Understanding the type of Visas in Maldives

For foreign entrepreneurs who wants to establish a business in Maldives comprehending visa requirements and the processes involved is crucial. Navigating visa applications can feel overwhelming, especially without the experience to tackle complex immigration forms and protocols. It's a time-consuming process that demands meticulous attention to detail. Our mission is to simplify this journey for you. We handle the burdensome tasks—filling out all necessary forms and scheduling essential appointments—so you can focus on preparing for your travels with confidence and peace of mind.

Types of Common Visas of the Maldives

Tourist Visa

The Maldives tourist visa is designed for travelers visiting the country for leisure purposes, such as tourism, sightseeing, and recreational activities. Typically, the tourist visa for the Maldives is valid for 30 days upon entry into the country. It can be extended for up to a total of 90 days, depending on the discretion of immigration authorities and subject to certain conditions. here are two main methods to obtain a tourist visa for the Maldives:

Visa on Arrival: Most nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival at the Maldives' international airports. Travellers need to present a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay, and accommodation details for the initial stay.
Apply in Advance: Some nationalities may need to apply for a tourist visa in advance through the Maldives' overseas diplomatic missions (embassy or consulate). The application process typically requires filling out a visa application form, submitting necessary documents (passport, itinerary, accommodation details, etc.), and paying the applicable visa fee.

Business Visa

Business visa is a multi-entry visa which is intended for foreign nationals traveling to Maldives for business-related activities. Business visas are usually issued for a duration of 30 days upon entry into the country. However, it can be extended up to 180 days in a calendrer year. To obtain a business visa, applicants must apply in advance through Business portal. Required documentation often includes:

A passport with atleast 6 months validity
A passport size photo that complies with Maldives Immigration Photo standard
A sponsor letter from a business entity or an individual
Business visa travel and health insurance

It's essential to submit the application well in advance to allow for processing time before the intended travel dates.

Work Visa

The Maldives work visa is intended for expatriates who have secured employment in the Maldives. It allows foreign nationals to legally work and reside in the country. Work visas in the Maldives are typically issued for an initial period of 2 years. They can be renewed based on continued employment and other relevant factors, subject to the approval of immigration authorities. Obtaining a work visa for the Maldives involves the following steps:

Sponsorship: A Maldivian employer must sponsor the foreign national for the work visa. The employer initiates the visa application process on behalf of the employee.
Application Submission: The employer submits the visa application to the relevant authority. Required documentation usually includes a valid passport, employment contract or offer letter, educational qualifications, and any other documents specified by the immigration authorities.
Approval and Issuance: Upon approval, an entry pass is issued to the foreign national, granting them legal entry and authorization to work in the Maldives. Upon arrival within 15 days the employee is required to undergo a medical examination conducted by an authorized medical service provider. Once the medical examination is approved by the ministry, the employee can proceed with obtaining work permit insurance and pay the applicable work permit fee.

Following the payment of the work permit fee, the employer is then eligible to submit an application for work visa stamping to the Maldives Immigration. This process ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitates the formal issuance of the work visa, enabling the foreign national to legally commence employment in the Maldives.

Renewal: Before the expiration of the initial visa period, the employer can apply for a renewal of the work visa. This process involves submitting updated documents and demonstrating continued employment and compliance with immigration regulations.

Marriage Visa

The Maldives marriage visa is designed for foreign nationals who are married to Maldivian citizens and wish to reside in the Maldives. Marriage visas in the Maldives are usually issued for an initial period of 1 year. They can be renewed based on continued marriage status and other relevant factors, subject to the approval of immigration authorities.

Process

Marriage Registration: The foreign national must first register their marriage with the Maldives authorities. This involves submitting the necessary documents to prove the legality and validity of the marriage, such as the marriage certificate.
Visa Application: Following the marriage registration, the foreign national can apply for a marriage visa. The application is typically submitted to Maldives Immigration online portal IMUGA.

Required Documents: The documents required for the marriage visa application may include:

Valid passport of the foreign national.
Passport size photo of the individual that complies with Maldives immigration passport photo standard.
Marriage certificate.
Any other documents specified by the immigration authorities.

Approval and Issuance: Upon approval of the marriage visa application, a visa is issued to the foreign national, allowing them to legally reside in the Maldives as a spouse of a Maldivian citizen.
Renewal: Before the expiration of the initial visa period, the marriage visa can be renewed upon application. Renewal typically requires demonstrating continued marriage status and compliance with immigration regulations.

Dependent Visa

The Maldives dependent visa is intended for immediate family members (spouse and children) of expatriates holding a work permit under professional categories in the Maldives. The validity of the dependent visa is typically tied to the status of the primary visa holder (the expatriate worker). It is usually issued for the same duration as the primary visa or work permit.

Process:

Primary Visa Approval: The dependent visa application process begins after the primary visa (work permit) of the expatriate worker is approved.
Application Submission: Once the primary visa is approved, the expatriate worker can apply for dependent visas for their immediate family members. The application is submitted via Maldives Immigration online portal IMUGA.
Required Documents: The documents required for the dependent visa application typically include:

Valid passports of the family members.
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificates for children).
Copy of the primary visa holder's work permit or visa.
Visa Application form
Any other documents specified by the immigration authorities.

Approval and Issuance: Upon approval of the dependent visa application, visas are issued to the immediate family members, allowing them to reside in the Maldives with the primary visa holder.
Renewal: Dependent visas may be renewed concurrently with the renewal of the primary visa holder's visa or work permit. Renewal requires demonstrating continued dependency and compliance with immigration regulations.

Navigating the work visa process in the Maldives may seem daunting at first, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a smooth journey. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to start your professional adventure in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Whether you're looking to advance your career or experience a unique lifestyle, the Maldives offers an incredible opportunity for expatriates.

At People Factor, we assist our clients in obtaining the necessary visas tailored to their needs. Our extensive knowledge and expertise enable us to navigate the challenges involved in the visa application process effectively. Let us help you achieve your immigration goals with confidence.

Contact us today to discover how we can streamline your visa processing and make your journey as smooth as possible. Whether you're seeking a work permit, dependent visa, or any other immigration service in the Maldives, our team is here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way. Let us assist you in navigating the complexities of visa applications so you can focus on your plans ahead with confidence