Rules and changes

New or changed taxes, fees, fines, bans, limits and rules from the last 60 days that name a theme and say something changed. A day is shown only when the news names a single day, with the sentence it came from.

Parliament (bills and sittings) · Notices

Coming into effect

MIRA Revises Integration Deadlines for Maldives Green Information System · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) MIRA announced revised deadlines for Green Tax registrants integrating with the Maldives Green Information System, which went live on October 1. The schedule sets two mandatory rollout batches with upload and full-integration deadlines stretching to July 1, 2027, giving tourism operators more time to adapt. Batch 2 (All remaining Green Tax registered properties): The taxable period begins on January 1, 2027, followed by an information upload deadline of February 15, 2027. The Maldives Journal · published 26 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens The Maldives Journal in a new tab)
President Announces Higher GST Threshold and Tax Relief for SMEs · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to raise the mandatory GST registration threshold from MVR 1 million to MVR 1.5 million from 1 January 2027, along with tax concessions and payment measures for SMEs. Other measures include an Addu City SME concession zone pilot, US dollar payments through the Bank of Maldives Gateway from 1 November, and zero import duties on SME raw materials from 1 January 2027. Addu City will host the first three-year pilot under the government's SME concession zone policy, beginning on 1 January 2027. Corporate Maldives · published 25 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens Corporate Maldives in a new tab)
President assures more favourable opportunities for SMEs within the next three months · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced a series of SME support measures to be introduced between November 2026 and January 2027, including USD payment facilities, tax-free zones in Addu City, GST threshold revisions, zero-rated import duties on raw materials, and a second-phase youth loan scheme. The announcements were made at the awards ceremony of Maldives Expo 2026 at Barceló Nasandhura. the government has resolved to zero-rate import duties on raw materials imported by SMEs for production purposes, effective 1 January 2027 Ministry of Economic Development & Trade · published 24 October · Tax and duty Source (opens Ministry of Economic Development & Trade in a new tab)
Small businesses to receive five-year import duty relief under new government initiative · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced a five-year import duty exemption at zero percent on designated raw materials for MSMEs, effective January 1, 2027, along with measures including a higher GST registration threshold and a tax offset mechanism for government payment delays. He also reported that MVR 795 million in loans had been disbursed to more than 1,000 entrepreneurs during 2026. The exemption, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, will introduce a zero percent import duty rate on designated materials used in manufacturing and production by eligible small businesses. The Standard · published 25 October · Tax and duty Source (opens The Standard in a new tab)

Recently reported

MIRA reaffirms fair and consistent tax enforcement across businesses MM TV (English) · published 11 November · Tax and duty Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Regulation amended to remove import duty on cling film used to wrap food One Online · published 10 November · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Committee OK’s abolishing tax on foreign tour agents; raising GST registration threshold to MVR 1.5M Sun English · published 9 November · Tax and duty Source (opens Sun English in a new tab)
Tax revenue from tourism increased, grants to councils and land-related capital expenditures rise Maldives Financial Review · published 5 November · Tax and duty Source (opens Maldives Financial Review in a new tab)
Government to reverse 17 percent TGST on foreign tour operators The Maldives government will reverse amendments to the GST Act that required foreign tour operators to pay a 17 percent Tourism Goods and Services Tax, restoring the previous arrangement. Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said Parliament was expected to pass the bill within one to two weeks, while MIRA would retain authority to determine fair market prices. PSM News · published 4 November · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens PSM News in a new tab)
Public invited to comment on bill to scrap inbound tourism GST The People's Majlis has opened a public consultation on a bill proposing to abolish GST on inbound tourism products and related services supplied by businesses without a permanent establishment in the Maldives. The bill, submitted by Kolamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi on 26 August and referred to the Economic Committee, estimates the government could forgo MVR 1.61 billion in projected revenue, and the public can submit comments by noon on 9 November. One Online · published 4 November · Tax and duty Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
No-confidence motion against Saeed on Parliament agenda The no-confidence motion filed by the MDP against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed in August is on the agenda for Wednesday's Parliament sitting, with the General Committee having earlier decided to give the minister one hour to respond to the allegations. The motion, signed by 13 MDP MPs, accuses Saeed of neglecting constitutional duties, cites rising black-market dollar rates and stalled economic projects, and objects to SEZ Act amendments and the Maldives Pearl Residence programme. The Edition · published 4 November · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Bill to scrap GST on inbound tourism services sent to Committee A bill to remove Goods and Services Tax on inbound tourism products and services supplied by businesses without a permanent establishment in the Maldives has been referred to Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee after the Whole House Committee approved the referral with all 47 voting MPs in support. The bill, which also seeks to strengthen MIRA's enforcement against GST non-compliance, would reverse the GST introduced on such services from 1 October. One Online · published 2 November · Tax and duty Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Tax offset arrangement set for businesses owed payments by the State The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has introduced an arrangement allowing businesses owed overdue payments by government agencies and State-owned enterprises to offset those amounts against their outstanding tax liabilities to MIRA. The mechanism applies to MSMEs, with settlement terms depending on which side owes more, and businesses must apply to MIRA with full details of the payments owed. MM TV (English) · published 2 November · Tax and duty Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Tourism contributes MVR 14.3 billion to State revenue Tourism generated MVR 14.3 billion in government revenue from January to 22 October this year, with taxes accounting for the largest share at MVR 10.65 billion, including MVR 8.87 billion in TGST and MVR 1.77 billion in green tax. The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises data also show overall government revenue increased against the same period last year, largely driven by higher tourism collections. MM TV (English) · published 2 November · Tax and duty Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Government introduces tax offset scheme for unpaid business bills The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has introduced a mechanism allowing businesses to offset taxes payable to MIRA against outstanding payments owed to them by Government institutions or State-owned companies. Under the scheme, MSMEs can apply to MIRA to offset tax liabilities against unpaid bills, with any balance settled in either direction. One Online · published 1 November · Tax and duty Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
SME startup fund in 2027 budget to empower youth Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer presented the 2027 budget to Parliament, saying it will include funding for SME startups so that youth become job creators rather than job seekers. The budget also raises the annual income threshold for GST registration from MVR 1 million to MVR 1.5 million with effect from 01 January. Maldives Financial Review · published 31 October · Tax and duty Source (opens Maldives Financial Review in a new tab)
Customs’ fiscal mandate to move to Finance Ministry The government has decided to transfer the fiscal mandate of the Maldives Customs Service to the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises to strengthen revenue administration. Presenting the proposed 2027 State Budget, Minister of Finance Hassan Zareer said the government will widen the Maldives Guest Information System and set up a modern e-invoicing system, and that relevant tax laws will be amended. MM TV (English) · published 31 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Budget 2027: Government plans revenue growth without tax hikes The Government presented a proposed MVR 59.7 billion State Budget for 2027 to Parliament, planning to raise revenue without new taxes through tax administration reforms, stronger compliance and closing loopholes. Measures include expanding the Maldives Guest Information System, introducing electronic invoicing, and bringing the Maldives Customs Service's fiscal mandate under the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. MM TV (English) · published 29 October · Tax and duty Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Public invited to comment on proposed tax appeal changes Parliament's Economic Committee has opened a public consultation on a bill amending the Tax Administration Act, which would set circumstances requiring taxpayers to pay 100 per cent of disputed tax before appealing a MIRA decision to the Tax Appeal Tribunal, up from the current 50 per cent. The bill was submitted by PNC Member for Funadhoo Mohamed Mamdhooh on behalf of the Government and referred to the committee on Monday, with feedback open until 12 noon on 5 November. One Online · published 28 October · Tax and duty Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Parliament fulfilling its duty to reform laws: Speaker Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told MPs at the close of the 28 October 2026 sitting that Parliament is fulfilling its responsibility by introducing constructive amendments to government-proposed legislation. He said Parliament's constitutional role includes amending, reforming and repealing laws, and that national stability depends on the level of justice in society. One Online · published 28 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
MMBC President Farushath resigns citing blocks to working fairly Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) President Mohamed Farushath resigned on October 28, 2026, citing unresolvable challenges in carrying out his duties fairly and equitably toward all media outlets. His resignation coincides with changes to the government's policy on annual financial support to media outlets, reducing the required operating period from three years to one year after registration. The Edition · published 28 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Majilis Approves Bill Requiring 50% Upfront Payment to Appeal Disputed Taxes The People's Majlis passed a preliminary vote to accept a government bill amending the Tax Administration Act, which would require taxpayers to pay at least 50 per cent of a disputed tax liability before appealing to the Tax Appeal Tribunal, with 54 votes in favour and 11 against. The bill was referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs after its first reading on 20 October, drawing criticism from opposition MPs who called it a cash-gathering move. Corporate Maldives · published 27 October · Tax and duty Source (opens Corporate Maldives in a new tab)
MIRA introduces new regulation allowing businesses to settle taxes using unpaid government and SOE payments The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has introduced a new regulation allowing businesses and individuals to offset outstanding tax liabilities against payments owed to them by government institutions and state-owned enterprises. Applications are submitted via the MIRAconnect portal or email, with verification handled by the Ministry of Finance or the respective SOEs, and the offset takes effect only once funds are transferred to MIRA. The Standard · published 27 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens The Standard in a new tab)
MIRA Formalises New Online Offset Mechanism for Outstanding State Liabilities The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has published a comprehensive policy allowing taxpayers to offset outstanding tax obligations against receivables owed to them by state institutions and state-owned enterprises. Applications must be filed digitally using form MIRA 904 via the MIRAconnect portal, with state verification, a set debt-clearance order, and formal written approval required before any offset takes effect. Corporate Maldives · published 26 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens Corporate Maldives in a new tab)
Customs struggles to recover unpaid duties and fines, audit finds An audit of the Maldives Customs Service found MVR 461 million owed to the state by the end of 2023, mostly in unpaid import duties, with recovery hindered by delayed court judgment enforcement and poor information sharing with ministries. The Auditor General recommended stronger enforcement, a ministry information-sharing mechanism and legislative amendments. Adhadhu (English) · published 26 October · Tax and duty, Fees and fines, Rules and laws Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
MIRA Highlights Education and Collaboration Amid Tax Reforms at KPMG Workshop MIRA's Deputy Director of Taxpayer Education, Sausan Saeed, spoke as a panellist at the KPMG IFRS Workshop 2026, outlining recent GST and Income Tax amendments and the expectations on businesses. She stressed taxpayer education and ongoing dialogue between tax administrators, businesses and tax advisers to encourage voluntary compliance. Corporate Maldives · published 25 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens Corporate Maldives in a new tab)
Relief for Businesses in Addu: No Taxes or Land Rent for Three Years President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that Addu will be designated a special economic zone for three years, from 2027 to 2029, exempting businesses on state-owned land from rent, BPT and income tax, and reducing annual fees. The incentives, described as a pilot project, follow the Addu Business Dialogue held on 13 and 14 May, with the Ministry of Economic Development expected to announce specific arrangements in the coming days. Miadhu · published 25 October · Tax and duty, Fees and fines Source (opens Miadhu in a new tab)
Minister Zareer Launches MIRA's Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS) Minister Zareer officially launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), a tax administration system developed by MIRA. The government says it will streamline and make data-driven the management of guest information and reduce manual processes for tourism businesses meeting tax obligations. Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises · published 1 October · Tax and duty Source (opens Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises in a new tab)
The thirty-second amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Regulation has been published in the Government Gazette The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority announced that the thirty-second amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Regulation has been published in the Government Gazette and is available on its website. The amendment introduces changes to the GST Regulation following the 8th amendment to the GST Act. Maldives Inland Revenue Authority · published 21 September · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens Maldives Inland Revenue Authority in a new tab)