Maldives

Tax residency in Maldives is generally triggered by physical presence exceeding 183 days in a calendar year. The country operates on a territorial basis: income sourced abroad is not subject to local income tax for residents, making it particularly attractive for individuals with cross-border income streams. No statutory CFC rules apply, which can facilitate the use of foreign holding structures without automatic income attribution.

No personal income tax. Corporate BPT 15% (25% for banks). No CGT. TGST 8% (tourism). Economy almost entirely tourism/fisheries. Very difficult to establish permanent residence or run a business as a foreigner. No proper work visa pathway. FATF grey list.

The standard corporate income tax rate is 15%. Establishing a legal presence here involves a higher degree of administrative complexity, often requiring local legal assistance.

Banking access in Maldives is attainable but may require more documentation and time than in simpler jurisdictions. Internet infrastructure is developing. Speed and reliability can vary by location and should be assessed for business-critical operations.

Maldives is currently on the FATF grey list, indicating enhanced monitoring by the international AML/CFT body. This may affect banking relationships and counterparty due diligence requirements. EU tax blacklist status: not_listed. Structures involving this jurisdiction may attract additional scrutiny or reporting obligations under EU member state rules.

Based on our scoring model, Maldives ranks highest for High Net Worth Individual and Founder / Entrepreneur. It offers a reasonable proposition for high net worth individual (score: 55/100). It offers a reasonable proposition for founder / entrepreneur (score: 54/100). It scores lower for digital nomad, who may find other jurisdictions more suitable for their specific requirements.