| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — guesthouse/hotel permit from Ministry of Tourism; local council land allocation |
| Tax Rate | TGST applies; rate Unknown |
| Night / Day Cap | None known |
| Penalties | Unlicensed tourism service up to MVR100,000/day |
| Primary Residence Required | Homestay: yes; standalone guesthouses: no |
| Occupancy Limit | Homestay max 5 rooms; guesthouses larger per license |
Short-term rentals in Malé / Inhabited Islands are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — guesthouse/hotel permit from Ministry of Tourism; local council land allocation.
Short-term rental operators in Malé / Inhabited Islands should be aware of these tax obligations: TGST applies; rate Unknown. Yes — TGST/MIRA registration.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Malé / Inhabited Islands include: Primary residence requirement: Homestay: yes; standalone guesthouses: no. Rental day cap: None known. Occupancy limit: Homestay max 5 rooms; guesthouses larger per license.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Malé / Inhabited Islands: Full-scale resort development prohibited on inhabited islands/city jurisdictions — only guesthouses or hotels permitted. Density rules: Local councils designate land for tourism in Land Use Plans. Insurance: Yes — third-party liability insurance.
Hosts who fail to comply with Malé / Inhabited Islands's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Unlicensed tourism service up to MVR100,000/day.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Malé / Inhabited Islands: Advertise only under registered category.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Malé / Inhabited Islands but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Tourism on inhabited islands channeled to guesthouses/hotels to benefit local councils/communities
Yes. Malé / Inhabited Islands requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — guesthouse/hotel permit from Ministry of Tourism; local council land allocation.
Short-term rental hosts in Malé / Inhabited Islands are subject to the following tax obligations: TGST applies; rate Unknown.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Malé / Inhabited Islands may face enforcement. Unlicensed tourism service up to MVR100,000/day.
Distinct from resort-island model; STR-style stays on inhabited islands restricted to licensed guesthouse/hotel formats
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