Investor residence / business permits

Any foreigner who wishes to commence business in the Maldives, must apply for foreign investment approval from the Ministry of Economic Development, and thereafter register a company or re-register a branch of an overseas company in the Maldives.

You need a valid Passport (Valid for at least 6 months) You need to invest USD 50 million or more in Maldive. or, You need to maintain a deposit of USD 1 million at a Maldivian bank for a period of not less than 2 (two) years.

No. The Maldives does not have a citizenship-by-investment program. The Pearl Residence program provides residency through investment, not citizenship. Naturalization requires 12 years of continuous residence and, for non-Muslims, conversion to Islam.

The Maldives is preparing to introduce an investment-based residency option known as the Pearl Residency Programme. Scheduled for release in early 2026, it will provide long term residency to individuals who make qualifying investments, with real estate expected to be a primary route.