Maldivian citizenship
by law; non-Muslims excluded
The Constitution says foreigners may become Maldivian citizens in accordance with the law. It also says that a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives. Children born to a Maldivian citizen are citizens. Detailed naturalisation rules are in a separate law that was not found in English on an official site.
1 entry rule for Maldives based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Maldives
Money
3
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
Cost of living
62
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5.5–15%
Income tax (national)
GST 8%
Annual income up to MVR 720,000 exempt; 15% applies above MVR 2.4 million.
Living
1
Happiness
#1 of 3 countries
World Happiness Report 2020
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Members
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals who are Muslim and meet the conditions in the citizenship law. Also children of Maldivian citizens.
Eligibility
Religion
Article 9(d): despite Article 9(a), a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives.
By law
Article 9(a)(3): foreigners who, in accordance with the law, become citizens of the Maldives.
By descent
Article 9(a)(2): children born to a citizen of the Maldives are citizens.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementNo deprivation
- Document checklistDocuments under the citizenship law
- FeesCitizenship application fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 1 document
- 1 fee
- 2 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Maldives
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