Visa Types
Maldives Work Visa Criteria
Apply to work in Maldives, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Maldives Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Maldives?
Indian citizens don’t need a visa for short stays (up to 30 days) in Maldives for tourism. VOA available at the port of entry. For longer stays, apply for a visa at the Maldivian embassy or consulate in India.
Maldives Visa application is made online or offline?
All methods are accessible for applying for an Indonesian visa: Visa-on-Arrival (for tourism), online application, and in-person application at the embassy/consulate (for long-term stays).
Do I need to give biometrics?
No, Biometrics not required to obtain a visa. Visa-on-Arrival
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Maldivian visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a Work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Maldives?
Depending on your circumstances, you may obtain a physical visa by applying at the embassy and Upon arrival at the airport or port of entry, visitors will receive a visa stamp on their passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For Work Visa: 41142 INR
To confirm visa fee details, please visit the official website of Maldives
Step-by-step guide (At The Embassy/Consulate)
Let us walk you through the process
- Check Visa Requirements: Visit the official website of the Maldives Embassy in India to check the specific visa requirements for Indian citizens. Requirements may vary based on the purpose of your visit, such as study, business, work or other purposes.
- Download Application Form: Download the appropriate visa application form from the embassy's website.
- Complete Visa Application Form: Fill out the form accurately and completely with all required information. Make sure to provide details that match the information on your supporting documents.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents as per the visa category and requirements.
- Pay Visa Fee: Check the visa fee and payment method accepted at the Maldives Embassy in New Delhi. Pay the visa processing fee as required.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed visa application form along with all the required documents and the visa fee to the Maldives Embassy in New Delhi. You may need to do this in person or through a visa application center, depending on the embassy's policies.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for a Maldives visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the current workload of the embassy. Be prepared to wait for a few days to a few weeks for the visa to be processed.
- Collect Visa: Once your visa application is approved, collect your visa and passport from the embassy or the visa application center.
- Check Visa Details: Before leaving, ensure that all the details on the visa sticker in your passport are accurate, including the validity dates and visa type.
- Travel to the Maldives: With your visa in hand, you can now travel to the Maldives on the specified dates and for the approved purpose.
Step-by-step guide (Online Through The Xpat Online System)
Let us walk you through the process
The Xpat Online System is an electronic platform introduced by the Maldives Immigration to facilitate the application process for Work Visas. It was implemented on November 17th, 2019, and is designed to streamline and modernize the process for employers and recruitment agencies seeking to apply for work visas for foreign workers in the Maldives.
- Go to the Xpat Online System website and create an account: Access the official Xpat Online System website and register by providing the required information to create a new account.
- Select "Visa" from the menu bar and then "Apply for Work Visa": Once you are logged in, navigate to the "Visa" section on the website and choose "Apply for Work Visa" from the available options.
- Select your nationality and the purpose of your visit: Choose your nationality from the list provided and specify the purpose of your visit, which is for work in this case.
- Enter your personal information: Fill in your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, contact information, and other required information. Additionally, provide the dates of your intended travel to the Maldives for work.
- Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card: Proceed to pay the required visa fee through the available online payment options, such as credit or debit cards.
- Request for an online appointment to submit your passport(s) for visa: After completing the visa application process and payment, you will likely need to schedule an appointment to submit your passport(s) and any required supporting documents for visa processing. This step may involve selecting a date and time through the Xpat Online System.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a work visa to Maldives from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
A Work Visa is a permit given to a foreigner to work in the Maldives. If someone travels to the Maldives for work, they will get 15 days from the arrival date. To get this period extended, the foreign national must have a valid Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Economic Development, which should not be more than 90 days old. Also, they must use the same passport for which the Work Permit was issued. If the Work Permit is still valid (within 90 days), they can re-enter without getting a visa.
- Machine-Readable Passport: A copy of the applicant's passport bio-data page with at least 1-year validity remaining from the intended date of arrival in the Maldives.
- Valid Work Permit: The applicant must have a valid work permit issued by the relevant Maldivian authorities, and it should not exceed 90 days from the date of their planned arrival.
- Matching Passport: The traveler must use the same passport mentioned in the work permit for their travel to the Maldives.
- Traveler Health Declaration: The applicant must complete and submit a Traveler Health Declaration form within 48 hours prior to departure from the first port of embarkation. The form can be submitted electronically via IMUGA.
- Work Visa Application Submission Receipt (IM29): A receipt or acknowledgment of the work visa application submission, typically provided by the Maldives Immigration.
- Job Offer Letter: A formal job offer letter from a Maldivian employer or company detailing the terms and conditions of employment.
- Employment Contract: A signed employment contract between the foreign employee and the employer in the Maldives.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A police clearance certificate or a certificate of good conduct from the applicant's home country or previous countries of residence.
- Financial Proof: Proof of sufficient funds to cover the initial expenses upon arrival in the Maldives.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable):If the applicant is traveling from or through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, they may need to provide a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Note: Please note that the work visa application process may involve additional steps, and the specific documents required can vary based on the nature of the job, the sponsoring employer, and other factors. To ensure a smooth and successful work visa application, it is advisable to consult with the employer in the Maldives and the Maldivian immigration authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information on work visa requirements.
Employment Approval (EA):
- Passport with at least one year validity.
- Job offer letter from a local company or organization in the Maldives.
- Work permit approval from the Maldives Ministry of Economic Development.
- Passport-sized photographs as per the Maldives Immigration passport photo standard.
- Health screening report from a recognized hospital or clinic authorized by the relevant government authority.
Self-employment Permit (SEP):
- Passport with at least one year validity.
- Business plan outlining the proposed venture in the Maldives.
- Work permit approval for self-employment from the Maldives Ministry of Economic Development.
- Proof of financial means to support the business venture.
- Passport-sized photographs as per the Maldives Immigration passport photo standard.
- Health screening report from a recognized hospital or clinic authorized by the relevant government authority.
Technical Resident Visa (TRV):
- Passport with at least five years validity.
- Proof of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Letter of employment or contract from a local company or organization in the Maldives.
- Passport-sized photographs as per the Maldives Immigration passport photo standard.
- Health screening report from a recognized hospital or clinic authorized by the relevant government authority.
Contractor Visa (CV):
- Passport with validity for the duration of the contract.
- Contract agreement detailing the scope and duration of work in the Maldives.
- Work permit approval for the contract period from the Maldives Ministry of Economic Development.
- Passport-sized photographs as per the Maldives Immigration passport photo standard.
- Health screening report from a recognized hospital or clinic authorized by the relevant government authority.
Research Visa (RV):
- Passport with at least one year validity.
- Letter of invitation from a recognized research institution or organization in the Maldives.
- Research plan outlining the objectives and duration of the research project.
- Passport-sized photographs as per the Maldives Immigration passport photo standard.
- Health screening report from a recognized hospital or clinic authorized by the relevant government authority.
Training Visa (TV):
- Passport with at least one year validity.
- Letter of acceptance or enrollment from a recognized training institution in the Maldives.
- Training plan detailing the program duration and content.
- Passport-sized photographs as per the Maldives Immigration passport photo standard.
- Health screening report from a recognized hospital or clinic authorized by the relevant government authority.
Please note that the specific requirements for each type of work visa/permit may vary based on individual circumstances and the current immigration regulations in the Maldives. It is essential to check the most current information from the official Maldives Immigration website or consult with the Maldivian embassy/consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents
Apply Work Permit Online Through Xpat Online System:
Visa Application From IM23:
Work Visa Application Submission Receipt Form [IM 29]:
Miscellaneous Work Visa Fee Form [IM 41]:
Please keep in mind that the information provided is a general outline. The actual visa application form may have additional sections or specific requirements depending on the type of visa you are applying for. It is essential to refer to the official visa application form from the Maldives Embassy or Consulate’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
A Work Visa is a permit for foreigners to work in the Maldives.
When traveling for employment, you'll get a 15-day stay upon arrival. To get this, you need a valid Work Permit from the Ministry of Economic Development, not exceeding 90 days from issue. Use the same passport on arrival as the one mentioned in the Work Permit. Re-entry without a visa is allowed if the Work Permit is valid (within 90 days).
To apply for the Work Visa, you need a medical check-up at an authorized hospital/clinic. Health insurance should cover this period.
Not obtaining the visa on time can lead to penalties under the Immigration Act 1/2007, including deportation for overstaying.
Work Visa services are available in Male’ (Visa Division, Star Cloud, 8th Floor, Majeedhee Magu), Hithadhoo Immigration Office (Addu City), Fuvahmulah Immigration Office (Fuvahmulah City), and Kulhudhuffushi Immigration Office (H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi).
The process for applying for a Maldives Work/Permit visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Obtain a Job Offer: Before applying for a work visa, you need to secure a job offer from a Maldivian employer. The employer should provide you with a formal job offer letter specifying your position, job responsibilities, salary, and other relevant details.
- Employer's Approval: The employer in the Maldives should apply for approval from the Maldives Immigration to hire a foreign worker. They need to submit relevant documents to justify the need to hire a foreign employee.
- Document Preparation: Gather the necessary documents required for the work visa application. These may include your passport, passport-sized photographs, educational certificates, professional qualifications, health certificate, and police clearance certificate.
- Work Visa Application Form: Obtain the work visa application form from the Maldivian embassy or consulate in India or download it from their official website.
- Fill out the Application Form: Complete the work visa application form with accurate and up-to-date information.
- Employer's Sponsorship: The employer in the Maldives will act as your sponsor for the work visa. They may be required to submit additional documents to support your application.
- Visa Fee Payment: Pay the required visa application fee at the Maldivian embassy or consulate. The fee may vary depending on the type and duration of the work visa.
- Submission of Application: Submit the completed work visa application form and all the supporting documents to the Maldivian embassy or consulate in India and You can also apply for a Maldives work visa online through the Xpat online service. To do this, go to the officail website and create an account. Once you have created an account, you will be able to complete the online visa application form and upload the required documents.
- Visa Processing: The embassy or consulate will process your work visa application. This process may take several weeks.
- Visa Approval: If your work visa application is approved, you will receive the visa on your passport.
- Travel to the Maldives: Once you have your work visa, you can travel to the Maldives to start your job.
Note: It's essential to note that visa policies can change, so it is highly recommended to consult the official website of the Maldives Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Employment Approval (EA): The Employment Approval (EA) is a permit issued to foreign individuals who have secured a job offer from a Maldivian employer. This approval is obtained by the employer from the Maldives Immigration before the employee applies for a work visa. The EA confirms that the foreign worker is eligible to work in the Maldives and specifies the job position and duration of employment.
- Self-employment Permit (SEP): The Self-employment Permit (SEP) is issued to foreign individuals who wish to establish and operate their own business in the Maldives. To obtain this permit, the individual must provide a comprehensive business plan and meet specific criteria set by the Maldives government. The SEP allows the holder to legally operate a business and reside in the Maldives for the purpose of self-employment.
- Technical Resident Visa (TRV): The Technical Resident Visa (TRV) is granted to foreign individuals who possess specialized technical skills or expertise that are in demand in the Maldives. This visa is typically issued for a specific duration, and the individual must be sponsored by a Maldivian employer or organization. The TRV allows the holder to work and reside in the Maldives while providing their technical services.
- Contractor Visa (CV): The Contractor Visa (CV) is issued to foreign individuals who are contracted to provide specific services or perform a project in the Maldives. This visa is obtained by the sponsoring employer or contracting company. The CV allows the holder to work in the Maldives for the duration of the contract.
- Research Visa (RV): The Research Visa (RV) is issued to foreign researchers, scholars, and academics who wish to conduct research or academic activities in the Maldives. This visa allows the holder to stay in the Maldives for a specified period to carry out their research or academic work.
- Training Visa (TV): The Training Visa (TV) is granted to foreign individuals who come to the Maldives for professional training or to participate in a training program. This visa allows the holder to stay in the Maldives for the duration of the training program or course.
Note: Please note that the visa types and their specific requirements may be subject to change by the Maldives government. Always check with the official website of the Maldives Immigration or consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on visa types and application procedures.