Investment Windows
Currently there are four investment routes open for foreign investors to establish their businesses in the Maldives.
Standard FDI
PSIP
Tender & PPP
SEZ
Foreign Direct Investments
Standard regime governed under the Foreign Investment Act
This is the standard entry route under which foreign investors may invest in a variety of economic sectors in accordance with the sector-specific requirements detailed under the Foreign Direct Investment Policy of the Maldives. The policy provides details on the maximum percentage of foreign shareholding and the minimum initial investment required for investments in various sectors. Several sectors offer the opportunity for 100% ownership, while other sectors are open for investment through joint ventures with Maldivian investment partners.
View FDI policy
Application form:
Pdf
Private Sector Initiated Proposals
Private sector participation in the delivery of government’s strategic projects
The Private Sector Initiated Proposals Policy framework offers investors the opportunity for submission of investor-initiated proposals to the government. Investors entering through this route shall initiate the process by submitting the completed application and all supporting documents. Once the submission is checked for compliance, the project is assessed to ensure it meets the strategic priorities of the government. The Economic Council of the Cabinet then approves the project for processing. Key terms are finalized, and once the terms are approved by the Cabinet Economic Council the government enters into an agreement with the investor.
Government Tenders and Public Private Partnership
Government Tenders and PPP Projects are an additional route for foreign investors. Competent foreign businesses have the opportunity to participate in government tenders and PPP projects in various sectors announced by the government.
Special Economic Zones
SEZ regime governed under the Special Economic Zones Act
Large scale investments with a minimum investment value of USD 100 million are considered under the SEZ umbrella. Strategic areas considered for SEZ investments include the following:
- Manufacturing
- Transshipment port, logistics, port, airport, bulk breaking, bunkering, docking services
- University, tertiary hospital, specialty hospital, world renowned research and development center
- ICT park and related facilities
- International financial services, international trade centers
- Renewable energy
- Introduction of new technologies
- Food security
- Gas exploration
Investors may also utilize 40% of the total investment committed in resort and tourism related businesses and should earmark at least 50% of the total investment committed to the strategic area of investment.