In short
Business activity registration in the Maldives records what a registered business actually does, on the government Business Portal. DBS Maldives chooses the right activity classifications, adds or updates them for you, and checks which activities need further permits or approvals before you start.
What is business activity registration?
Business activity registration in the Maldives is how a registered business records the activities it carries out, such as retail, food service, construction or tourism, on the government Business Portal. Each activity is registered under a classification. We make sure what you register matches what you actually do.
Activities are set when you register a company, partnership or sole proprietorship, and they can be added or changed later as the business grows into new areas.
Why does the right classification matter?
The activities on your record shape what comes next. Some activities need further permits or approvals before you can trade, and others affect how you are treated for tax. Tourism goods and services, for example, bring a GST registration requirement regardless of turnover, covered on our GST registration page.
How DBS Maldives helps:
- We translate what you actually do into the correct classification.
- We add new activities or update existing ones on the Business Portal.
- We check which of your activities need further permits or approvals, and tell you before you begin trading.
- We review older registrations that no longer match the business.
How to add a business activity
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Describe the work
You explain, in your own words, what the business does today and what it plans to do next.
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Match the classification
We find the classification that fits each activity, avoiding ones that are too broad or too narrow.
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Check permit needs
We identify any activity that needs a further permit or approval and explain what that involves.
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Update the Business Portal
We prepare the change and it is submitted online with the authorised person's eFaas login.
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Confirm the record
We check the updated registry record and keep a note of any follow-up permits still outstanding.
What information is needed to register an activity?
- Your business registration details
- A plain description of each activity you carry out or plan to
- Where each activity takes place
- Whether you serve tourists or tourism businesses
- eFaas access for the person authorised to make changes
- Any permits or approvals you already hold
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trading outside your registered activities. Add the activity first, then start the work.
- Registering everything just in case. Unnecessary activities can bring permit requirements you do not need.
- Overlooking the permit step. Registering an activity does not always mean you can start it straight away.
- Letting the record go stale. When the business changes direction, update the activities to match.
Expanding into something new? Tell us what you plan to do and we will check the activities and permits involved.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a business activity in the Maldives?
Business activities are added or changed online through the government Business Portal, where registered businesses manage their records. The change is submitted with the authorised person's eFaas login. We choose the correct classification and prepare the update for you.
Do all business activities need a separate permit?
No, but some do. Certain activities need further permits or approvals before you can begin, depending on what the activity is. Requirements change, so we check each of your activities against the current rules and tell you what applies.
Can I change my business activities after registration?
Yes. Activities can be added or updated after the business is registered, which is common when a business expands or changes direction. Keeping the record accurate helps avoid problems with permits, banks and tax registrations later.
How do I choose the right business activity classification?
Start with a plain description of what the business really does, then match it to the closest classification on the Business Portal. Classifications that are too broad or too narrow both cause problems. We review your description and recommend the right fit.
Does my business activity affect GST registration?
It can. Businesses supplying tourism goods and services must register for GST regardless of turnover, so a tourism-related activity changes the picture. Other businesses register once taxable supplies pass the threshold set by MIRA.
Can I register a business activity with eFaas?
Business activities are registered online through the government Business Portal, signed in with eFaas. We help you choose the right classification, prepare the details and walk you through any step that needs your own eFaas sign-in.
How do I register SME classification in the Maldives?
Registered businesses register their SME classification through the oneGov portal, the same place business names and activities are registered, renewed or cancelled. We check whether your business qualifies and handle the submission with your activities.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026. Requirements change; we confirm the current rules with you before any application.