Talent Wiki - Maldives
Your quick guide on talent and labor compliance norms in Maldives
Capital
Malé
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Languages
English, Dhivehi, Arabic, French, German
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
GDP per Capita
$15,097
Employer Tax
27%
Talent Overview
The Maldives is known for its world-class beaches and touristic views, making them a popular destination for most travelers seeking leisure and luxury. The country’s rich aquatic resources have been the primary source of its economic success. The tourism and fisheries sector makes up 40% of their GDP and has employed as many as 50,000 local workers.
Major economic hubs:
Malé, Fuvahmulah, Hithadhoo
Skills in demand:
Tourism and Hospitality, Manufacturing, and Agriculture
Local Universities
The top local universities in Maldives are listed below:
Maldives National University
Ranking
Local: 1
World: 13521
Salary Data
Some of the jobs available in Maldives and their monthly salary listed below:
| Job Title | Average Monthly Salary (MVR) | Average Monthly Salary (USD) |
| Accountant | 13,200 | 857.14 |
| Software Developer | 19,300 | 1,253.24 |
| Financial Analyst | 23,500 | 1,525.97 |
| Sales Manager | 34,800 | 2,259.73 |
| Project Manager | 20,800 | 1,350.64 |
| Customer Service Representative | 7,480 | 485.71 |
Talent Sourcing Tips
Top Local Job Boards:
Jobsicle, JobMaldives, Jobisland
Number of LinkedIn users:
130,300
Top Recruitment Agencies:
Employing in Maldives
Knowing all about the country’s labor laws and regulations is pivotal when onboarding local employees from the Maldives. This section will briefly introduce what to expect when looking for talents in this island country.
Employee Contract
Employment contracts in the Maldives should be written in the Dhivehi local language. It must consist of the terms and conditions of employment.
Probation Period
Probation Period in Maldives should not exceed 3 months.
Public and Provincial Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type |
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
| 23 Mar | First of Ramazan | Public Holiday |
| 22 Apr | Eid-ul Fithr | Public Holiday |
| 23 Apr | Eid-ul Fithr Holiday | Public Holiday |
| 24 Apr | Eid-ul Fithr Holiday | Public Holiday |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Public Holiday |
| 28 Jun | Hajj Day | Public Holiday |
| 29 Jun | Eid-ul Al’haa | Public Holiday |
| 30 Jun | Eid-ul Al’haa Holiday | Public Holiday |
| 1 Jul | Eid-ul Al’haa Holiday | Public Holiday |
| 19 Jul | Islamic New Year | Public Holiday |
| 26 Jul | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| 27 Jul | Independence Day Holiday | Public Holiday |
| 16 Sep | National Day | Public Holiday |
| 17 Sep | National Day Holiday | Public Holiday |
| 27 Sep | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Public Holiday |
| 17 Oct | The Day Maldives Embraced Islam | Public Holiday |
| 3 Nov | Victory Day | Public Holiday |
| 11 Nov | Republic Day | Public Holiday |
| 12 Nov | Republic Day Holiday | Public Holiday |
Employee Leaves
| Type Of Leave | Number of Days | Mandatory |
| Annual Leaves | 30 days | Yes |
| Sick Leaves | 30 days | Yes |
| Maternity Leaves | 60 days | Yes |
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
The payroll cycle followed is monthly. For temporary employees, the payment can be on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, depending on the employer-employee agreement.
Minimum Wage
For the government sector, the minimum wage is 3,100 MVR, while the tourism sector is 8,000 MVR.
Bonus
Holiday Bonus
Employees are entitled to a bonus equivalent to one-third of their monthly salary for Ramadan. It will be paid before the beginning of Ramadan, referred to as the “Ramadan Bonus.”
Employee Benefits
Maldivian employees are entitled to a pension scheme by contributing to their social security every month. Additionally, below are other benefits that employers may offer their employees in the country:
- Healthcare Insurance
- Transportation allowance
- Meal Allowance
- Social Security
- Overtime Pay
- Service Charge
- Ramazan Bonus
Taxes
Employer Payroll Tax
| Tax Rate | Contribution Type |
| 7% | Social Security |
Employee Payroll Tax
| Tax Rate | Contribution Type |
| 7% | Social Security |
Employee Income Tax
| Annual Income (in MVR) | Income Tax Rate |
0 – 720,000 |
0 % |
| 720,000 to 1,200,000 | 5.5 % |
| 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 | 8 % |
| 1,800,000 – 2,400,000 | 12 % |
| Above 2,400,000 | 15 % |
VAT
The general VAT in the Maldives is 6%.
Offboarding & Termination
The employer can terminate the employment contract either by giving a notice or making a payment in lieu of notice. The employee can also terminate the contract by giving a notice to the employer.
Notice period in Maldives will be based on the mutual agreement between the employer and employee.
An employee working for less than one year in the same organization is eligible to receive a severance package of one month’s notice or payment in lieu of the same. Whereas if an employee is working in the same organization for 1 – 4 years, they are eligible to receive a three-month notice period or payment in lieu of the same.
Visa and Immigration
