In short
A feasibility study in the Maldives tests whether a proposed business or project can work before money is committed. DBS Maldives examines the market, the practical and technical requirements and the financial case, then gives you a clear, written view of whether, and on what terms, the project makes sense.
What is a feasibility study?
A feasibility study is an independent assessment of whether a proposed venture is likely to succeed. A feasibility study in the Maldives typically asks three questions: is there enough demand, can the project actually be delivered on the chosen site and with the available resources, and will the income cover the costs and repay the investment?
Where a business plan explains how you will run a business you have decided on, a feasibility study comes earlier and asks whether you should go ahead at all.
Who needs a feasibility study?
- Guest house and tourism projects on local islands, where demand, access and seasonality decide the outcome.
- Investors weighing a new venture or an acquisition and wanting an independent view.
- Lenders and their applicants, when a larger project needs evidence beyond a business plan.
- Existing businesses considering a new outlet, product line, vessel or island.
- Guest house owners planning a new property or more rooms; see guest house financing and feasibility.
What does a feasibility study cover?
Market feasibility looks at who the customers are, how many there are, what they pay today and who else serves them. Technical feasibility looks at the site, construction or equipment, logistics, staffing and the permits and approvals the project will need to obtain. Financial feasibility brings it together in projections of cost, revenue and cash, tested against cautious and optimistic cases through financial modelling.
We list the approvals each project is likely to need and leave the confirmation of current rules to the relevant authority, rather than assuming them.
How a feasibility study works
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Define the question
We agree exactly what is being tested: the concept, the location, the scale and the funding.
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Research the market
We gather evidence on demand, pricing and competition relevant to your location and customers.
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Assess delivery
We review the practical side: site, suppliers, staffing, logistics and approvals to be obtained.
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Test the numbers
We build the financial case and show how it changes when key assumptions move.
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Report and recommend
You receive a written report with our findings, the main risks and a clear recommendation.
What information do I need for a feasibility study?
- A description of the proposed project and where it will be located
- Any land, lease or site documents you already hold
- Contractor or supplier quotes, drawings or equipment lists
- Your expected funding mix between own money, partners and lenders
- Any market information you have collected, such as enquiries or competitor prices
Common mistakes to avoid
- Commissioning a study to confirm a decision already made. A study is only useful if you are prepared to hear that the project does not work as planned.
- Underestimating island logistics. Transport of materials, staff accommodation and utilities often cost more than first assumed.
- Treating approvals as a formality. Permits can shape the design and timing of a project.
If the project goes ahead, we can help you set up the right structure through company registration. To discuss a project, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a feasibility study and a business plan?
A feasibility study asks whether a project should go ahead, testing the market, the practical delivery and the financial case. A business plan assumes the decision is made and explains how the business will be run and funded. Many clients commission a feasibility study first and turn it into a business plan afterwards.
Do I need a feasibility study for a guest house in the Maldives?
It is not something we would describe as a legal requirement, but it is a sensible step before building or leasing a guest house. Demand, access, seasonality and construction costs on local islands vary widely, and a study helps you see whether the income will cover the investment and any financing.
Can a feasibility study say a project is not viable?
Yes, and that is part of its value. If the evidence shows the project does not work as proposed, we say so and explain why. Often the report also shows what would need to change, such as scale, location, pricing or funding, for the project to make sense.
Will lenders or investors accept your feasibility study?
Each lender and investor decides what evidence it relies on, so we cannot promise acceptance. We write studies to be read by third parties, with clear sources, stated assumptions and an honest account of risks, which is what serious readers look for when assessing a proposal.
How long does a feasibility study take?
It depends on the size of the project, the research involved and how quickly information can be gathered. A study for a small outlet is much lighter than one for a tourism development. We agree a working timetable with you at the start once the scope is clear.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026. Requirements change; we confirm the current rules with you before any application.