Menu
Expat.com
Search
Magazine
Search

Living in Maldives: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Maldives.

Lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives mean much more than heavenly beaches surrounded by turquoise seas and bordered by white sand and palm trees.Indeed, the archipelago, consisting of 26 atolls and 1,200 islands, is very conducive to expatriation and foreign investment.

By choosing to live in the Maldives, you will be entitled to an unparalleled quality of life along with various opportunities.

Coconuts and banana trees thrive in the Maldives' year-round warmth. Temperatures range from 25°C in the winter to 30°C in the summer. There are two monsoon seasons in the year ' the winter monsoon season is dry, mild, and windy, and the summer monsoon brings wet and stormy weather. The coast of the Maldives has suffered from the effects of climate change and is considered at risk of rising sea levels due to its low-lying land.

Given the surrounding ocean, it shouldn't come as a surprise to expats that there are many options regarding water-based activities, such as surfing, diving, canoeing, and jet skiing.

The Maldives is a strictly Muslim country, and it is advisable to research on the country's religious, social, and gender expectations before you arrive to avoid misunderstandings and conflict. Also, expats should take into consideration that there are strict laws around alcohol and social drinking.

Tourism is an ever-increasing economy for the Maldives, as it has firmly become a dream holiday destination. Native English speakers are sought-after, and many hotels offer accommodation as part of the job package, but this normally consists of bunk beds in shared dorms.

Key facts

Capital: Male
Official Languages: Divehi; Dhivehi; Maldivian, English
Currency: Rufiyaa
Area: 300Km²
Population: 395,650
Calling Code: +960
Timezone: Indian/Maldives

Browse by category

Formalities
Visas
Work
Accommodation
Study
Health care
Bank
Tax
Transport
Driving
Removal
Communications
Leisure
Everyday life

Visas

All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Maldives.

Visas to the Maldives

Visas to the Maldives

The Maldives are one of the world's most idyllic travel destinations. Welcoming over 1.5mln visitors annually and with most of its economy ...

Accommodation

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Maldives. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Study

Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Maldives.

Study in the Maldives

Study in the Maldives

The Maldives will probably not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about studying abroad. With its remote location and geographical ...

Driving

Essential information on driving requirements in Maldives, driver's license exchange and international permits.

Driving in the Maldives

Driving in the Maldives

When moving to any foreign country for a relatively long period of time, you will want to have an efficient way to get around. The Maldives, a group ...

Articles from the magazine

See more