AG preparing to submit a bill to Parliament that would allow foreign entities to own land and property in the Maldives
25 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 22:36The Cabinet has decided to amend the Constitution to allow foreign nationals to own land and real estate in the Maldives, with the government currently preparing to submit the relevant bills to Parliament. While the proposed changes include provisions for granting special residential visas to investors and establishing a Property Regulatory Authority, the move has sparked significant public concern over potential risks to the nation’s sovereignty and independence.
Attorney General presenting his credentials upon appointment to the Judicial Service Commission (File Photo). | president office
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has prepared a bill for submission to Parliament that would enable foreign entities to own land and property in the Maldives.
According to information obtained by RaajjeMV from reliable sources, the proposed measures include amending the Constitution and drafting new legislation to grant foreign nationals the right to own real estate property.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, to allow foreign ownership of land in the Maldives. The decision was finalized in September 2025.
In an effort to boost foreign investment in the Maldives, the Cabinet reached several key decisions in September 2025 following a proposal by the Minister Muththalib, to establish a comprehensive legal and administrative framework. These decisions include pursuing constitutional amendments and drafting new legislation to allow foreign ownership of real estate property, alongside the formulation of a Real Estate Development Act. Furthermore, the government plans to establish a specialized mechanism for resolving property-related disputes and amend the Immigration Act to introduce a tiered residential visa program based on investment thresholds. The framework also entails the appointment of a Registrar of Properties and the creation of a new regulatory body to be known as the Property Regulatory Authority of Maldives.
Under a proposal to establish special real estate development zones designated by Presidential decree, foreign nationals would be granted the right to own property within these specified areas or the buildings developed therein. This initiative aims to reform the existing legal framework to facilitate opportunities for foreign investors to acquire ownership of land and buildings in the Maldives.
According to Article 251 of the Constitution of the Maldives, no part of the Maldivian territory shall be alienated to any foreign party. Furthermore, the article stipulates that the maximum duration for which any land or territory within the Maldives may be leased or otherwise granted to a foreign entity is 99 years.
The drafting and preparation of this bill for parliamentary submission comes at a time of heightened public anxiety regarding the Ras Male' project. There are widespread concerns among Maldivians that the initiative could grant residency to foreigners, potentially endangering the nation’s Islamic unity, sovereignty, and independence. Furthermore, efforts are underway to bring to the government’s attention serious concerns regarding the potential adverse impacts on the Maldives’ economic autonomy and cultural heritage.
Utilizing a parliamentary majority to push through legislative amendments within twenty-four hours, merely to circumvent minor political challenges or administrative hurdles faced by the government, has significantly eroded public confidence in the Maldives' legal system.
