The Maldives, a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, has formally set in motion its first residence-by-investment program, tying long-term residency rights to qualifying real estate investments as it seeks to pivot from a tourism-dependent model to a broader, capital-attracting economy. The move comes under President Mohamed Muizzu’s “Vision 2040” and the government of the Maldives has hired Henley & Partners to help create the visa program.
Announced at the Maldives–Singapore Business Forum 2025 earlier this month and fleshed out in subsequent briefings this week, the Maldive initiative promises foreign investors multi-year, renewable residency with what industry sources say will include light or no physical presence requirements.
How the Maldive residency program is expected to work
• Real estate at the core: Residency will be contingent on purchasing approved, premium property. Precise minimums have not been officially announced but media has the program as a US$250,000 investor visa.
• Five-year, renewable status: Applicants are expected to receive five-year residencies, renewable, with no physical presence requirement, according to public reports.
• Tight compliance & due diligence: The visa criteria and compliance framework have yet to be finalized.
Citizenship off the table for most applicants
While the headline benefit is residence, a path to citizenship appears unlikely for non Muslim investors because the Maldivian constitution bars non Muslims from naturalizing. Muslims may apply for citizenship after more than ten years of residence within a 12 year period, official guidance notes.
Why now?
Tourism still generates more than half of the Maldives’ foreign currency inflows, leaving the archipelago vulnerable to external shocks. By anchoring the visa to bricks-and-mortar investment, the administration hopes to channel global wealth into resort, residential, and supporting infrastructure, thereby deepening the country’s capital base and creating jobs beyond the traditional visitor economy.
The bigger picture
If priced at—or near—the mooted US$250,000 mark, the Maldives would sit at the lower end of Asia-Pacific investment thresholds (well below Singapore and Australia, and closer to some Caribbean CBI/GRI entry points), but with a residence only proposition and constitutionally constrained citizenship route. That could still resonate with UHNW families seeking a geopolitical hedge, privacy, and a lifestyle foothold — especially if physical presence is not required.
Next steps
Officials say the program will go live once regulatory approvals and property listings are finalized. Until then, prospective applicants should watch for: the official investment minimum, whether dependents (spouses, children, parents) can be bundled under one application, tax residency implications, and any sector specific carve outs beyond real estate.
