Regulatory Framework
Compliance Overview
A neutral overview of the regulatory frameworks governing foreign investment, ownership, taxation, and development in the Republic of Maldives.
This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Investors should consult qualified professional advisors regarding specific circumstances and requirements.
Foreign Direct Investment
Overview of the FDI framework governing foreign participation in Maldivian assets and businesses.
- Registration with Ministry of Economic Development
- Sector-specific approval requirements
- Minimum capital requirements by sector
- Local partnership requirements (where applicable)
- Repatriation of profits and capital
Leasehold & Ownership
Rules governing foreign access to land and property through leasehold structures.
- Leasehold terms: 50-99 years depending on sector
- Strata-title ownership for qualifying developments
- Uninhabited island lease frameworks
- Local island development requirements
- Transfer and sublease provisions
Taxation Framework
Key tax obligations applicable to foreign investors and investment structures.
- Business Profit Tax (BPT): 15%
- Tourism Goods & Services Tax (TGST): 16%
- Withholding tax on dividends: 10%
- Lease rent and royalties
- Double taxation agreements
Environmental & Planning
Environmental and planning approvals required for development projects.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Environmental Protection Agency approval
- Planning permission requirements
- Building permit processes
- Ongoing environmental compliance
Council & Ministry Coordination
Process for engaging with local government and ministry stakeholders.
- Island Council consultation requirements
- Atoll Council coordination
- Ministry of Tourism licensing
- Ministry of National Planning approvals
- Multi-agency coordination processes
Corporate & Compliance
Ongoing corporate and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Annual filing requirements
- Audit and reporting obligations
- Director and shareholder notifications
- License renewals
- Regulatory reporting
Important Considerations
Regulatory Landscape
The Maldivian regulatory environment for foreign investment continues to evolve as the government balances development objectives with sustainability and local benefit considerations. Recent years have seen increased clarity in FDI frameworks and expanded opportunities in certain sectors.
Key regulatory bodies include the Ministry of Economic Development (FDI registration), Ministry of Tourism (tourism sector licensing), Ministry of National Planning (development approvals), and the Environmental Protection Agency (environmental compliance).
Successful navigation of the regulatory landscape typically requires local expertise, established relationships with relevant authorities, and thorough understanding of sector-specific requirements. This is a core capability that MaldiveInvest provides to institutional partners.
Professional Advisory
MaldiveInvest works with qualified legal, tax, and regulatory advisors to ensure all investment structures and projects maintain full compliance with applicable requirements. We can facilitate introductions to appropriate professional advisors for investors conducting their own due diligence.