstances.

Location
Rank
  • VISA-FREE
    56
  • DUAL CITIZENSHIP
  • POPULATION
    390,164
  • Time To Citizenship
    50
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Visa-Free Explain

Where Can Maldivian Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of June 2023, Maldivian passport holders can travel visa free to 56 countries and territories:

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bahamas
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Bhutan
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Cayman Islands
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Fiji
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Haiti
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Kosovo
  • Lesotho
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Micronesia
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Niue
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Philippines
  • Qatar
  • Russia
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Tajikistan
  • Gambia
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • United Kingdom
  • Vanuatu
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • Eswatini

For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

What Countries Issue eVisa to Maldivian Citizens?

The following 17 countries issue eVisas for Maldivian passport holders:

  • Azerbaijan
  • Benin
  • Colombia
  • Djibouti
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Guinea
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Moldova
  • Myanmar
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Türkiye
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uzbekistan

The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to Maldivian Passport Holders?

If you are a Maldivian citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 34 countries listed below:

  • Armenia
  • Bolivia
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cabo Verde
  • Comoros
  • Egypt
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Nepal
  • Nicaragua
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Samoa
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • Saint Helena
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Tuvalu
  • United Arab Emirates

You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.

Countries With Visa Requirements for Maldivian Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 119 countries with a Maldivian passport:

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • American Samoa
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Argentina
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Caribbean Netherlands
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Curaçao
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Estonia
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • French West Indies
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Guam
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Norway
  • Palestine
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Saint Martin
  • Sudan
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Taiwan
  • Tonga
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen
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The application for a visa goes as follows:

  1. Make an appointment at the visa center in Maldives. You must contact a local visa application center in your home country and make an appointment to submit your application. It may take several months to schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
  2. Get your documents ready. To submit a successful application, you have to prepare the required documents for your visa, i.e., passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some of your documents must be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.
  3. Submit your application. Finally, you can submit your application and attend the visa interview—you may also be required to submit your biometrics. Once you translate your documents as required by the embassy or consulate and verify them with an apostille stamp— if possible, then you can submit your application. From then it will take several weeks until a decision is made regarding your visa application.

Please note that if you have a valid visa that allows you to enter more than one country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa.

What Documents Do Maldivian Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa?

Maldivian citizens that want to visit countries that require them to apply for a visa beforehand need to submit a few documents. Depending on the country you want to visit, document requirements may vary. However, most countries will certainly require the following:

  • Your valid Maldivian passport (plus a photocopy). Some countries require the passport to be valid for more than six months after the day you plan on departing their country.
  • A filled visa application form.
  • Passport pictures that are not older than six months.
  • Travel health insurance that covers your entire period of stay.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • Detailed travel itinerary that shows all the places you want to visit.
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Proof of booked return ticket for the flight home.
  • Proof of booked accommodation.
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit
  • Civil status documents (marriage papers, certificates of birth, etc.)
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