Maldives to Launch Investor Visa Program

Moustafa Daly
Cairo

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Applicants receive five-year renewable residencies with no physical presence requirements, but the program appears to offer no path to citizenship for non-Muslims as per existing laws.

The Maldives will soon launch its first-ever golden visa program, marking a significant shift in its economic strategy. The government first announced it during the Maldives–Singapore Business Forum 2025 three weeks ago, but only recently released more details on its requirements.

The program is set to offer long-term residency to foreign nationals who invest in luxury real estate. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to diversify the economy under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Vision 2040, aiming to reduce the economy’s heavy reliance on the tourism sector, which currently generates more than half of the island nation’s foreign currency inflows.

The Maldives, a popular luxury tourism destination, is hoping to broaden its appeal to high-net-worth individuals as a destination for investment and long-term residency, rather than just short-term tourism trips.

According to TTW, Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed stated that the program aims to attract responsible investors who see long-term value in the Maldives.

“This is about building a future where our economy thrives beyond tourism, creating resilience and opportunity across multiple sectors,” he said.

Real Estate at the Core

The Maldives government has signed a deal with Henley & Partners to provide guidance on compliance, policy design, and due diligence processes.

Henley & Partners has confirmed that the new program will be “specifically linked to real estate acquisition,” but did not provide exact amounts as the program is still in the design phase.

Philippe Amarante, Managing Partner at Henley & Partners, said in an official statement that the program will focus on real estate as “it remains a cornerstone of wealth creation and stability.”

He added that such golden visa programs serve as a critical link between global capital and talent, and national development goals “when they are well-structured and properly run.”

Path to Citizenship Unclear

The government hasn’t directly addressed whether there would be a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim investors. The Maldives’ constitution directly states that “a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives,” making a path to citizenship unlikely for many.

Official sources indicate that Muslims can apply for Maldives citizenship by naturalization after residing there for over ten years within a twelve-year period.

The government said it will implement a rigorous screening process for all applicants, which will include police clearance and medical documentation, among other documents.

Authorities haven’t indicated a definitive time frame for the launch, but the process appears to be in an advanced stage of planning.