Because the Maldivian constitution reserves freehold land for citizens, most foreign property investment takes the form of long-term leasehold typically running for decades and, in tourism and select commercial projects, extendable up to 99 years. On approved developments, particularly those built on reclaimed land, foreign buyers can also secure property ownership rights through strata title maldives or condominium-style registration, offering a structure that functions much like ownership for the life of the lease.
Construction companies themselves are also open to foreign capital: businesses valued above roughly USD 5 million may be 100% foreign-owned, while smaller firms require a minimum level of Maldivian ownership. Every project moves through a formal building permit process covering conceptual approval, detailed drawings, and construction sign-off from the relevant ministry and larger developments typically require real estate financing options structured around the specific lease and project timeline. We help investors understand each of these steps before capital is committed, so there are no surprises once construction begins.