Work regulations for US citizens in the Maldives

Foreign nationals planning to work in the Maldives must obtain a work permit within 15 days of arrival. During this period, your employer is responsible for securing Employment Approval (EA)—an official document allowing you to work legally—and arranging a mandatory medical check-up at a licensed hospital or clinic.

How citizens from USA can apply for a work permit

The Permits and Foreign Employment Division (PFED), under the Ministry of Homeland Security, is responsible for issuing work permits to foreign nationals. The Ministry of Internal Affairs grants a work visa, which is processed based on an Employment Approval (EA) application submitted by the employer.

The procedure includes three main stages:

• Pre-verification (online application)

• Document verification

• Final approval.

Once the EA is approved, US citizens must travel to the Maldives within 90 days. Upon arrival, they must pay the work visa fee and submit their visa application within 15 days.

Types of work permits for Americans

Foreign employees in the Maldives can obtain work permits under three different categories:

• Private sector (commercial employment)

• Government sector (state-owned enterprises)

• Household sector (domestic employment).

Commercial employment for US citizens

This category includes foreign workers hired by private companies for professional or unskilled jobs.

Documents required for citizens from USA in the commercial sector:

• Scanned copy of the passport bio-data page

• Recent passport-sized digital photo (white background)

• Employment contract/appointment letter (color copy)

• Educational or professional certificates (for relevant positions).

Government and state-owned enterprises employment for US citizens

Foreign nationals can also work in government institutions or public companies, though employment is subject to a quota system.

Documents required for Americans in the government sector

• Scanned copy of the passport bio-data page

• Recent passport-sized digital photo

• Employment contract/appointment letter (color copy)

• Relevant educational or professional certificates (if applicable).

Household employment for Americans

Foreign workers can be hired as domestic employees under this category. No employment quota is required.

Common household jobs for US citizens:

• Housemaid/domestic helper

• Personal care assistant

• Private driver.

Documents required for Americans applying for household jobs:

• Scanned copy of the passport bio-data page

• Recent passport-sized digital 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)

• Lease agreement copy

• Floor plan of the residence (showing the employee's accommodation, signed by two witnesses or approved by local authorities)

• Consent letter from the property owner (if the employer is renting)

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

• Copy of the driver’s license (for driver positions)

• Copy of the employer’s vehicle registration (for driver positions).

How long does it take for Americans to get a work permit in the Maldives?

The standard processing time for a Maldivian work permit is approximately 7 days. If the employee receives a new passport after entering the Maldives, the employer must update the details via the "My Online Applications" portal.