The Maldives has entered the design phase of its first investor residency visa programme, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has confirmed. The initiative aims to attract foreign investment and support economic diversification.
Minister Mohamed Saeed announced that work is underway to establish the legal and policy framework for the scheme. The current phase involves defining the programme’s structure, regulatory requirements, and necessary legislation.
Stakeholder engagement has been a key part of the process. A second round of consultations was completed in mid-September, following initial meetings in August. These discussions included representatives from Henley & Partners, an international advisory firm specialising in investment migration, as well as officials from various government agencies and the private sector.
According to Minister Saeed, the consultations are intended to shape the operational details of the programme and ensure it aligns with international best practices while reflecting national economic priorities.
The government formalised its partnership with Henley & Partners during a business forum in Singapore, which took place as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit. A service agreement for the Residence by Investment Programme was signed at the event, officially launching the collaboration.
Investor residency programmes are widely used in developed economies to attract foreign capital. While this is the first such initiative in the Maldives, officials are optimistic about its potential to position the country as a competitive destination for global investors.
Government projections indicate that the programme could attract up to $6 billion in investment over its first five years, highlighting its expected role in strengthening economic resilience and expanding the Maldives’ investment portfolio.
