This agreement was signed at the Maldives-Singapore Business Forum 2025, which was hosted at Capella Singapore, Sentosa Island.
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The Government of the Maldives has signed a landmark partnership agreement with Henley & Partners, the world’s leading international investment migration advisory firm, to develop and implement the nation’s first-ever residence-by-investment program. This agreement was signed at the Maldives-Singapore Business Forum 2025, which was hosted at Capella Singapore, Sentosa Island.
The forum, which was attended by over 200 delegates saw the signing for the groundbreaking collaboration which will see President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's vision 2040 coming to life. According to a statement published by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, vision 2040 aims to transform the Maldives into a fully developed, resilient, and diversified economy.
The Maldives has long been a world-class destination for travellers. With this program, we aim to extend that legacy to discerning global investors who see value in our people, our potential, and our future. This partnership with Henley & Partners reflects our confidence in aligning with reputable global players to achieve economic diversification and national resilience under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visionary leadership and Vision 2040 targets.
Philippe Amarante, Managing Partner and Head of Government Advisory EMEA at Henley & Partners, told guests attending the ceremony that the new investment migration program will capitalize on the country’s world-class real estate offerings. In his statement, Mr Amrante said that the residence by investment program will provide state-of-the-art properties with the utmost privacy and exclusivity, and as a safe, stable, and peaceful island nation, the Maldives presents the ultimate hedge against geopolitical conflict or global pandemics, offering an unparalleled lifestyle and security to high-net-worth individual investors and their families.
The Ministry, in its statement, went on to highlight how this new residency program is set to become a vital pillar in the Maldives' strategy to diversify beyond traditional tourism revenues.
By attracting responsible, high-quality foreign investment through real estate acquisition, the program will stimulate growth across sectors such as hospitality, infrastructure, and services.
Minister Saeed also said the Government’s choice of Henley & Partners as its trusted advisor is rooted in the firm’s globally respected reputation, deep expertise, and proven record of administering successful investment migration programs worldwide, noting that together the Maldives and Henley & Partners are undertaking a detailed assessment to ensure the program aligns with our national priorities, supports sustainable development, and guarantees continuity in line with President Muizzu’s Vision 2040.
Both parties have insisted that a rigorous due diligence framework will ensure the program attracts only qualified and reputable applicants, protecting national security and legal integrity. Final visa and residency approvals will remain under the sovereign discretion of the Government of the Maldives, with robust mechanisms in place to safeguard the country’s international standing and reputation.
Real estate-linked investment migration offers far more than property ownership — it provides greater optionality, enhanced security, and opportunities for geographic diversification and capital growth. Premium developments deliver strong rental yields, high resale prospects, and tax advantages while expanding global mobility and enhancing quality of life. Amid global uncertainty, real estate remains a cornerstone of wealth creation and stability, offering true prosperity and freedom of movement. With state-of-the-art properties, exceptional privacy, and long-term residence opportunities, the Maldives is ideally positioned to secure its economic future while preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage.
In a September 2024, when the initial discussions around this concept started in order for the administration to turn this vision into a reality, the Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed stated that this concept is not for conventional tourism, but it's a step towards integrating a strategy similar to how Dubai and other destinations have evolved into the business-centric cities with high investments.
Although this is not the first time that the Maldives is exploring this avenue as a corporate residence visa between 2014 and 2015, with a different concept and an initiative to revitalize the real estate tourism sector in the Maldives - the agreement further solidifies the measures the government is taking to turn this vision into a reality.
The Maldives Cabinet approved the launch of the Investor Residency Program on 1st September 2024.
