| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — homestay guesthouse permit from Ministry of Tourism (renewable 5-year, locally owned) |
| Tax Rate | TGST (Tourism Goods & Services Tax) applies; exact rate Unknown |
| Night / Day Cap | None known |
| Permit Fee | Unknown (acquisition/registration fees set by regulation) |
| Penalties | Operating a licensable tourism service without a license: up to MVR100,000/day; other violations MVR5,000–100,000 |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes — homestay units operated within residences where people reside |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum 5 rooms (min 120 sq ft each with attached bathroom) |
Short-term rental operations in Nationwide are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — homestay guesthouse permit from Ministry of Tourism (renewable 5-year, locally owned). The associated permit fees are Unknown (acquisition/registration fees set by regulation).
Short-term rental operators in Nationwide should be aware of these tax obligations: TGST (Tourism Goods & Services Tax) applies; exact rate Unknown. Yes — TGST registration with MIRA; operator responsible for tourist taxes.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Nationwide include: Primary residence requirement: Yes — homestay units operated within residences where people reside. Rental day cap: None known. Occupancy limit: Maximum 5 rooms (min 120 sq ft each with attached bathroom).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Nationwide: On inhabited islands/city jurisdictions only guesthouses or hotels allowed (no full resorts); local councils allocate land via Land Use Plans. Insurance: Yes — third-party liability insurance introduced to protect visitors and owners.
Hosts who fail to comply with Nationwide's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Operating a licensable tourism service without a license: up to MVR100,000/day; other violations MVR5,000–100,000.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Nationwide: Establishment must advertise only under its registered category/classification.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Nationwide with proper registration and permits. License granted only to parties with no unpaid taxes to MIRA; basic tourist records and police record checks required; island tourist help desk required
Yes. Nationwide requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — homestay guesthouse permit from Ministry of Tourism (renewable 5-year, locally owned).
Short-term rental hosts in Nationwide are subject to the following tax obligations: TGST (Tourism Goods & Services Tax) applies; exact rate Unknown.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Nationwide may face enforcement. Operating a licensable tourism service without a license: up to MVR100,000/day; other violations MVR5,000–100,000.
Governed by Maldives Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99); homestay permits for locally owned businesses, foreign brands via franchise
LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,026+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.
View in Full Database →