Government Plans Investor Residency Visa Rollout in April, Says Minister Saeed

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed stated today that legal work is underway with the Attorney General to introduce a residency visa specifically for investors called the “Pearl Residence Visa,” with the target of launching it in the Maldives next month.

Speaking on the initiative, Saeed said the government aims to roll out the new residency programme as part of broader efforts to attract foreign investment and diversify the economy.

“At the Maldives-Singapore Business Forum held in Singapore last July, the Maldives signed a service agreement with Henley & Partners to carry out the Residence by Investment Program,” he said.

“Some people compare this to the Golden Visa programme conducted in Dubai. What I know is that we are doing this with the world’s number one company. Henley & Partners is the strongest party in this business. They operate in 33 countries. They have a very strong network,” Saeed said.

He noted that the Maldives would benefit from entering this global network, citing the country’s strong international brand.

“If you look at tourism, the Maldives is one of the strongest brands in the world. If an arrangement is made in the Maldives where one can stay for such a long-term residency or a long-term rental, that would be a very big advancement,” he said.

Saeed added that the initiative forms part of wider efforts to diversify the economy, alongside plans to introduce new visa categories aimed at increasing the duration of tourist stays.

The government is also working to mitigate the impact of disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected travel routes and contributed to a decline in tourist arrivals. Authorities are exploring ways to extend the current 30-day on-arrival visa and are developing additional visa categories to support longer stays.

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim previously stated that the government is considering introducing a remote working visa for visitors who wish to work while staying in the Maldives, as well as a separate visa category for content creators.

Officials said these measures are intended to support the tourism sector by attracting long-stay visitors and diversifying demand, particularly as arrivals have declined in recent weeks due to disruptions in transit routes through the Middle East.

In addition to visa reforms, the government is exploring new tourism segments, including sports fishing, big game fishing, and expanded diving activities. Spearfishing, which has been restricted for decades, is also expected to be permitted under regulated conditions.