Maldives, in the numbers that decide it
What life costs
medium confidence- One-bed flat, city
- €1,200/mo
- Three-bed home
- €2,200/mo
- Groceries, one person
- €450/mo
- Utilities
- €180/mo
- What a local salary buys
- 46/100
Ways in
- Lowest income floor of any route
- €101/mo
How long it takes
- Fastest route on paper
- Dependent Visa — 5 days
- Routes that publish a wait
- 4 of 6 tracked
Moving with family
- Family & reunification routes
- 3
- Healthcare system
- mixed
Day-to-day life
high confidence- Healthcare
- 72/100
- English in daily life
- very_high (EF EPI 92)
- Internet speed
- 27 Mbps
Tax, in practice
medium confidence- Real rate at €90k
- 0.0%
- Take-home per month at €90k
- €6,667
- VAT
- 6%
- How it is structured
- progressive
Maldives offers 5 distinct visa pathways for skilled workers and migrants in 2026. Located in Southern Asia, processing times range from 1 months. The country scores a quality of life index of 7.0/10 and a safety score of 7.5/10. Monthly living costs for a single person range from €1,827–€2,249 depending on the city. The primary language is Dhivehi. Permanent residency is achievable in as few as 5 years. Top-scoring professions for immigration include Doctor (5.6/10), AI Engineer (5.2/10), Dentist (5.2/10). Overall migration friendliness is rated 6.0/10. Figures as of H2 2026 (official sources, last re-check).
Visa Programs
| Program | Min Income | Min Savings | Language | Processing | Path to PR | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent Visa | — | — | — | 4 weeks | — | — |
| Marriage Visa | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Resident Visa | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Work Visa | — | — | — | 4 weeks | — | — |
Financial Requirements
No fixed income or savings threshold is published for the pathways currently tracked for this country.
Cost of Living
Top Professions for Emigrating
| Profession | Score | Est. Net Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor (license req.) | 5.6/10 | €2,137/mo |
| AI Engineer | 5.2/10 | €1,710/mo |
| Dentist (license req.) | 5.2/10 | €1,710/mo |
| Data Analyst | 4.8/10 | €1,197/mo |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 4.8/10 | €1,453/mo |
| Pharmacist (license req.) | 4.8/10 | €1,368/mo |
| Civil Engineer | 4.8/10 | €1,282/mo |
| Mechanical Engineer | 4.8/10 | €1,282/mo |
| Accountant | 4.8/10 | €1,111/mo |
| Marketing Manager | 4.8/10 | €1,197/mo |
Downloadable Data
Explore More: Maldives
Official sources
Maldives
- Work Visa — immigration.gov.mv — last re-checked 2026-06-24
Figures are compiled from official government sources and re-checked on a rolling basis. Always confirm on the official page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many immigration pathways does Maldives have?
Maldives: Visa Programs, Requirements & Costs (2026) has 5 active immigration pathways in 2026, including business investor, family reunion, skilled worker routes. Each pathway has different requirements for income, qualifications, and experience.
What is the cost of living in Maldives?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Malé: €2,249/mo; Hulhumalé: €2,039/mo; Addu City: €1,827/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
Can I get permanent residency in Maldives?
Permanent residency may be available depending on the visa stream; specific timelines are not published for the pathways currently tracked.
What are the best professions for emigrating to Maldives?
The highest-scoring professions for Maldives are: Doctor, AI Engineer, Dentist. Scores consider visa accessibility, salary competitiveness, cost of living, and quality of life.
What types of visas does Maldives offer?
Maldives: Visa Programs, Requirements & Costs (2026) offers the following visa categories: Business Investor: Corporate Resident Visa; Family: Dependent Visa, Marriage Visa, Resident Visa; Skilled Worker: Work Visa.
Can I bring my family to Maldives?
Yes. 5 pathways allow family members. Options include: Corporate Resident Visa, Dependent Visa, Marriage Visa. Spouses may also be eligible to work depending on the visa type.
Does Maldives have a digital nomad visa?
Maldives does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use standard work permits or temporary residence visas.
How long does visa processing take in Maldives?
Processing times vary by pathway: Corporate Resident Visa: ~180 days; Dependent Visa: ~30 days; Marriage Visa: ~180 days; Resident Visa: ~180 days; Work Visa: ~30 days. Times may vary based on application volume.
What is the quality of life like in Maldives?
Maldives scores quality of life: 7.0/10, safety: 7.5/10, healthcare: 5.5/10. These ratings consider healthcare access, public safety, infrastructure, and overall living standards for expatriates.
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