Republic of Maldives · work sponsored
Work Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Digital Maldives work e-Visa for expatriates authorised to reside and work in the Maldives.
- Processing time
- Filed through the Xpat Online System after the relevant work-permit record is available. The public page does not publish a fixed decision-time standard.
- Government fees
- Fees are handled through the work-permit and Xpat systems. Check the active portal fee line before filing.
- Typical duration
- The Work e-Visa validity corresponds to the approved Work Permit; renewed Work Visas are issued with a maximum validity of 1 year.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
A Maldives Work Visa authorises expatriates to reside and work in the Maldives. Maldives Immigration says Work Visa applications must be submitted through the Xpat Online System and that the Work e-Visa is tied directly to an approved Work Permit. Newly arriving expatriates must hold a valid Entry Pass at arrival, then the employer or authorised representative must obtain the Work e-Visa within 15 days of arrival.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The worker has a valid Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ✓The employer or representative applies through the Xpat Online System.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ✓New arrivals hold a valid Entry Pass on arrival and obtain the Work e-Visa within 15 days.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ✓Passport details in the visa record match the current passport before entry or departure.Maldives Immigration ↗
Common blockers
- !No valid Work Permit or Entry Pass for a newly arriving expatriate.Maldives Immigration ↗
- !The employer does not have access to the relevant Xpat organisation profile.Maldives Immigration ↗
- !Passport details in the visa record do not match the current passport.Maldives Immigration ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Recent photograph meeting Maldives Immigration photo standards.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ·Clear colour passport biodata page.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ·Approved Work Permit record in the Xpat Online System.Maldives Immigration ↗
- ·Additional supporting documents requested by the portal where applicable.Maldives Immigration ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the Work Permit and Entry Pass position before the worker travels.
Build the evidence pack
Use the Xpat Online System and switch to the employer organisation profile where filing for a company.
Submit through the official channel
Open the worker profile, choose the relevant work permit and submit the Work e-Visa request with required documents.
After approval
Download or view the approved e-Visa digitally and keep passport details aligned before travel.
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 Work Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Work Visa.
Maldives Immigration · verified
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Frequently asked questions
How quickly must a new expatriate get the Maldives Work e-Visa after arrival?+
The official page says the employer or authorised representative must apply for and obtain the Work e-Visa within 15 days from the date of arrival.
How long is the Maldives Work e-Visa valid?+
The official page says validity corresponds directly to the approved Work Permit, and renewed Work Visas are issued for a maximum of one year.
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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