The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has issued new regulations requiring all tourist establishments in the Maldives to ensure advertising is factual, environmentally responsible, and aligned with their licensed category. Promotions—especially online—must disclose paid content, avoid misleading visuals or reviews, and comply with copyright laws. Violations can lead to removal orders and fines.
On 19 March 2025, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Tourism Act came into effect introducing extended lease options, stricter compliance rules, and a dedicated Tourism Trust Fund.
Discover key legal obligations for businesses in the Maldives in 2025, covering company law updates, occupational health and safety requirements, taxation changes, and foreign currency compliance. Stay informed to ensure smooth operations and compliance with new regulations.
The Maldives commences implementing a new Foreign Investment Act outlining a comprehensive structure for promoting foreign investments and granting approvals, while safeguarding the rights of investors.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has issued a new regulation governing the various aspects of the private company. This regulation clarifies various rules contained under the Companies Act 2023.
The Maldives Monetary Authority has introduced a new Foreign Currency Regulation, which mandates that all transactions, except for limited exceptions, must be conducted in local currency, while also imposing mandatory deposit and exchange obligations on the tourism sector and enforcing strict compliance measures and penalties.
The Ministry of Tourism has on 5th September 2023 introduced the first ever regulation solely governing the various aspects of tourism strata leases granted on tourist resorts and integrated tourist resorts.
This guide highlights the significant changes brought about the Companies Act 2023, which replaces the previous Maldives Company Act of 1996.
On January 2, 2024, the Ministry of Tourism introduced a new regulation governing the cruising and docking of foreign tourist vessels in Maldivian waters.
The Maldives Government has on 16th November 2023 introduced a new regulation governing the various aspects of the development and operation of yacht marinas throughout the country. The ‘Regulation on the Development and Operation of Yacht Marinas in the Maldives’ (Regulation No: R-178/2023) “(New Regulation”) is issued by the Ministry
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