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N1 — Special Visa
VisasMaldivesN1 — Special Visa
MaldivesMaldives•Asia
Open

N1 — Special Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 days

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

3 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

The Maldives Special Visa is a discretionary, purpose-specific immigration category administered by Maldives Immigration. It is designed for foreign nationals whose activities do not fall under standard categories like tourism, business, or employment.

The Special Visa is a highly discretionary immigration category intended for individuals whose travel purposes do not align with standard visa types. It requires a local sponsor and is strictly regulated by the Controller of Immigration and Emigration. Applicants must ensure their specific purpose is recognized under the Maldives Immigration Act before applying.

Cost Breakdown

Tourist Visa (On Arrival)$0 USD
Tourist Visa Extension (30 days)MVR 750 MVR

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be for a specific purpose recognized by the Maldives Immigration Act (e.g., humanitarian work, medical treatment, legal proceedings, government-approved programs).

Sponsorship/invitation papers from a local entity or individual.

Valid passport with at least 1 month validity (6 months recommended).

Financial evidence to support the stay.

Travel and accommodation evidence.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Completed Special Visa application form (IM22)

Sponsorship/invitation papers

Purpose explanation

Financial evidence

Travel/accommodation evidence

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Provides a legal pathway for activities not covered by standard tourist or business visas
  • Flexible based on specific humanitarian or social needs

Worth Knowing

  • Highly discretionary and case-dependent
  • No standardized fee schedule
  • Requires a local sponsor
  • Not a pathway to permanent residency
  • Lack of a local sponsor
  • Purpose not recognized by the Maldives Immigration Act
  • Insufficient financial evidence

Application Process

1

Secure a local sponsor

2

Prepare purpose explanation and supporting documentation

3

Complete Form IM22

4

Submit application to Maldives Immigration at least 5 days prior to arrival

5

Await discretionary approval from the Controller of Immigration and Emigration

Application Forms

Special Visa Application FormFill online

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