Cash Declaration Limit Changed

The Maldives Monetary Authority, on 17 January 2019, published the first amendment to the Regulation on Cross Border Currency Declaration Amount. The changes introduced now require passengers travelling with USD 20,000 or more, and are travelling…

First Amendment to the General Regulation on Foreign Currency

The First Amendment to the General Regulation on Foreign Currency was gazetted on 10 September 2026 setting out procedures for obtaining approval to make foreign currency payments and applying for concessions from mandatory conversion obligations. These procedures follow the changes introduced by the First Amendment to the Foreign Currency Act.

Sixth Amendment to the Income Tax Regulation

The Sixth Amendment to the Income Tax Regulation introduces a number of important changes to the income tax framework, affecting the tax treatment of leases, capital allowances, functional currency, accounting and filing requirements, employer-provided staff accommodation and certain registration and compliance obligations.

A Practical Guide to GST on Inbound Tourism Products

The Eighth Amendment to the GST Act introduces a new GST framework for offshore suppliers of inbound tourism products, including foreign tour operators, online travel agencies and booking platforms.

Eighth Amendment to the GST Act Ratified

The Eighth Amendment to the GST Act was ratified and published in the Government Gazette on 31 August 2026. The Amendment introduces new GST rules for offshore suppliers of Maldives inbound tourism products, revised place of supply rules, revised definitions of goods and services, and broader tourism sector provisions.

First Amendment to the Foreign Currency Act Ratified into Law

The First Amendment to the Foreign Currency Act has been ratified into law on 31 August 2026, and is set to come into effect on 1 September 2026. It makes significant changes to the statutory framework governing foreign currency in the Maldives including mandatory conversion rate for Category A Tourism Establishments and high-income entities from 20% to 40% of monthly gross sales.

Income Tax Bill Proposes Significant Changes to Non-Resident Contractor Payments

On 16 August 2026, the Government submitted to the People’s Majlis the Bill on Second Amendment to the Income Tax Act. The proposed amendment introduces significant changes to the taxation of non-resident contractor payments, including an increased non-resident withholding tax rate, an expanded definition and mandatory gross-basis taxation for non-resident contractors.

Proposed Eighth Amendment to the GST Act Advances the Destination Principle and Introduces New Rules for Inbound Tourism Products

On 15 August 2026, the Government submitted to the People’s Majlis the Bill on Eighth Amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Act. The Bill proposes a number of material changes to the existing GST framework, with a key objective of advancing the implementation of the destination principle and bringing within the scope of Maldivian GST supplies made by foreign tour operators and travel agencies. The Bill also seeks to strengthen the GST regime through a number of structural amendments and technical corrections to the existing provisions of the Act.

First Amendment to SEZ Act Introduces New Property Transfer Tax

The First Amendment to the Special Economic Zones Act was ratified on 10 November 2025, introducing noteworthy tax implications for SEZ developers and investors including introduction of a new property transfer tax on strata title transactions.

16th Amendment to the Maldives Tourism Act

The 16th Amendment to the Tourism Act was gazetted on 6 December 2025 introducing new changes to the Tourism Act. The new changes include the establishment of Tourism Training Resorts as a new category of tourism establishments.