In short
A work permit in the Maldives is required for each foreign employee and is applied for by the employer through the government's Xpat Online system. DBS Maldives prepares and submits new permits and renewals as your appointed authorised representative, checking every detail before it goes in.
What is a work permit in the Maldives?
A work permit in the Maldives is the approval an employer needs for each foreign employee. Applications are made through the government's Xpat Online system. The employee also needs a work visa from Maldives Immigration, which is a separate step.
Employers can appoint an authorised representative to submit applications on their behalf in the Xpat system. When you appoint DBS Maldives, we prepare, submit and follow up your applications, for both new permits and renewals.
Who needs help with Xpat work permits?
- Employers whose applications have been returned for errors or missing documents
- Businesses with several foreign staff whose permits fall due at different times
- Owners who do not want to manage the Xpat system themselves
- Employers who already have a candidate and quota, and need only the permit itself handled
How DBS Maldives helps
- We confirm the current document requirements for your employee before collecting anything.
- We check that names, passport details, job title and employer information match across every document.
- We confirm your quota position, since the permit depends on it. If quota is missing, we handle the quota request first.
- We submit the application in Xpat Online as your authorised representative and respond to any queries.
- For renewals, we start early and prepare the file before the current permit runs short.
How does a work permit application work?
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Appoint DBS
You appoint DBS Maldives as your authorised representative in the Xpat system.
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Check eligibility and quota
We confirm the role, the employee's details and that a quota is available for the position.
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Prepare the file
We gather the documents, check them for consistency and prepare the application.
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Submit and follow up
We submit through Xpat Online, track the status and answer any request for further information.
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Next steps
Once the permit is issued, we tell you what is needed for the work visa and record the renewal date.
What documents do I need for a work permit?
- Your business registration details
- The employee's passport copy, clearly legible
- The job title and salary for the role
- The employment contract or offer letter
- Any further documents the current process requires, which we confirm for you
- For renewals, the details of the existing permit
Common work permit mistakes to avoid
- Spelling the employee's name differently from the passport
- Using a job title that differs from the one in your quota request
- Uploading expired or unclear passport scans
- Starting a renewal too close to the expiry date
- Assuming the permit also covers the work visa
If you have many foreign staff, expat account management keeps every permit on one calendar. For a single application, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a work permit in the Maldives?
The employer applies for each foreign employee's work permit through the government's Xpat Online system. The employer can submit applications directly or appoint an authorised representative, such as DBS Maldives, to submit them on its behalf. A work visa from Maldives Immigration is also required.
What is an authorised representative in the Xpat system?
An authorised representative is a person or firm that an employer appoints to submit applications for it in the Xpat system. Appointing DBS Maldives means we prepare and file your work permit applications and renewals, while you remain the employer responsible for your staff.
Can you renew a work permit that someone else applied for?
Yes. Once you appoint us as your authorised representative, we can take over renewals for existing employees, whoever handled the original application. We review the current permit details first and correct any inconsistencies before the renewal is submitted.
Do I need a quota before applying for a work permit?
Yes. An employer must hold a foreign-worker quota before the employee enters the Maldives, and the permit relies on it. We check your quota position at the start. If you do not have quota for the role, we prepare the request through jobcenter.mv first.
Is a work permit the same as a work visa?
No. The work permit is issued through the Xpat Online system and the work visa comes from Maldives Immigration. Both are needed for a foreign employee. We handle the permit and tell you exactly what the visa stage requires so nothing is missed.
How do I check a work permit online in the Maldives?
Employers can see work permits, fees due and payment records in their Xpat Online account at xpat.egov.mv. Employees can hold their digital work permit card in the Xpat MV app. If you have appointed DBS Maldives as your representative, we check status for you.
How are work permit fees paid in the Maldives?
Work permit fees and payment records are handled through the employer's Xpat Online account. Fees are set by the authorities and can change, so we check what is due on your account before each application or renewal rather than quoting figures.
Can a business visa be converted to a work permit in the Maldives?
No longer. From 15 September 2026, foreigners who enter on a business or special visa cannot convert to a work permit while in the country. The worker must obtain a Work Permit Entry Pass before arrival, so we plan the permit before travel is booked.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026. Requirements change; we confirm the current rules with you before any application.