Ocean Land is perfectly suited to assist interested partners and investors in making decisions on investment to the Tourism industry in Maldives.

The Maldives has a strong record of political stability and a well put transparent investment policy in place. These islands are a haven for tourism investment and deliver strong ties to Europe and the Commonwealth. We are a rising economy with advances in communications technology, law and education. The Maldives was named the Most Romantic Destination In the 2007 World Travel Awards and has been featured in numerous other Trade and Travel Forums.

The law of foreign investment (25/79) guarantees security in investment. A young trainable and diligent workforce further commits a stable business environment proven by several foreign investments already existing in the archipelago.

Direct investment in Tourism is encouraged and is not limited to establishment of tourist resorts, harbors, marine based industries and other travel related ventures.

There is also scope for the development of real estate on residential islands for foreigners and development of accommodation on time sharing schemes.

Maldivian businesses like to develop good working relationships with their foreign partners and encourage local representation. Incentives are offered under Trade and Investment regulations and include, exemption of income taxes,  corporate and property taxes. Exemption of import duty on raw materials, right to ownership (with start-up investments of 75% foreign- 25%local) . Legally backed investment guarantees, Freedom to repatriate profits and capital proceeds, Long term lease of land for large-scale projects, Freedom to use foreign, managerial, skilled and unskilled workers and exemption of exchange restrictions.

The Law clearly stipulates;

Foreign investors are encouraged sometimes to take 100% ownership of certain venture provided that they are registered with the Ministry of Trade and Industries with proper contracted agreements in place and the business is secured with local representation.

Besides incentives mentioned above several other areas are also available for setting up of business with sector specific incentives available in fisheries, banking and financial, transport and communications, infrastructure and real estate, information technology, shipping and transportation. It is important to seek advice from your local consultants and business partner regarding the set-up and establishment of ventures. For further investment related information please log on to the Foreign Investment Services Bureau website at www.investmaldives.org

Representatives are encouraged to visit the market for a transparent study of the business and establishment of solid business relationships.

Relevant laws governing foreign investment in the Maldives include:

This section contains unofficial translations of various Acts of parliament. Ocean Land does not guarantee the accuracy of any translation. These translations shall be treated only as a guide. The original Acts of Parliaments are passed in Maldives language Dhivehi.

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Acts of Parliament (Statutes) Maldives ( Click below links for unofficial translations of various Acts )

The Companies Act of Maldives  Law No: 10/96 
The Companies Act of Maldives provides the basis for formation, registration and running of companies in the Maldives.

The Foreign Investment Act 1979 -
This is the Act that provides Law on Foreign Investments in the Republic of Maldives. This Law No. 25/79 (Law on Foreign Investment in the Republic of Maldives) was amended by the Citizen’s Majlis 1 February 1989 and came into effect on 9 February 1989.

The Tourism Act 1999 -
The Maldives Tourism Act provides for the determination of zones and islands for the development of tourism in the Maldives; the leasing of islands for development as tourist resorts, the leasing of land for development as tourist hotels and tourist guesthouses, the leasing of places for development as marinas, the management of all such facilities; and the operation of tourist vessels, diving centres and travel agencies, and the regulation of persons providing such services.