Work authorization process for French people in the Maldives

Foreign workers entering the Maldives for employment have 15 days from their arrival date to obtain a work permit. During this initial period, employees must receive Employment Approval (EA)—a mandatory authorization that allows them to work—and complete a medical check-up at an accredited hospital or clinic.

How French citizens can apply for a work permit

The Permits and Foreign Employment Division (PFED), under the Ministry of Homeland Security, handles work permit applications for foreign nationals. After an employer secures Employment Approval (EA) for a worker, the Ministry of Internal Affairs processes the work visa application.

The process includes three steps:

• Online pre-verification

• Document verification

• Final approval.

Once EA is granted, French citizens have 90 days to enter the Maldives. After arrival, the work visa fee must be paid, and the application must be submitted within 15 days.

Types of employment permits available for citizens from France

There are three main categories under which foreign nationals can obtain work permits in the Maldives:

• Private sector (commercial category)

• Public sector (government and state-owned enterprises)

• Household employment (domestic work category).

Private sector jobs for French people

This category applies to foreign workers hired by businesses or private employers for either skilled or unskilled roles.

Documents required for French people applying in the private sector

• Color copy of the employee’s passport bio-data page

• Digital passport-sized photo (white background)

• Employment contract/appointment letter with job details (color copy)

• Educational or professional certificates (if required for the position).

Public sector employment for French citizens

This category covers positions in government agencies or state-owned companies. Employers must obtain a quota before applying for a work permit.

Documents required for French people in the public sector

• Color copy of the employee’s passport bio-data page

• Digital passport-sized photo

• Employment contract/appointment letter (color copy)

• Professional/educational certificates (if required for the job).

Household work permits for citizens from France

This category is for domestic employment, where individuals or legal residents in the Maldives hire foreign workers for non-professional household jobs. No quota is required for these positions.

Household jobs that qualify for a work permit:

• Domestic helper/housemaid

• Personal service provider

• Driver.

Required documents for French people applying for domestic work

• Color copy of the employee’s passport bio-data page

• Digital passport-sized photo (white background)

• Employment contract/appointment letter (color copy)

• Medical report in English from the home country (color copy)

• Police clearance certificate in English from the home country (color copy)

• Copy of the lease agreement

• Floor plan of the residence (with the employee’s living space marked and signed by two witnesses or verified by authorities)

• Letter from the property owner (if the employer does not own the residence)

• Medical certificate for the patient (if the employee is hired as a caregiver, authorized by the Maldivian government)

• Driver’s license copy (if applying for a driver position)

• Employer’s vehicle registration copy (if applying for a driver position).

Processing time for a work permit for citizens from France

The standard processing time for a Maldivian work permit is 7 business days. If an employee changes their passport after arriving, the employer must submit an update request through the government’s "My Online Applications" portal.