Maldives Business Registration

Setting up a Representative Office 

Representative offices are permitted to be opened in the Maldives under certain industries.

Some benefits of setting up a representative office include:

• Brand Presence: The office helps to establish a corporate presence and enhance brand visibility in the region.
• Market Exploration: It allows foreign companies to explore business opportunities without committing to full-fledged operations.
• Cost-Effective: Since representative offices do not engage in commercial activities, they can be run with minimal overhead.

Prior to registration of a branch office, a Foreign Investment Application shall be filed and an approval for the establishment shall be obtained.

• Representative Office License: Once foreign investment approval is granted, the next step is to obtain a license to operate a representative office from the relevant Authority that regulates the business. 
• Work Permit/Resident Visa: If expatriates are involved, they will require work permits and resident visas, which are managed by the Maldives Immigration Department.