Maldives Work Visa Process | Quickest Processing Time 2024

In most cases, if you're visiting Maldives for tourism from any country, you won't need to apply for a Visit Visa, allowing a 30-day stay. The Maldives Tourist Visa is granted upon arrival for all nationalities.

Maldives Work Visa Process
Maldives Work Visa Process | Quickest Processing Time 2024

However, if your purpose is employment, a work Visa application is necessary. Engaging in ventures like water activities, hotel jobs, or starting a restaurant business in Maldives requires a business visa.

The Maldives Work Visa is issued to foreigners seeking employment and permits their stay in the country. Meanwhile, the business Visa is a temporary, multi-entry permit for foreign nationals intending to conduct business activities in Maldives. Processing for a work visa typically takes 48 hours. Now, let's delve into the various types of visas and their prerequisites.

Types of Maldives Work Visas

  • Maldives Work Visa
  • Maldives Business Visa

1) Maldives Employment Visa

This visa enables foreign nationals to reside in Maldives for work purposes, contingent upon possessing a valid work permit sanctioned by the Ministry of Economic Development.

2) Maldives Business Visa

Designed for foreign nationals engaged in business activities, the Maldives business visa facilitates entry into the country for such endeavors.

Entry Requirements for the Employment Visa

  •  A passport with a minimum validity of 1 year.
  •  A valid Entry Pass not exceeding 90 days from the arrival date.
  •  Submission of the same passport as specified in the Work Permit.
  •  Copy of the Employment Approval.
  •  Recent passportsized photograph.
  •  Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable.

Applying for a Maldives Work Visa

To obtain a work visa, the employee must first secure a work permit sanctioned by the Ministry of Economic Development.

The visa application process is handled by the employer or their representative, necessitating the submission of the following documents:

  1.  Employee's passport.
  2.  Recent passport-sized photo adhering to specified standards.
  3.  Health screening report from a government-authorised Hospital/Clinic if mandated.
  4.  Submission Receipt of IM29 form, generated through the Xpat System, an online visa service.
  5. Once the visa application reaches the 'Ready for Submission' status on the Xpat System, the employer should schedule an appointment to submit the passport for visa processing.

Distinguishing Between Maldives Work Permit and Work Visa

A Work Permit is an endorsement from the Ministry of Economic Development for employment within the Maldives. On the other hand, a Work Visa is the authorization granted by Maldives Immigration permitting foreigners to reside and work in the country following the acquisition of a work permit.

Also Check: Lithuania Work Visa Requirements and Types for 2024

Visa Fees

The fee for the Maldives Work Visa stands at MVR50.

Processing Time

The visa application typically undergoes processing within 48 hours.

Official Website

For a comprehensive guide on applying online for the Maldives Work Visa, the Maldives Immigration Department offers a video tutorial at https://www.immigration.gov.mv/workvisa/

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