Image Source: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
1. Country Overview
The Maldives is a high-income South Asian island nation renowned for luxury tourism, marine economy, and international environmental leadership.
2. Geography
Archipelago of 26 natural atolls comprising 1,192 coral islands in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India.
3. Culture & Languages
Islamic business culture with high hospitality standards and fluent English. Sunday to Thursday workweek.
4. History
Independent republic since 1965; leader in sustainable blue economy initiatives.
5. Labour & Employment Law History
Governed by the Employment Act (Law No. 2/2008), establishing comprehensive worker rights, service charge distributions, and leave minimums.
6. Currency, Capital & Key Facts
7. Employment Snapshot
Standard workweek is 48 hours (6 days x 8 hours, or 40 hours in corporate offices). Written employment agreements are statutory.
8. Payroll & Tax
Income tax progressive rates up to 15%. Maldives Retirement Pension Scheme (MRPS) contributions: 7% employer, 7% employee.
9. Benefits & Leave
Minimum 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after one year of service, plus 14+ statutory public holidays and 30 days paid sick leave.
10. Contractors & Worker Classification
Independent contractors must be registered with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).
11. Immigration & Work Permits
Expatriates require an employment approval (Quota) and work permit visa issued through the Xpat online system.
12. Employer of Record (EOR) & PEO Capabilities
EOR services manage MVR/USD payroll, MRPS pension contributions, and local employment compliance.
13. Matched Verified Providers for Maldives
Providers below are cross-referenced with EOR.one's global provider intelligence registry:
14. Related Global Expansion Services
15. Official Sources Reviewed
- Maldives Ministry of Labour & Employment / Official Gazette ↗ Government / Regulatory Authority · Accessed 2026-09-01
- International Labour Organization (ILO) — Maldives Country Profile ↗ International Organization · Accessed 2026-09-01
- The World Bank Group — Maldives Economic & Labour Market Data ↗ Global Development Institution · Accessed 2026-09-01
- National Statistical Authority & Tax Administration of Maldives ↗ Official Statistics / Tax Authority · Accessed 2026-09-01
16–18. Next Steps for Hiring in Maldives
Choose the appropriate route for your hiring requirements in Maldives: