Indian citizens moving to Republic of Maldives
Indian nationals typically move to Republic of Maldives through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Maldives Immigration, so check each route below for its primary source.
We cover 7 Maldives routes — 2 can be started without a job offer, and
Tourist entry
Tourist-entry rules for Indian nationals are set by Maldives Immigration and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page before travelling. Either way, tourist entry does not confer the right to work, study long-term, or establish residence.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
No nationality-specific treaty routes apply.
Consular processing: a Republic of Maldives consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
What this means for Indian citizens
Of the 7 Republic of Maldives routes we cover, 2 can be started without an employer sponsor and 0 have confirmed permanent residence mapping. Language-test requirements vary by route — check each route below for the requirement set out in its official source.
All Republic of Maldives routes open to Indian applicants
General routes available to all nationalities. Click any to read the full guide.
Work Visa
Digital Maldives work e-Visa for expatriates authorised to reside and work in the Maldives.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement
Business Visa
Business route initiated through the Maldives Business Portal and verified by Maldives Immigration.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement
Meeting Visa
Fourteen-day on-arrival visa for eligible meeting, conference or convention visitors.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement
Marriage Visa
Visa for a foreign national married to a Maldivian to remain in the Maldives.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement
Resident Visa
Residence route for a foreign national married to a Maldivian citizen.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement
Dependent Visa
Visa for immediate family members of expatriates in professional categories working in the Maldives.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement
Sponsorship Declaration
Pre-arrival sponsorship approval for bringing a foreign national to the Maldives for visiting, dependency or approved reasons.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian citizens enter Republic of Maldives without a visa?+
Tourist-entry rules for Indian nationals are set by Maldives Immigration and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page before travelling. Either way, tourist entry does not confer the right to work, study long-term, or establish residence.
Which Republic of Maldives visa routes are best suited to Indian applicants?+
Indian nationals typically move to Republic of Maldives through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Maldives Immigration, so check each route below for its primary source.
Where do Indian applicants typically apply for a Republic of Maldives visa?+
Applications are typically processed at a Republic of Maldives consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with Republic of Maldives's immigration authority without a consular visit.
Do Indian citizens need a job offer to move to Republic of Maldives?+
Not necessarily. 2 of the 7 Republic of Maldives routes we cover can be started without an employer sponsor, while the rest need a sponsoring employer or job offer. If you do not have an offer yet, the no-sponsor routes are the place to start.
Can Indian citizens get permanent residence in Republic of Maldives?+
Most Republic of Maldives routes we cover are temporary rather than direct settlement routes. You may still be able to switch to a settlement route later — check each route's detail.