Republic of Maldives · family
Sponsorship Declaration
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Pre-arrival sponsorship approval for bringing a foreign national to the Maldives for visiting, dependency or approved reasons.
- Processing time
- Submitted through IMUGA before arrival. The official page advises buying tickets only after sponsorship is approved.
- Government fees
- Confirm current IMUGA fee requirements before filing.
- Typical duration
- The sponsored person must arrive in the Maldives within 30 days of approval.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
A Sponsorship Declaration is a permit requested by a Maldivian or professional-category visa holder to bring a foreign national into the Maldives for visiting, dependency or other approved reasons. The sponsor assumes responsibility for the sponsored person's stay. Once approved, the pre-arrival sponsorship approval slip can be viewed in IMUGA, and the sponsored person must arrive within 30 days of approval.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The sponsor is a Maldivian or a professional-category visa holder.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ✓The purpose is visiting, dependency or another approved reason.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ✓The sponsored person is outside the Maldives when the sponsorship option is selected.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ✓The application gives the intended length of stay, estimated arrival date and purpose of stay.Maldives Immigration ↗
Common blockers
- !The applicant is already in the Maldives, making the sponsorship option unavailable in IMUGA.Maldives Immigration ↗
- !No passport copy or sponsor identity/status evidence.Maldives Immigration ↗
- !The sponsored person does not arrive within 30 days after approval.Maldives Immigration ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Completed Application Form IM21.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ·Company seal if the sponsor is a company or employer.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ·Sponsored person passport biodata page.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ·Sponsor ID card if Maldivian, or sponsor Work Permit Card / Employment Approval, plus relationship evidence where relevant.Maldives Immigration ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the sponsor type and purpose before filing.
Build the evidence pack
Sign in to IMUGA, select Sponsorship and choose the appropriate reason or subtype.
Submit through the official channel
Attach Form IM21, passport, sponsor identity/status and relationship documents.
After approval
Wait for approval before buying tickets and ensure arrival within 30 days of approval.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Sponsorship Declaration route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Sponsorship Declaration.
Maldives Immigration · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Who can request a Maldives Sponsorship Declaration?+
The official page says it can be requested by a Maldivian or a professional-category visa holder to bring in a foreign national.
How quickly must the sponsored person arrive?+
The official page says the sponsored person must arrive in the Maldives within 30 days of approval.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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