Every foreign investment in the Maldives needs government approval and a Foreign Investment Licence under the Foreign Investment Act (Law No. 11/2024). We take foreign investors and their Maldivian partners through each stage — from checking your sector is open to foreign investment to keeping your licence in good standing.
Before you apply, we confirm whether — and how — your business can be foreign-owned.
A complete, well-prepared application avoids delays and requests for more information.
Once a no-objection letter is issued, we register your Maldivian legal entity.
We see the process through to your Foreign Investment Licence and signed agreement.
Approval is also needed when ownership changes, or when an older investment must move to the new Act.
Staying compliant protects your licence — breaches can lead to heavy fines or revocation.
Under the Foreign Investment Act (Law No. 11/2024), the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade approves foreign investments in four stages. We manage each one for you.
We prepare and submit your foreign investment application with the business plan and shareholder documents.
The Ministry reviews the application and, if approved, issues a letter of no objection setting out any conditions.
We incorporate your Maldivian entity and complete the registrations required before licensing.
The Ministry issues your Foreign Investment Licence and you sign the Foreign Investment Agreement.
Yes. Under the Foreign Investment Act (Law No. 11/2024), foreign individuals, foreign companies and Maldivian businesses with foreign shareholders need Ministry approval and a Foreign Investment Licence before carrying on business in the Maldives. Operating without approval, or outside the scope of the licence, can attract substantial fines.
It depends on the sector. Business activities are classified as open, restricted or closed to foreign investment. Some sectors allow full foreign ownership, others cap foreign ownership or require a Maldivian partner, and some are reserved for Maldivians. Minimum investment amounts can also apply. We check your proposed activity against the current lists before you apply.
No. Foreign investors invest through a company or another permitted legal entity, not a sole proprietorship. We incorporate the right entity for your investment once the Ministry has issued its no-objection letter.
It varies with the sector and how complete the application is. A well-prepared application with all supporting documents moves through the Ministry much faster, which is why we focus on getting it right first time. We will give you a realistic timeline for your specific case.
Existing licence holders were required to apply for registration under the new Act (Law No. 11/2024) within 12 months of it coming into force, by 3 December 2025. If you have not yet re-registered, or are unsure of your status, contact us and we will review your position and help you regularise it.
Hand over your entire accounts function — daily records, reconciliations, payables, compliance deadlines and admin — to a qualified team for less than the cost of one hire.
Explore serviceFrom choosing the right structure to receiving your registration certificate, TIN and permits — we set your business up properly from day one.
Explore serviceAccurate, on-time MIRA filings for GST, income tax and withholding tax — plus practical planning that keeps more of your profit working for you.
Explore serviceBook a free, no-obligation consultation. Tell us where your business is today and we'll show you how we can help.
