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Asia/Asia/South Asia
🇲🇻

Maldives

#49133Not AllowedModerate
Passport Rank
#49
Visa-Free Score
133
Dual Citizenship
Not Allowed
Population
541K
GDP per Capita
$10K
📋Immigration Notes

Very restrictive immigration. Work permits for specific sectors. Citizenship requires 12 years residency and Muslim faith. Indians form a significant expat worker community. India-Maldives bilateral ties. Indian tourists among the largest visitor groups.

Fastest Route: Standard Naturalization in Maldives
Naturalization

Standard path to citizenship through extended residency in Maldives.

5-7 years

Requirements

  • Legal residency for 5 years
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of financial stability
  • Language proficiency in Dhivehi
  • Integration into local community

Advantages

  • Full citizenship rights
  • Pathway available to most applicants
  • No large investment required

Disadvantages

  • Long residency requirement (5 years)
  • Must meet all integration requirements

Step-by-Step: Standard Naturalization in Maldives

1

Obtain Residency

Secure initial residency permit through work, family, or other qualifying category

~3 months
2

Maintain Continuous Residency

Live in Maldives for the required 5 years

~60 months
3

Apply for Citizenship

Submit naturalization application with supporting documents

~6 months
4

Interview and Tests

Complete citizenship interview and any required language/civics tests

~3 months
5

Receive Citizenship

Take oath and receive citizenship certificate

~2 months

All Routes (1)

Scores Comparison vs India

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