The Maldives has officially joined the ranks of countries offering residence-by-investment programs. In July 2025, the Maldivian government, in collaboration with Henley & Partners, introduced its first investor visa aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country’s luxury real estate sector. Positioned as part of a broader economic diversification strategy under President Mohamed Muizzu’s Vision 2040, this initiative marks a significant policy shift for a country traditionally reliant on tourism.
Unlike traditional golden visa programs focused on mobility or quick access to citizenship, the Maldives residence offering is structured around long-term lifestyle appeal, asset ownership, and economic integration. It targets a specific investor profile: those seeking not only investment value but also security, privacy, and a quality-of-life upgrade in a politically stable, tax-neutral jurisdiction.
Key Features of the Maldives Residence-by-Investment Program
According to Henley & Partners, who are the official promoters of the program, the investor visa offers a five-year, renewable residence permit to individuals who invest in pre-approved Maldivian real estate projects. Investors may include immediate family members in their application, subject to due diligence.
There is no publicly confirmed minimum investment threshold by the government, but reports from leading consultancies suggest entry begins around USD 250,000. Some projects, particularly those within ultra-luxury zones, may require investment levels closer to USD 5 million or higher, depending on location, branding, and exclusivity.
The application process includes identity verification, a police clearance, medical documents, and government approval following a due diligence review. There are no language, integration, or academic requirements. Physical presence is not mandatory, making the program highly flexible for internationally mobile investors.
Sources: Henley & Partners – Press Release Astons – Residency Overview Financial Express – Program Announcement
Strategic Intent Behind the Program
The Maldives’ decision to open its residency door to international investors is part of a larger economic recalibration. Tourism, while robust, left the country vulnerable to global shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. The residence-by-investment program aims to:
- Diversify national income through foreign real estate investment
- Encourage the development of high-end residential infrastructure
- Create employment in construction, property management, and related sectors ● Position the Maldives as a premium second-home destination for global elites
By focusing on real estate rather than citizenship, the program also avoids the criticism commonly aimed at “passport-for-sale” models in other jurisdictions, especially within the European Union.
Benefits for Investors: More Than Just a Visa
The Maldives’ offering is not a typical relocation program. It is a lifestyle solution tailored to the needs of globally mobile investors seeking more than just a legal address. The benefits are multifaceted and competitive.
Long-Term Access to a Tropical, Luxury Lifestyle
The visa grants residence rights in a highly desirable location with year-round appeal. Investors and their families gain the ability to reside in private island villas or branded residences within one of the world’s most exclusive tourism destinations. This access is unrestricted by seasonal travel limitations or visa requirements, offering a sense of permanence in a temporary world.
Flexible Stay Conditions
Unlike many other residence programs that require annual physical presence or integration milestones, the Maldives visa imposes no such obligation. Investors are free to come and go as they wish, making it ideal for families with business interests in multiple countries or individuals who are semi-retired and prefer optional relocation.
Favorable Tax Environment
The Maldives has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. This provides a strong financial incentive for wealth holders looking to restructure their global tax footprint. Residency in the Maldives can function as a strategic component of a broader tax planning strategy, although investors should seek professional advice regarding their tax obligations in other jurisdictions.
Family Inclusion and Multigenerational Appeal
Applicants can include spouses, children, and sometimes parents, depending on the project and specific requirements. This makes the visa suitable for family offices and multigenerational wealth planning. As a residency solution, it offers a peaceful environment, good healthcare access, and a stable society for families seeking a long-term base outside high-conflict or high-tax regions.
First-Mover Advantage and Property Upside
As a brand-new program, early participants may benefit from favorable pricing on real estate projects. This is a pattern observed in markets like Portugal and Greece, where early golden visa investors saw significant capital gains as programs matured and thresholds increased. Given the Maldives’ limited land availability and tight regulatory control over development, prime assets are likely to appreciate steadily.
Political Stability and Global Recognition
The Maldives is a member of the United Nations and enjoys strong bilateral ties across Asia, the Gulf, and Europe. It is politically stable and maintains a neutral stance in most global conflicts, making it attractive to investors from both Western and emerging markets.
Security and Compliance Through a Vetted Process
The involvement of Henley & Partners brings procedural integrity, transparency, and due diligence standards in line with international best practices. For many investors, the reputation of the intermediary adds a layer of assurance, especially in a region not traditionally known for investment migration infrastructure.
Sources: Finews Asia – Investor Visa Analysis CitizenX – Investment Commentary Corporate Maldives – Program Goals
Citizenship Considerations
While the Maldives’ residence-by-investment program offers renewable long-term residency, it does not provide a direct pathway to citizenship. The country’s laws currently do not permit dual citizenship, and naturalisation is highly restricted. Investors who maintain residence for extended periods may explore standard citizenship routes, but these are not linked to investment and would likely require substantial integration, such as long-term physical presence, language proficiency, and renunciation of existing nationality. As such, the program is best viewed as a lifestyle residency offering rather than a stepping stone to Maldivian nationality.
Future Outlook and Considerations
As of now, there is no pathway to citizenship through this program, and the Maldives does not allow dual citizenship. However, investors who maintain long-term residence may explore naturalization options under conventional processes, though these are not facilitated by the program and require additional eligibility conditions such as language proficiency and physical presence.
Given the government’s strong interest in safeguarding its sovereignty and environmental balance, future developments are likely to remain limited and highly curated. The Maldives is not aiming to become a mass market for investor migration, but rather a selective platform for high-value participants who align with its long-term vision.
