Maldives Wealth Tax Guide: No Wealth Tax, No Net Worth Tax 2026
The Maldives does not impose any form of wealth tax, net worth tax, or solidarity tax on individuals or companies. There is no annual tax on total assets, financial wealth, real estate holdings, or high net worth. Here is how wealth taxation works in 2026.
Unlike several countries that levy annual wealth taxes (France, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy on certain assets), the Maldives has completely abstained from introducing any recurring wealth-based tax. There is no tax on net worth, no tax on financial assets, no tax on bank deposits, and no tax on investment portfolios. This policy aligns with the Maldives strategy to attract foreign investment and high-net-worth individuals. Combined with 0% PIT and 0% CGT, the Maldives offers one of the most asset-friendly tax environments globally. No inheritance or gift tax either →
Real-world example: An individual with net worth of MVR 50,000,000 (cash, shares, real estate, businesses) in the Maldives pays MVR 0 in wealth tax. In France, the same net worth would trigger the Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière (IFI) at progressive rates up to 1.5% on real estate above €1.3 million. In India, there is no wealth tax currently, but the super-rich tax (surcharge) effectively increases income tax for high earners. In Norway, wealth tax of 1.1% on net worth above NOK 1.7 million would apply. Over 10 years, the Maldives-based individual saves potentially millions compared to wealth-tax jurisdictions. Personal income tax (0% PIT) →
What the Maldives Does Not Tax
- Net worth: No annual tax on total assets minus liabilities
- Financial assets: No tax on shares, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, or other securities held
- Bank deposits: No tax on cash held in bank accounts
- Real estate holdings: No annual property tax on residential real estate (transfer tax applies on purchase only)
- Business assets: No tax on company shares, partnership interests, or business ownership
- Luxury assets: No tax on art, jewelry, vehicles, yachts, or other luxury goods
Taxes That Do Apply to Asset Owners
While there is no wealth tax, asset owners in the Maldives do face some related taxes and costs:
- Property transfer tax: One-time tax on purchase at MVR 5-10 per sq ft
- Annual land rent: Nominal annual lease payment for leasehold land
- Business Profit Tax: 15% on business profits if assets generate business income
- GST on consumption: 6% standard rate on goods and services, 16% TGST on tourism
Comparison with Wealth Tax Countries
- Maldives: 0% wealth tax, 0% net worth tax
- France: IFI up to 1.5% on real estate assets above €1.3M
- Norway: 1.1% on net worth above NOK 1.7M
- Switzerland: Cantonal rates 0.2-1% on net worth (varies by canton)
- Spain: Wealth tax up to 3.5% on net worth above €700K (varies by region)
- Netherlands: Notional return tax on savings and investments (effective ~1.7% on assets above ~€50K)
- Italy: 0.2% on foreign financial assets, 0.76% on real estate abroad
Could the Maldives introduce a wealth tax in the future?
As of 2026, there is no legislative proposal or public discussion about introducing a wealth tax in the Maldives. The government's tax policy focuses on maintaining a competitive framework to attract foreign investment. BPT and GST remain the primary revenue sources.
Is there any minimum tax for wealthy individuals?
No. The Maldives does not have an alternative minimum tax, a minimum wealth tax, or any deemed income tax for high-net-worth individuals. There is no exit tax for individuals leaving the Maldives either.