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Maldives to Launch $250,000 Investor Visa Program · IMI Podcasts

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: The Maldives will soon launch its first ever golden visa program, marking a significant shift in its economic strategy.
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: The government first announced it during the Maldives-Singapore Business Forum 2025 three weeks ago, but only recently released more details on its requirements.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: The program is set to offer long-term residency to foreign nationals who invest in luxury real estate.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: The initiative is part of the government's efforts to diversify the economy under President Dr.
• 0:27
  SPEAKER_00: Mohamed Mouizu's vision, 2040, aiming to reduce the economy's heavy reliance on the tourism sector, which currently generates more than half of the island nation's foreign currency inflows.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: The Maldives, a popular luxury tourism destination, is hoping to broaden its appeal to high net worth individuals as a destination for investment and long-term residency, rather than just short-term tourism trips.
• 0:52
  SPEAKER_00: Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed reportedly stated that the program aims to attract responsible investors who see long-term value in the Maldives.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: Quote, this is about building a future where our economy thrives beyond tourism, creating resilience and opportunity across multiple sectors, end quote, he said.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: The program is set to launch with one investment route, real estate.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: Applicants must purchase in government-approved high-end property developments to qualify.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: Officials say that investment thresholds will start at$250,000.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: Successful applicants receive renewable five-year residency permits and can include family members in their applications.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_00: The program imposes no physical residency requirement to maintain residency.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: The Maldives partnered with Henley and Partners, which will provide guidance on compliance, policy design, and due diligence processes.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: Philippe Amarante, managing partner at Henley and Partners, said in an official statement that the program will focus on real estate as it remains a cornerstone of wealth creation and stability.
• 1:58
  SPEAKER_00: He added that such golden visa programs serve as a critical link between global capital and talent, and national development goals when they are well structured and properly run.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: The government hasn't directly addressed whether there would be a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim investors.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_00: The Maldives constitution directly states that, quote, a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives, end quote, making a path to citizenship unlikely for many.
• 2:26
  SPEAKER_00: Official sources indicate that Muslims can apply for Maldives citizenship by naturalization after residing there for over 10 years within a 12-year period.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: The government said it will implement a rigorous screening process for all applicants, which will include police clearance and medical documentation, among other documents.
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_00: Authorities haven't indicated a definitive time frame for the launch, but the process appears to be in an advanced stage of planning.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: This episode first appeared as an article by Mustafa Daily on IMIDaily.com.
• 3:00
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