Maldives and Henley & Partners Sign Landmark Partnership Agreement to Launch Pioneering Residence by Investment Program

The Government of the Maldives has signed a landmark partnership agreement with Henley & Partners, the world’s leading international investment migration advisory firm, to develop and implement the nation’s first-ever residence by investment program. This groundbreaking collaboration supports President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Vision 2040, which aims to transform the Maldives into a fully developed, resilient, and diversified economy.

Mr. Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, speaking at the sidelines of the signing ceremony which was held at the Maldives–Singapore Business Forum 2025 on Sentosa Island in Singapore, said: “The Maldives has long been a world-class destination for travelers. With this program, we aim to extend that legacy to discerning global investors who see value in our people, our potential, and our future. This partnership with Henley & Partners reflects our confidence in aligning with reputable global players to achieve economic diversification and national resilience under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visionary leadership and Vision 2040 targets.”

Recognized globally as one of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations, the Maldives intends to offer discerning global investors a unique opportunity to establish long-term residence in what is often described as a tropical paradise, comprising of 1,190 Coral Islands each surrounded by crystal-blue lagoons and grouped in a double chain of 27 atolls and spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers.

Philippe Amarante, Managing Partner and Head of Government Advisory EMEA at Henley & Partners, told guests attending the ceremony that the new investment migration program will capitalize on the country’s world-class real estate offerings. “The residence by investment program will provide state-of-the-art properties with the utmost privacy and exclusivity. As a safe, stable, and peaceful island nation, the Maldives presents the ultimate hedge against geopolitical conflict or global pandemics, offering an unparalleled lifestyle and security to high-net-worth individual investors and their families.”

Economic Diversification and Strategic Vision

The new residence by investment program is set to become a vital pillar in the Maldives’ strategy to diversify beyond traditional tourism revenues. By attracting responsible, high-quality foreign investment through real estate acquisition, the program will stimulate growth across sectors such as hospitality, infrastructure, and services. Importantly, real estate investment by ultra-high-net-worth individuals often serves as a first step toward deeper economic engagement and longer-term commitments, positioning the program as a driver of sustained economic growth, job creation, and broad socioeconomic benefits for Maldivians.

Minister Saeed said the Government’s choice of Henley & Partners as its trusted advisor is rooted in the firm’s globally respected reputation, deep expertise, and proven record of administering successful investment migration programs worldwide. “Together, we are undertaking a detailed assessment to ensure the program aligns with our national priorities, supports sustainable development, and guarantees continuity in line with President Muizzu’s Vision 2040.”

Mr. Amarante emphasized that “Henley & Partners remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting investment migration programs that are governed by rigorous compliance, transparent processes, and social responsibility. Working on a global scale, we also see that these programs will continue to expand worldwide. Investment migration programs, when well-structured and properly run, serve as a bridge between global capital and talent, and national development goals.”

Responsible Investment and Strong Safeguards

This forward-looking initiative represents the beginning of a purposeful dialogue on how residence by investment can support the Maldives’ development ambitions, attract responsible investors, and further strengthen its global positioning.

Both parties have insisted that a rigorous due diligence framework will ensure the program attracts only qualified and reputable applicants, protecting national security and legal integrity. Final visa and residency approvals will remain under the sovereign discretion of the Government of the Maldives, with robust mechanisms in place to safeguard the country’s international standing and reputation.

Henley & Partners will work closely with the government to build an investor visa framework specifically linked to real estate acquisition, drawing on its decades of experience as the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. With over USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment raised through its worldwide government advisory practice, Henley & Partners brings unrivaled policy insight, strategic foresight, and a commitment to sovereign collaboration that will help ensure the program’s success.

Mr. Amarante concluded by noting, “Real estate-linked investment migration offers far more than property ownership — it provides greater optionality, enhanced security, and opportunities for geographic diversification and capital growth. Premium developments deliver strong rental yields, high resale prospects, and tax advantages, while expanding global mobility and enhancing quality of life. Amid global uncertainty, real estate remains a cornerstone of wealth creation and stability, offering true prosperity and freedom of movement. With state-of-the-art properties, exceptional privacy, and long-term residence opportunities, the Maldives is ideally positioned to secure its economic future while preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage.”

Ends.

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

Ahmed Karam
Content Developer and Writer
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
ahmed.karam@trade.gov.mv
+960 9908883

Sarah Nicklin
Group Head of Public Relations & Communications
Henley & Partners
sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com
+27 72 464 8965