First Amendment to SEZ Act Introduces New Property Transfer Tax
The First Amendment to the Special Economic Zones Act 1 (“SEZ Act”) was ratified on 10 November 2025, introducing noteworthy tax implications for SEZ developers and investors. Summarised below are the key tax changes.
New property transfer tax on strata title transactions
A new provision has been introduced under the Amendment, imposing a 4% property transfer tax on long term leases of villas or rooms sold on a strata basis within tourist resorts or integrated tourist resorts located in SEZ designated under the SEZ Act.
The 4% tax is calculated on the total sale price of the rights transferred.
Compliance obligations:
- Sellers are required to collect the 4% tax from purchasers and remit the amount to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (“MIRA”).
- MIRA is expected to issue regulations specifying reporting requirements, information required and penalties for non-compliance.
New Incentive Framework for Sustainable Township Zones
The Amendment establishes “sustainable township zones” as a new SEZ category, mandating at least USD500 million investment and the development of integrated tourism or luxury real estate projects with associated premium facilities.
As a concession for these zones, the Amendment introduces a dedicated tax regime that provides a distinct set of incentives, separate from the standard SEZ framework. However, projects designated under this category will not be eligible for any other concessions available under the Act
1.Tiered Property Transfer Tax
For residential villas or rooms within such zones, property transfer tax will apply at progressive rates on a graduated basis.
| Transaction Number | Applicable Tax Rate |
| First transaction | 1% |
| Second transaction | 2% |
| Third and subsequent | 4% |
2.Progressive Income Tax Rates
Developers and operators in sustainable township zones will be subject to the following reduced income tax rates
| Period | Income Tax Rate |
| Years 1- 10 | 5% |
| Years 11-20 | 10% |
| Year 21 onwards | 15% (standard rate) |
3.Income Tax Exemption
Profits derived from the sale of residential villas or rooms developed within sustainable township zones are exempt from income tax, offering a substantial benefit to long term investors and developers.
4.Import Duty Relief
Capital goods imported for the development of sustainable township zones will be exempt from import duty, lowering the upfront cost of infrastructure investment.
With these reforms, investors and operators of SEZ investment projects should evaluate how the revised tax framework impacts ongoing and planned developments.
The relevant authorities are required to formulate the regulations required to be made under the Act, within 6 months from the commencement of the Act.
Effective Date
The Amendment came into effect on 10 November 2025.
