Maldives

Overview
The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts. Beyond tourism, the Maldives offers opportunities for work, long-term residence, and investment for foreign nationals.

🛂 Tourist / Visit Visa

• Visa on Arrival (FREE): All nationalities, including Nigerians, receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Velana International Airport.
• Extension: Can be extended for up to 90 days at the Department of Immigration. Fee: USD 20/month.
• Requirements on Arrival: Valid passport (6+ months), return/onward ticket, confirmed hotel booking or resort reservation, proof of sufficient funds (min. USD 100/day or resort booking confirmation), yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic countries).
• Nigerian Citizens: Fully eligible for free visa on arrival — no prior application needed.

🎓 Student / Study Visa

• Students must be enrolled in an approved Maldivian educational institution.
• Apply through the Department of Immigration for a Student Visa.
• Requirements: Acceptance letter from a recognized Maldivian school/university, valid passport, passport photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, accommodation proof.
• Student visas are issued for the duration of the course and must be renewed annually.
• Major institutions: Maldives National University (MNU), Villa College, Cyryx College.

💼 Work Visa / Work Permit

• Foreign workers must have a job offer from a Maldivian employer who applies for a work permit through the Ministry of Economic Development.
• Requirements: Job offer/employment contract, valid passport, police clearance certificate, medical certificate, academic credentials (attested), passport photos, processing fee.
• Work permits are employer-specific. Changing employers requires cancellation and reapplication.
• Skills in tourism, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and IT are in high demand.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family / Dependent Visa

• Work permit holders can apply to sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children under 18).
• The sponsor must demonstrate adequate income and accommodation.
• Documents: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, sponsor’s work permit, proof of income, accommodation letter.

🏛️ Citizenship

• By Birth: The Maldives follows jus sanguinis. Citizenship passes through a Maldivian parent. Birth in the Maldives to foreign parents does not grant citizenship.
• By Naturalization: Requires 12 years of continuous legal residence. Applicants must speak Dhivehi, profess Islam (Maldivian law requires citizens to be Muslim), have good character, and be financially stable. Dual nationality is not recognized — applicants must renounce prior citizenship.
• Important Note: The Maldives Constitution (Article 9) stipulates that only Muslims can be citizens of the Maldives.

🌴 Retirement / Investment Residency

• The Maldives offers a Retirement Visa for those above 50 who invest in Maldivian property or businesses.
• Investor residency available through resort development, real estate, or government-approved projects.

💡 Why Choose Travel Expore Agency?
We help Nigerian and African clients navigate Maldives visa requirements — from tourist visas to work permits and student applications.