Job Spectra
Jobs in Maldives for Indians: work permit, Work e-Visa and how to apply safely
In the Maldives the employer, not the worker, applies. A new expatriate must hold a valid Entry Pass when arriving, and the employer or its representative must then obtain the Work e-Visa through the Xpat Online System within 15 days of arrival. Maldives Immigration says work visa stickers in passports stopped being valid after 23 November 2025: only an approved e-Visa counts.
How does an Indian get a work visa for the Maldives?
In the Maldives the employer, not the worker, applies. A new expatriate must hold a valid Entry Pass when arriving, and the employer or its representative must then obtain the Work e-Visa through the Xpat Online System within 15 days of arrival. Maldives Immigration says work visa stickers in passports stopped being valid after 23 November 2025: only an approved e-Visa counts.
The official process
- You receive a job offer from a Maldivian employer or an authorised representative.
- Before you travel, you must hold a valid Entry Pass issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. Maldives Immigration states that newly arriving expatriates need one at the time of arrival.
- After you arrive, the employer or authorised representative must apply for and obtain your Work e-Visa within 15 days of your arrival on the Entry Pass.
- All Work Visa applications are submitted through the Xpat Online System (xpat.egov.mv), using a valid eFaas account.
- The documents asked for are a recent photograph that meets Maldives Immigration's photo standards, a clear colour copy of your passport biodata page, and additional supporting documents if applicable.
Validity and recent changes
- The validity of the Work e-Visa corresponds to the validity of the approved Work Permit.
- Renewals receive a maximum validity of one year.
- Work visa stickers in passports are no longer valid after 23 November 2025. Only an approved e-Visa is recognised as a valid Work Visa.
- Processing time and fees are not stated on the page, so ask your employer to confirm both in writing.
Check eligibility before you pay anyone
Maldivian employers and agencies set their own recruitment conditions, and some job adverts restrict the nationalities they will accept. Treat any advert that promises a Maldives work permit for a fee as a warning sign. The permit and the Entry Pass come through the employer and the government systems above, not from a third party selling a guarantee.
- Ask for the employer's name and the position in writing, and confirm that the employer will apply for the Entry Pass and the Work e-Visa.
- Maldives is not one of the 17 ECR countries, so emigration clearance does not apply, but India's rules for recruiting agents do. Check any Indian agent on eMigrate.
- Read about overseas job scams before you pay any "visa fee".
Official sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Information only, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for the Maldives work visa?
The employer or authorised representative applies for the Work e-Visa through the Xpat Online System.
What is an Entry Pass?
A pass issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology that newly arriving expatriates must hold when they arrive in the Maldives.
How long do I have to get the Work e-Visa after arriving?
The employer or representative must obtain it within 15 days of your arrival on a valid Entry Pass.
Are work visa stickers still valid?
No. Maldives Immigration states they stopped being valid after 23 November 2025, and only an approved Work e-Visa is recognised.