Company Registration in Maldives- An Overview

Aspect Details
Fees for Company Registration in Maldives The fees for company incorporation in Maldives start from 399 USD
Timeline for Online Company Registration in Maldives The company formation in Maldives takes around 1 to 2 weeks
Benefits of Maldives company formation for foreign entrepreneurs

Benefits of online company registration in Maldives include:

  • Strategic geographical location
  • Favourable Business Environment
  • Access to Lucrative Markets
  • Tax Advantages and Incentives
  • Investor-Friendly Policies
  • Cultural Diversity and Networking
Type of Business Structures for Online Company Registration in Maldives

Types of structures for company formation in Maldives include:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Public Limited Company (PLC)
  • Partnership
  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Branch Office
Documents Required for Online Company Registration in Maldives

Documents required for company formation in Maldives include:

  • Copies of Passport of All Shareholders, Directors, and Company Secretary
  • National ID Card of All Shareholders, Directors, and Company Secretary
  • 2 Copies of Articles of Association
  • 2 Copies of the Memorandum of Association
  • Letter of Acceptance from Appointed Managing Director & Company Secretary
  • Well-developed Business Plan
Top Businesses for Foreign Entrepreneurs for Company Incorporation in Maldives

Some of the top businesses for foreign entrepreneurs applying for online company registration in Maldives are:

  • Garment Production and Boat Building Business
  • Industrial Fishing and Fish Cannery Business
  • Solar Energy and Power Generation Business
  • Money Lending and Financial Advisory Business
  • Water Sports and Marine Activity Business
  • Logistics and Travel Agency Business
Procedure for Maldives Company Formation for Foreign Entrepreneurs

The procedure for online company registration in Maldives includes the following steps:

  • Determine Business Structure
  • Name Reservation with MED, Maldives
  • Draft Legal Documents
  • Submit Registration Application
  • Pay Registration Fees
  • Get a Registration Certificate from MED
How We Can Help You with Offshore Company Setup in Maldives?
  • Offers 24/7 customer support
  • Secures business name
  • Offers comprehensive business registration solutions
  • Maintains a transparent pricing structure
  • Extensive understanding of the Maldivian market
  • Grants access to global trade opportunities
  • Maintains business privacy and confidentiality
  • Delivers efficient accounting and tax services

Business Setup in Maldives Can be a Reality with Enterslice

With a business setup in Maldives, be a part of Asia’s most dynamic and investment-friendly economies, offering endless growth prospects!

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Understanding Company Registration in Maldives

Company registration in Maldives offers a hassle-free process within an investor-friendly economy, making it an ideal destination to scale your business operations. Global entrepreneurs investing in one of South Asia’s most dynamic markets enjoy a seamless blend of simplicity and opportunity with business setup in Maldives.

Maldives, ranked 147th globally for ease of doing business, is an appealing destination with a transparent legal framework promoting foreign investment. The Maldives is projected to grow to $7.64 billion by 2025 and is exclusively overseen by the Ministry of Economic Development, Maldives. However, entrepreneurs seeking international business expansion should consider the Maldives, which actively encourages investment across various industries.

Talk to our expert consultants for effortless and timely company registration in Maldives.

Low Tax Burden- Up to 15% CIT, 8% GST

Strategic Location Connecting South Asia & Beyond

No Restriction on Foreign Exchange

Favourable Business Environment

No Restrictions on Profit Repatriation

Business Structures for Company Formation in Maldives

Entrepreneurs setting up a business in Maldives must choose from a legally recognized business structure that aligns with their long-term goals and needs. However, the different types of business structures best suited for entrepreneurs seeking company formation in Maldives are as stated below:

llc

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Limited Liability Companies are among the popular choices that offer flexibility in ownership with limited liability to the foreign shareholders of the company. However, the Maldives government imposes a 5% profit tax rate on income from outside the Maldives, making it an obvious choice for company formation in Maldives.

plc

Public Limited Company (PLC)

It is a form of business structure in Maldives that can offer its shares to the general public for purchase. It facilitates wider access to investment and external financing. The minimum capital required is MVR 1,000,000. Public companies must adhere to strict regulations. It is one of the significant structures for online company registration in Maldives.

Partnership

Partnership

The Partnership Act of Maldives allows for the creation of two distinct types of partnership companies, i.e., general partnership and limited liability partnership. In a general partnership, two or more partners are held jointly liable for the Company's debts and obligations, whereas, in a limited liability partnership, two or more shareholders are only liable for the debts depending on their share of the capital.

Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietorship

Sole proprietorship is the simplest form of legal business structure which is personally liable for all its debts. However, the sole proprietorship operates under the name of its owner or a business name registered for the purpose. This form of business entity is particularly popular among small-scale entrepreneurs seeking to simplify the ease of doing business in Maldives.

Branch Office

Branch Office

A branch office is a subsidiary location of a foreign company that is legally registered to operate within the country. It allows the parent company to conduct business activities in the Maldives without establishing a separate legal entity. Global entrepreneurs can register a branch office in Maldives. It is one of the key structures for company registration in Maldives.

Step-by-step Guide to Company Incorporation in Maldives

The step-by-step guide to company incorporation in Maldives provides a comprehensive overview of the procedure required to legally set up a business in the ever-expanding economy of Maldives. Have a look over the procedure for Maldives company formation for foreign entrepreneurs, as outlined below:

Determine Business Structure

The applicants are required to determine the most suitable structure of the business enterprise based on the business objectives and requirements.

Name Reservation with Ministry of Economic Development (MED)

The applicants are further required to choose a specific and acceptable name for their organization, adhering to Maldivian naming rules. The availability of the business name must be further verified and put aside via the Ministry of Economic Development, Maldives.

Draft Legal Documents

The next step requires the applicant to draft required legal documents like Memorandum and Articles of Association which outline the objectives, structure, and internal regulations of the Company.

Submit Registration Application to MED

The next step requires the applicants to make submission of registration application including a Memorandum and Articles of Association, to the Ministry of Economic Development for company registration.

Pay Registration Fees

Upon successful filing of online application, the entrepreneurs must make payment of applicable registration fees varying based on the prescribed rate schedule.

Get a Registration Certificate from MED

MED (Ministry of Economic Development) will review the submitted documents and provide a company registration certificate.

Timeline for Online Company Registration in Maldives

The timeline for online company registration in Maldives depends on various factors, such as the type of business structure and the completeness of required documents, are as outlined below:

Preparation of Documents: 2 to 3 Days

It takes around 2 to 3 working days to prepare the necessary documents for setting up business in Maldives.

Submission of Application: 3 to 5 Days

It takes around 3 to 5 working days to make the submission of the application scrutinized for completeness and adherence to local regulations.

Approval from MED, Maldives: 2 to 8 Days

The timeline to obtain approval from MED, Maldives, typically ranges around 2 to 8 working days.

Obtaining Necessary Licenses: Varies

The timeline to obtain other necessary licenses and company seals varies depending upon the type of business activity and the regulatory requirements in Maldives.

Documents Required for Company Registration in Maldives

The list of documents required for company registration in Maldives are as provided below:

Copies of Passport of All Shareholders, Directors, and Company Secretary

National ID Card of All Shareholders, Directors, and Company Secretary

Well-developed Business Plan

2 Copies of Articles of Association

2 Copies of the Memorandum of Association

Letter of Acceptance from Appointed Managing Director & Company Secretary

Can a Foreigner Go for Offshore Company Setup in Maldives?

Yes, the ever-expanding lucrative environment of Maldives allows foreign entrepreneurs to expand and legally register their businesses in Maldives. The foreign business registered with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade must obtain foreign investment approval in consultation with relevant stakeholders and laws applicable thereafter. Offshore company setup in Maldives is an excellent choice for global entrepreneurs.

Businesses driving significant foreign investments must adhere to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) laws promoting investments in sectors like healthcare, education, information technology, and manufacturing. Additionally, with its focus on economic growth and minimal compliance hurdles, the Maldives is considered a prime destination for commercial enterprises seeking company registration.

Company Setup in Maldives
Long-term Lease Land up to 99 Years

Long-term Lease Land up to 99 Years

99% Success Rate

99% Success Rate

99% Success Rate

99% Success Rate

No Govt Office Visit Needed

No Govt Office Visit Needed

Benefits of Online Company Registration in Maldives

Registering a company in Maldives offers numerous advantages, making it an appealing destination to start your entrepreneurial journey. Its strategic location as a business centre further enhances its appeal for business setup. Have a look over the following key benefits of online company registration in Maldives:

Maldives company registration benefits

Strategic Geographical Location

Company registration in Maldives facilitates your strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, which is also considered the gateway to South Asia. Moreover, it is considered a prime location for new company formation in Maldives as it helps companies build and expand their presence in the region.

Favourable Business Environment

The favourable business environment accompanied by streamlined regulations, simplified tax procedures and low corporate tax rates offers welcoming opportunities for company formation in Maldives.

Access to Vibrant Markets

Company formation in Maldives provides access to domestic and international vibrant markets that create opportunities for company formation and business expansion in the southern region.

Easy property and construction strategy

Maldives, which offers easy property and construction strategy, offers economic benefits to foreign entrepreneurs seeking to set up their business in Maldives.

Investor-Friendly Policies

The investor-friendly government policies of Maldives offer unrestricted foreign ownership and directorship to entrepreneurs, allowing businesses to control and make decisions aligned with the state's policies.

Cultural Diversity and Networking

The culturally diverse and welcoming community of the Maldives builds corporate networking and collaborations, streamlining smooth business growth and expansion.

Legal Requirements for Company Incorporation in Maldives

Below mentioned are some of the legal requirements for company incorporation in Maldives:

  • Minimum Shareholders :- A minimum of 2 shareholders who are probably non-citizens or foreigners must be appointed for online company registration in Maldives.
  • No. of Directors :- There must be a minimum 2 directors appointed for registering a company in Maldives. There isn't a specific requirement for residency for these directors.
  • Name Reservation :- The name of the company that reflects the nature of the activities must be reserved with the Ministry of Economic Development.
  • Registered Office :- The foreign investors must set up an office place serving as agency’s reliable address for verbal exchange and official business communication in Maldives.
  • Minimal Capital Requirements :- The companies seeking registration in Maldives require zero minimum capital.
  • Specific Business Licenses :- The businesses must acquire specific business permits and licenses from applicable regulatory authorities.

Best Industries for Business Investment in Maldives

The best industries for business investment in Maldives are as discussed below:

Top 10 Industries for Business Setup in Maldives

  • Fishing Industry
  • Tourism Industry
  • Trade and Business Industry
  • Construction Industry
  • Manufacturing Industry
  • Hospitality Industry
  • Agriculture Industry
  • Construction Industry
  • Import and Export Industry
  • Banking Industry

10 Ideas for Company Formation in Maldives

  • Garment Production and Boat Building Business
  • Industrial Fishing and Fish Cannery Business
  • Cleaning and Waste Management Business
  • Solar Energy and Power Generation Business
  • Money Lending and Financial Advisory Business
  • Bakery and Restaurant Business
  • Water Sports and Marine Activity Business
  • Logistics and Travel Agency Business
  • Eco-friendly and E-commerce Business
  • Real Estate and App Development Business

Post-setup Compliance for Company Formation in Maldives

Have a look at the post-setup compliance for company formation in Maldives-

  • Business Address Setup
  • Open a Corporate Bank Account
  • Obtain a Work Visa
  • Filing Annual Financial Statement
  • Maintain Proper Accounting Records
  • Comply with Tax Regulations
  • Obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Holding Annual General Meeting (AGM)
  • Report Changes to MED, Maldives
  • Comply with Employment Requirements
  • Obtain Mandatory Business Licenses and Permits
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Why Opt for Enterslice for Company Registration in Maldives?

Enterslice holds 10+ years of experience and unparalleled expertise in facilitating company registration in the investor-friendly environment of Maldives. Connect with Enterslice to know the key reasons why Enterslice should be your first choice for company registration in Maldives:

  • Successfully Facilitated 1000+ Company Formation in Maldives
  • Secures Business Name for your Offshore Company Setup in Maldives
  • Network of 200+ Local Consultants in Maldives
  • Offers 24/7 Customer Support for All your Queries
  • Offers Comprehensive Business Registration Solutions
  • Maintains a Transparent Pricing Structure with No Hidden Costs
  • Extensive Understanding of the Maldivian Market
  • Grants Access to Global and Virtual Trade Opportunities
  • 99% Positive Record in Offshore Company Setup in Maldives
  • Guaranteed Business Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Develop a Well-structured Business Plan to Align with your Goals
  • Delivers Efficient Accounting and Tax Services to Keep you Compliant
  • Help Business Owners Understand Tax Benefits for Companies in Maldives

Frequently Asked Questions on Company Formation in Maldives

Yes, a foreign entrepreneur is legally eligible to start a business with the approval of the Ministry of Economic Development of Maldives.

Yes, Indians obtaining business visas from the Ministry of Economic Development via the Ministry’s business portal are eligible to do business in Maldives

The process to set up a company in Maldives requires the applicants to comply with the following steps discussed below:

  • Step 01: Determine Business Structure
  • Step 02: Name Reservation
  • Step 03: Draft Legal Documents
  • Step 04: Submit Registration Application
  • Step 05: Pay Registration Fees

The list of documents required to register a company in Maldives is as discussed below:

  • National ID Card of All Shareholders, Directors, and Company Secretary
  • Copies of Passport of All Shareholders, Directors, and Company Secretary
  • 2 Copies of the Memorandum of Association
  • 2 Copies of Articles of Association
  • Letter of Acceptance from Appointed Managing Director & Company Secretary
  • Well-developed Business Plan

The corporate tax rate for companies in Maldives is 15%.

The top 10 industries for business investment in Maldives are as outlined below:

  • Fishing Industry
  • Tourism Industry
  • Trade and Business Industry
  • Construction Industry
  • Manufacturing Industry
  • Hospitality Industry
  • Agriculture Industry
  • Construction Industry
  • Import and Export Industry
  • Banking Industry

Company registration in Maldives usually takes approximately 7 to 14 working days, subject to the completion of all necessary procedures and paperwork.

Yes, business setup in Maldives permits unrestricted foreign ownership and directorship in companies, fostering a welcoming environment for international investors.

Investors can establish various entities such as Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, Public Limited Company (PLC), Branch Office, etc.

Yes, the Maldives offers certain tax incentives for businesses operating in specific sectors as part of its investment promotion policies.

Companies in Maldives must comply with annual reporting obligations, including filing financial statements and holding annual general meetings.

Yes, certain industries such as tourism, fisheries, healthcare, and others may require additional permits or licenses for business operations in Maldives.

Yes, foreign individuals can serve as directors in Maldivian companies without residency requirements.

Post-incorporation, the company must comply with ongoing regulatory obligations, tax filings, maintaining corporate records, and adhering to local laws.

Yes, a registered office address within the Maldives is a prerequisite for company registration.

No significant restrictions exist on repatriating profits or funds earned by a Maldivian company unless specified otherwise by law.

The role of professionals from company formation in Maldives services is to provide guidance, assistance in paperwork, legal compliance, and advisory support in the entire company formation process in Maldives. For further guidance, consult with our experts on company formation in Maldives.

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