--- title: Moving to Maldives: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: The Maldives is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, diverse marine life, and friendly culture. This guide is for families considering a… image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Maldives flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fmv.png&w=3840&q=75] Country guide MOVING TO MALDIVES: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE The Maldives is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, diverse marine life, and friendly culture. 4 min read·Data confidence: 82/100·11 visa guides Browse visas [/visas/maldives/]Arrival checklist [/checklist/maldives/] 11 published visa guides · 4 editorially reviewed in Q4 2026 AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN MALDIVES Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Cost of living 48.9 Net monthly salary 2680 MVR Safety index — Visa guides 11 CapitalMale RegionAsia (Southern Asia) Rent index24.6 Quality indexN/A Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://www.immigration.gov.mv/] Review due soon START HERE FOR MALDIVES Official links, checklists, and nearby opportunities — act on these before the deep country profile. OFFICIAL LINKS * Maldives Immigration [https://www.immigration.gov.mv/] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official portal of Maldives Immigration is important for accessing accurate information about visas and residency. Be cautious of lookalike sites that may charge for forms available for free on the official site. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required. * •Set up local phone service and banking accounts. * •Research tax obligations and ensure compliance. * •Arrange for health coverage, noting limited access for immigrants. * •Learn about local customs and community resources. * •Save emergency numbers and important contacts. * •Learn about local markets and grocery options for your first weeks. GOVERNMENT JOBS * Maldives Government Jobs [/government-jobs/government-careers-mv/] · Maldives public employment authority All government jobs for Maldives → [/government-jobs/?country=maldives] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhalascript derived from Arabic)English spoken by most government officials Verified immigration updates for Maldives → [/countries/maldives/immigration-updates/] Ready for visas? TURN THIS COUNTRY GUIDE INTO A PATHWAY Compare published routes for Maldives, open a corridor from your origin, or start the arrival checklist before you pay an agent. Browse Maldives visas [/visas/maldives/]Find a corridor [/move/]Arrival checklist [/checklist/maldives/] COST OF LIVING IN MALDIVES The cost of living in the Maldives is moderate, with a cost of living index of 48.9, suggesting expenses may be manageable compared to other areas. Rent is relatively affordable, with a rent index of 24.6, allowing for reasonable housing options. The typical net monthly salary is around 2,680 MVR, which can support a comfortable lifestyle depending on spending habits and family size. However, costs can vary significantly between the capital, Male, and the more remote islands, so researching specific areas is advisable before making a decision. NATIONAL COST SNAPSHOT City-level cost rows are incomplete for Maldives, so this is a national planning snapshot in MVR (reference city: Male). Net monthly salaryMVR 2,680 1BR city centerMVR 787 Groceries / monthMVR 264 Transport / monthMVR 64 Cost-of-living index: 48.9 SETTLEMENT FUNDS & LOCAL SETUP When moving to the Maldives, have proof of funds for initial expenses, as banking services may take time to establish. Ensure you open a local bank account for transactions and salary deposits. Learn about the local currency (MVR) and create a budget based on expected income and living costs. This preparation will help you manage the initial phase of your relocation more effectively. LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP Healthcare access: Limited Health waiting period: 90 day(s) WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR MALDIVES * work Ideal for professionals seeking opportunities in tourism, hospitality, or business. * study Great for students looking to pursue education in a unique cultural setting. * family Suitable for families looking to reunite or settle in a serene environment. * visit Perfect for travelers wanting to experience the beauty of the Maldives. WHAT PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT MOVING TO MALDIVES NEGLECTING VISA REQUIREMENTS A common mistake is underestimating the importance of confirming visa requirements before traveling. Always check the latest regulations on the official immigration website to avoid issues upon arrival. OVERLOOKING HEALTH COVERAGE Many newcomers fail to secure adequate health coverage. Given the limited access to healthcare for immigrants, arrange for health insurance that meets your family's needs before you arrive. IGNORING LOCAL CUSTOMS Failing to learn about local customs and etiquette can lead to misunderstandings. Take time to understand the cultural norms and practices of the Maldives to ensure respectful integration into the community. Full country profile DEMOGRAPHICS, ECONOMY & DEEPER MALDIVES DATA Expand for topic-by-topic country profile. Decision sections above stay first. MALDIVES COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in Maldives on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections Maldives has quickly become a middle-income country, driven by the rapid growth of its tourism and fisheries sectors, but the country still contends with a large and growing fiscal deficit. Infrastructure projects, largely funded by China, could add significantly to debt levels. Political turmoil and the declaration of… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 228 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Maldives sits in Southern Asia, Asia, with Male as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic) and English spoken by most government officials. English proficiency is listed as medium. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. Early practical steps people actually use in Maldives include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Migration; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW 4 facts Population 391,904 Population Growth Rate -0.11% Urban Population 41.200000 [tel:41200000] Population in Major Urban Areas MALE (capital) 132,000 AGE & FAMILY 10 facts Age Structure 21.210000 [tel:21210000] Median Age 26.700000 [tel:26700000] Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 15 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 3.8 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 1.78 Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49 34.7% Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49 34.7% Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49) 23.9 Mother's mean age at first birth 23.9 Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female 1.050000 [tel:1050000] MIGRATION 1 facts Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population -12.65 ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE 2 facts Ethnic Groups South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs Nationality Noun Maldivian(s) EDUCATION 6 facts Literacy - total population 93.8% Literacy - male 97.1% Literacy - female 94.7% Literacy Definition age 15 and over can read and write Education Expenditures - percent of GDP 6.8% Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary) 13.000000 [tel:13000000] HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS 11 facts Life Expectancy at Birth 74.920000 [tel:74920000] Infant Mortality Rate 25.500000 [tel:25500000] Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births 25.500000 [tel:25500000] Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births 60 Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population 1.6 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population 4.3 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 8.5% Obesity - adult prevalence rate 12.9% Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved 99.500000 [tel:99500000] Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved 97.500000 [tel:97500000] Underweight - percent of children under five years 17.8% ECONOMY IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 204 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing Maldives with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 13,600. Recent growth is listed at 7.6 percent. Unemployment is listed at 14.5 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 2,680. The cost-of-living index is 49. The rent index is 25. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 787. A monthly groceries signal is 264. Purchasing-power index: 46. Local currency code: MVR. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW 4 facts Economic Overview Maldives has quickly become a middle-income country, driven by the rapid growth of its tourism and fisheries sectors, but the country still contends with a large and growing fiscal deficit. Infrastructure projects, largely funded by China, could add significantly to debt levels. Political turmoil and the declaration of a state of emergency in February 2018 led to the issuance of travel warnings by several countries whose citizens visit Maldives in significant numbers, but the overall impact on tourism revenue was unclear. In 2015, Maldives’ Parliament passed a constitutional amendment legalizing foreign ownership of land; foreign land-buyers must reclaim at least 70% of the desired land from the ocean and invest at least $1 billion in a construction project approved by Parliament. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism and fishing, reforming public finance, increasing employment opportunities, and combating corruption, cronyism, and a growing drug problem are near-term challenges facing the government. Over the longer term, Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is 1 meter or less above sea level. Industries fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining GDP - per capita (PPP) $13,600.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 7.6% GDP & GROWTH 8 facts GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $7,050,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $13,600.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 7.6% GDP - official exchange rate $3,031,000,000 (USD) GDP by Sector- agriculture 4% GDP by Sector- Industry 23% GDP by Sector- services 73% Industrial Growth Rate -0.9% PRICES & MONEY 5 facts Inflation Rate 6% Exchange Rate per US Dollar rufiyaa (MVR) Currency Name and Code Rufiyaa (MVR) Fiscal Year calendar year Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 10.5% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR 5 facts Labor Force 110,000 Unemployment Rate 14.5% Major Industries fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining Agriculture Products coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish Population Below Poverty Line 16% LABOR BY OCCUPATION 3 facts Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 15% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 15% Labor Force By Occupation- services 70% PUBLIC FINANCE 3 facts Annual Budget $476,000,000 (USD) Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP -12.3% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 28.1% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 212 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Maldives's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Maldives Immigration. Confirm current forms and fees on https://www.immigration.gov.mv/. In the planning dataset, permanent residence is listed at 5 years of qualifying stay; dual citizenship is listed as restricted. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. Early practical steps people actually use in Maldives include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES 7 facts Full Country Name Republic of Maldives Country Name Maldives Local - Long Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa Local - Short Dhivehi Raajje Etymology- history of name * archipelago apparently named after the main island (and capital) of Male * the word "Maldives" means "the islands (dives) of Male" * alternatively, the name may derive from the Sanskrit word "maladvipa" meaning "garland of islands" * Dhivehi Raajje in Maldivian means "Kingdom of the Dhivehi people" Independence 26 July 1965 (from the UK) National Holiday Independence Day, 26 July (1965) POLITICAL SYSTEM 10 facts Government Type presidential republic Constitution * history: many previous; latest ratified 7 August 2008 * amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote by its membership and the signature of the president of the republic; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on rights and freedoms and the terms of office of Parliament and of the president also requires a majority vote in a referendum; amended 2015 Legal System: Islamic (sharia) legal system with English common law influences, primarily in commercial matters Executive Branch: * chief of state: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023); Vice President-elect Hussain Mohamed LATHEEF (since 30 September 2023); the president is both chief of state and head of government * head of government: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023); Vice President-elect Hussain Mohamed LATHEEF (since 30 September 2023) * cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by Parliament * elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); first round held on 9 September 2023 and runoff held on 30 September 2023 (next to be held in 2028) * election results: 2023: Mohamed MUIZZU elected president in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Mohamed MUIZZU (PNC) 46.1%, Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 39.1%, Ilyas LABEEB (DEMS) 7.1%, other 7.7%; percent of vote in the second round - Mohamed MUIZZU 54%, Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH 46% 2018: Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH elected president in first round; Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 58.3%, Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom (PPM) 41.7% Legislative Branch: * Description: unicameral Parliament or People's Majlis (87 seats - includes 2 seats added by the Elections Commission in late 2018; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) * Elections: last held on 6 April 2019 (next to be held on 21 April 2024) * Election Results: percent of vote - MDP 44.7%, JP 10.8%, PPM 8.7%, PNC 6.4%, MDA 2.8%, other 5.6%, independent 21%; seats by party - MDP 65, JP 5, PPM 5, PNC 3, MDA 2, independent 7; * Composition: men 83, women 4, percent of women 4.6% Judicial Branch: * office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission - a 10-member body of selected high government officials and the public - and upon confirmation by voting members of the People's Majlis; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 70 * subordinate courts: High Court; Criminal, Civil, Family, Juvenile, and Drug Courts; Magistrate Courts (on each of the inhabited islands) Regions or States: 21 administrative atolls (atholhuthah, singular - atholhu); Addu (Addu City), Ariatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Ari Atoll), Ariatholhu Uthuruburi (North Ari Atoll), Faadhippolhu, Felidhuatholhu (Felidhu Atoll), Fuvammulah, Hahdhunmathi, Huvadhuatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Huvadhu Atoll), Huvadhuatholhu Uthuruburi (North Huvadhu Atoll), Kolhumadulu, Maale (Male), Maaleatholhu (Male Atoll), Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi (South Maalhosmadulu), Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi (North Maalhosmadulu), Miladhunmadulu Dhekunuburi (South Miladhunmadulu), Miladhunmadulu Uthuruburi (North Miladhunmadulu), Mulakatholhu (Mulaku Atoll), Nilandheatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Nilandhe Atoll), Nilandheatholhu Uthuruburi (North Nilandhe Atoll), Thiladhunmathee Dhekunuburi (South Thiladhunmathi), Thiladhunmathee Uthuruburi (North Thiladhunmathi) Political Parties and Leaders: * Adhaalath (Justice) * Party or AP [Sheikh Imran ABDULLA] * Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party or DRP [Ibrahim Mohamed SOLITH] * Maldives Development Alliance or MDA [Ahmed Shiyam MOHAMED] * Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP [Mohamed NASHEED] * Maldives Third Way Democrats or MTD [Ahmed ADEEB] * People's National Congress or PNC [Abdul Raheem ABDULLA] * People's National Front [Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom] * Republican (Jumhooree) * Party or JP [Qasim IBRAHIM] (2020) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Citizenship Criteria: * birth: no citizenship by descent * only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Maldives dual citizenship * recognized: yes residency requirement for * naturalization: unknown CAPITAL & TIME 3 facts Capital Name Male Capital - geographic coordinate 4 10 N, 73 30 E Capital Time Difference UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE 4 facts International Organization Participation: * ADB * AOSIS * CP * FAO * G-77 * IBRD * ICAO * ICC (NGOs) * ICCt * IDA * IDB * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * ILO * IMF * IMO * Interpol * IOC * IOM * IPU * ITU * MIGA * NAM * OIC * OPCW * SAARC * SACEP * UN * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNIDO * UNWTO * UPU * WCO * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO International Law Organization Participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Hugo Yue-Ho YON (since 6 September 2023); note - Ambassador YON is the first resident US ambassador to the Republic of Maldives * Embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; note - as of early November 2023, the US has no consular or diplomatic offices in Maldives; the US Mission to Maldives operates from US Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka * Telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500 [tel:112498500] * FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345 [tel:112437345] Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Maldives has no embassy in the US, but its Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Abdul GHAFOOR Mohamed (since 12 December 2022), is accredited to the US and serves as ambassador * Chancery: 801 Second Avenue, Suite 201, New York, NY 10017 * Telephone: [1] (212) 599-6194 [tel:2125996194] * FAX: [1] (212) 661-6405 [tel:2126616405] * Email: info@maldivesmission.com * Website: http://www.maldivesmission.com/ [http://www.maldivesmission.com/] GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 141 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Maldives's capital is Male in Southern Asia, Asia. Traffic keeps to the left. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE 5 facts Geographic Location Asia Geographic Coordinates 3 15 N, 73 00 E Total Area 115 Square Miles 298 Square Kilometers Land Area 115 Square Miles 298 Square Kilometers Coastline 400 Miles 644 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 5 facts Terrain flat, with white sandy beaches Highest Point 2 Meters Highest Point Location unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu Atoll 2.4 m Lowest Point Location Indian Ocean 0 m Natural Resources fish CLIMATE & TIME 1 facts Time Zone UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE 4 facts Climate * tropical * hot, humid * dry, northeast monsoon (November to March) * rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August) Terrain flat, with white sandy beaches Location Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India Total Area 115 Square Miles 298 Square Kilometers ENVIRONMENT 2 facts Environment - Current Issues * depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies * global warming and sea level rise * coral reef bleaching Environment - International Agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements TRADE IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 144 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for Maldives help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in MVR. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW 4 facts Exports $163,000,000 (USD) Imports $967,000,000 (USD) Major Exports fish, clothing Major Imports consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products TRADING PARTNERS 2 facts Top Export Partners US 52.6%, Sri Lanka 13.3%, Thailand 9.5%, Japan 7.6%, UK 4.7% Top Import Partners Singapore 26.6%, UAE 15%, Sri Lanka 13.2%, India 7%, Malaysia 5.7%, Thailand 4.1% PARTNERS (SUMMARY) 2 facts Export Partners US 52.6%, Sri Lanka 13.3%, Thailand 9.5%, Japan 7.6%, UK 4.7% Import Partners Singapore 26.6%, UAE 15%, Sri Lanka 13.2%, India 7%, Malaysia 5.7%, Thailand 4.1% TRAVEL & SAFETY IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 219 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in Maldives is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is listed as generally safe in the planning dataset. Healthcare system type: Universal/Beveridge. Immigrant health access note: Limited. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 90 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. Early practical steps people actually use in Maldives include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 2 facts Country Description The Republic of Maldives consists of 1,190 islands (approximately 200 are inhabited) in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is a presidential-parliamentary democracy and has a population of fewer than 325,000, with approximately 100,000 people residing in the capital city of Malé, and an estimated 100,000 foreign workers. Beautiful atolls, inhabited by over 1,100 species of fish and other sea life, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Tourism facilities are well developed on the resort islands. Safety & Security Maldives held its first-ever multi-party democratic election in late 2008. On November 16, 2013 Abdulla Yameen was elected President in a run-off election. In recent months during the Presidential election, the capital city of Malé had recurrent protests. Political demonstrations and social unrest resulted in the police forcibly dispersing crowds. Protests were generally confined to the capital city and primarily occurred during the evenings. There were no reports of unrest or demonstrations on the resort islands or at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. You should not engage in political activity in Maldives. You should exercise caution and avoid demonstrations and spontaneous gatherings. If you encounter demonstrations or large crowds, you should remain calm and depart the area quickly and avoid confrontation. While traveling in Maldives, you should refer to news sources, check the U.S. Embassy Colombo website for possible security updates and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. CRIME & LAW 2 facts Crime Maldives has a low crime rate, but theft of valuables left unattended on beaches or in hotels does occur. Drug use is on the rise among young Maldivians and the penalty for drug use is severe. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. Criminal Penalties While you are traveling in Maldives, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States; for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Maldives, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what is legal and what is not legal wherever you go. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify U.S. embassy in Colombo as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. HEALTH & ROADS 2 facts Medical Facilities There is no 911 equivalent for medical emergencies in Maldives; 119 is for the police only, and the Coast Guard responds to 191 calls for maritime emergencies. A patient would have to call an individual hospital for ambulance services. The quality of medical care in such instances may be uncertain, as most ambulances are ill-equipped. Maldives has limited medical facilities. There are two hospitals in Malé: the government-owned Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and the privately-owned Abduarahman Don Kaleyfan Hospital (ADK). IGMH does not accept insurance plans, though ADK accepts some. The hospitals perform limited general and orthopedic surgery, but Maldives has no trauma units and a small number of ICU beds. Persons needing treatments not offered in Maldives require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility, such as in Singapore. Five recompression chambers are available in Maldives. The largest and longest operating recompression chamber is on Bandos Island (15 minutes by speedboat from Malé). The others are located on Cinnamon Alidhoo Resort, Villingili Resort in Addu, Kuramathi Resort, and Kandholhudhoo Islands. Traffic Safety While in Maldives, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Maldives is provided for general reference only, and may vary by location or circumstance. Only a few of the islands are large enough to support automobiles. Most transportation in Maldives is by boat or seaplane (air taxi). Maldives has good safety standards for land, sea, and air travel. Roads in Malé and on the airport island are brick and generally well maintained. Dirt roads on resort islands are well-kept by the resorts. Transportation in Malé is either by foot, by bus, or by readily available taxis that charge a fixed fee for any single journey. Transportation between the airport and Malé, as well as to nearby resort islands, is by motorized water taxi and speedboat. Several local companies provide seaplane service to outlying islands. Air taxis stop flying one hour before sunset, and several resorts do not transport passengers by boat between the airport and the resort island later than one hour before sunset. Visitors to distant resorts arriving in the country at night can expect to stay overnight at a hotel in Malé or at the airport hotel and should confirm transfer arrangements in advance. INFRASTRUCTURE IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 144 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in Maldives affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 20 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION 4 facts Airports - total 9 Airports with Paved Runways 7 Roadways- total 55 Miles 88 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Gan, Male COMMUNICATIONS 7 facts Telephones 49,913 Cell Phones 317,800 Internet Users 33,000 Internet Country Code .mv Internet Hosts 2,164 Broadcast Media * state-owned radio and TV monopoly until recently * state-owned TV operates 2 channels * 3 privately owned TV stations * state owns Voice of Maldives and operates both an entertainment and a music-based station * 5 privately owned radio stations Telephone System * assessment: telephone services have improved; inter-atoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service * domestic: each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership that has reached 135 per 100 persons * international: country code - 960; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) ENERGY 3 facts Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 542,000,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 542,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 6,875 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN MALDIVES: PLANNING NOTES 127 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Maldives. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in Maldives for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Maldives-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for Maldives are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. Maldives profile for immigrants covering visa pathways, cost signals, local services, safety, laws, scam alerts, and practical settlement planning. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.immigration.gov.mv/ (Maldives Immigration) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM 2 facts Anthem Lyrics 1. Gavmii mi ekuverikan matii tibegen kuriime salaam, Gavmii bahun gina heyo du'aa kuramun kuriime salaam. Gavmii nishaanang hurmataa eku boo lambai tibegen Audaanakan libigen e vaa dida-ak kuriime salaam. 2. Nasraa nasiibaa kaamyaabu-ge ramzakang himenee Fessaa rataai hudaa ekii fenumun kuriime salaam. Fakhraa sharaf gavmang e hoodai devvi batalunna' Zikraage mativeri l entakun adugai kuriime salaam. Divehiinge ummay kuri arai silmaa salaamatugai Divehiinge nan molu vun adai tibegen kuriime salaam. 3. Minivankamaa madaniyyataa libigen mi 'aalamugai Dinigen hitaamatakun tibun edigen kuriime salaam. Dinaai verinnang heyo hitun hurmay adaa kuramun Siidaa vafaaterikan matii tibegen kuriime salaam. Davlatuge aburaa 'izzataa mativeri vegen abada' Audaana vun edi heyo du'aa kuramun kuriime salaam. Anthem Lyrics English We salute you in this national unity. We salute you, with many good wishes in the national tongue, Bowing the head in respect to the national symbol. We salute the flag that has such might; It falls into the sphere of victory, fortune and success With its green and red and white together, and therefore we salute it. 2. To those heroes who sought out honour and pride for the nation We give salute today in auspicious verses of remembrance. May the nation of the Maldivian Islanders advance under guard and protection And the name of the Maldivian Islanders become great. Thus we pledge as we salute. 3. We wish for their freedom and progress in this world And for their freedom from sorrows, and thus we salute. With full respect and heartfelt blessing towards religion and our leaders, We salute you in uprightness and truth. May the State ever have auspicious honour and respect. With good wishes for your continuing might, we salute you. SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR MALDIVES Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * MigrantIQ country profile Summary profile maintained for planning. Last updated 2026-05-07. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for Maldives where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN MALDIVES 23 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate General of Switzerland in Male, Maldives [/embassies/mission/switzerland-in-maldives-male-consulate-general/] — 🇨🇭 Switzerland, Male * Consulate General of Turkey in Male, Maldives [/embassies/mission/turkiye-in-maldives-male-consulate-general/] — 🇹🇷 Turkey, Male * Consulate of Austria in Male, Maldives [/embassies/mission/austria-in-maldives-male-consulate/] — 🇦🇹 Austria, Male * Consulate of Belgium in Male, Maldives [/embassies/mission/belgium-in-maldives-male-consulate/] — 🇧🇪 Belgium, Male * Consulate of Denmark in Male, Maldives [/embassies/mission/denmark-in-maldives-male-consulate/] — 🇩🇰 Denmark, Male Browse all embassies in Maldives → [/embassies/in/maldives/] FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO MALDIVES What types of visas are available for moving to the Maldives?+ The Maldives offers various visa options including Business/Investor Visas, Family/Spouse Visas, Student Visas, and Tourist Visas. It's important to select the right visa based on your relocation purpose. How can I find housing in the Maldives?+ You can find housing through local real estate agents, online listings, or community groups. Consider your budget and preferred location, as options can vary significantly across the islands. What is the healthcare system like in the Maldives?+ The Maldives has a universal healthcare system, but access for immigrants is limited. Be prepared for a waiting period of up to 90 days for health services and ensure you have private health insurance during this time. RELATED MALDIVES GUIDES * VisaMaldives Visa Hub [/visas/maldives/] * LegalMaldives Laws [/laws/maldives/] * SafetyMaldives Scam Alerts [/scam-alerts/maldives/] * ChecklistMaldives Arrival Checklist [/checklist/maldives/] * BlogMigration blog [/blog/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] ARRIVAL HUBS * Settle [/settle/] * Driving [/driving/] * Sponsors [/sponsors/] * Ancestry [/ancestry/] * Housing [/housing/] * Money [/money/] * Family [/family/] * Pets [/pets/] * Shipping [/shipping/] * Investment [/investment/] * Retire [/retire/] * Return [/return/] * Safe migration [/safe-migration/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/maldives/#webpage","name":"Moving to Maldives: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"The Maldives is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, diverse marine life, and friendly culture. 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