There are different ways that you can start an investment in the Maldives. This includes:
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Unsolicited Proposals
- Tenders & Public Private Partnership
- Special Economic Zone
Foreign Direct Investments
Standard regime governed under the Foreign Investment Act
This is the standard entry route under which foreign investors may invest in a variety of economic sectors in accordance with the sector-specific requirements detailed under the Foreign Direct Investment Policy of the Maldives. The policy provides details on the maximum percentage of foreign shareholding and the minimum initial investment required for investments in various sectors. Several sectors offer the opportunity for 100% ownership, while other sectors are open for investment through joint ventures with Maldivian investment partners.
View FDI policy
https://trade.gov.mv/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/foreign-direct-investment-policy-11feb2020.pdf
https://investmaldives.gov.mv/download/Foreign_Investment_Application_Form.pdf
Private Sector Initiated Proposals
Private sector participation in the delivery of government’s strategic projects
The Private Sector Initiated Proposals Policy framework offers investors the opportunity for submission of investor-initiated proposals to the government. Investors entering through this route shall initiate the process by submitting the completed application and all supporting documents. Once the submission is checked for compliance, the project is assessed to ensure it meets the strategic priorities of the government. The Economic Council of the Cabinet then approves the project for processing. Key terms are finalized, and once the terms are approved by the Cabinet Economic Council the government enters into an agreement with the investor.
https://investmaldives.gov.mv/download/PSIP_Policy_Annex_2_English.pdf
https://investmaldives.gov.mv/download/PSIP_Application_Form_Fillable.pdf
Government Tenders and Public Private Partnership
Government Tenders and PPP Projects are an additional route for foreign investors. Competent foreign businesses have the opportunity to participate in government tenders and PPP projects in various sectors announced by the government.
https://www.finance.gov.mv/tenders
Special Economic Zones
SEZ regime governed under the Special Economic Zones Act
Investments allowed under the SEZ umbrella are relatively large-scale investments, in excess of USD 150 million, that matches the strategic priorities of the government. Some of the strategic areas considered for SEZ investment include, export processing activities, ports and airports, bunkering and docking services, education and health services, ICT parks and international financial services among others.
