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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
In short
As of 13 July 2026, the Work Visa for Republic of Maldives is a sponsor-led Maldives immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Maldives government pages, reviewed 13 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/maldives/work-visa#answer
What is the Work Visa in Republic of Maldives?
Work Visa is a sponsor-led Maldives route. Indicative government fees are Fees are handled through the work-permit and Xpat systems. Check the active portal fee line before filing; indicative processing time is 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; typical duration is The Work e-Visa validity corresponds to the approved Work Permit; renewed Work Visas are issued with a maximum validity of 1 year. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Maldives Immigration on 27 June 2026.
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.
After approval: prepare for your next step
For Work Visa, use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.
- 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
- 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
- 3. Confirm what you may do. Agree the lawful start date and onboarding with the employer or sponsor. Check whether the permission names an employer, role or activity before changing the arrangement.
- 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
- 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.
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.
Find a regulated advisor in MaldivesHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Maldives Immigration
Last checked: 27 June 2026