Moving to Maldives from Switzerland

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What to Expect

Everything you need to know before relocating from Switzerland to Maldives — costs, safety, healthcare, and practical first steps.

If you moved from Switzerland to Maldives, and you’d need to navigate life in Maldivian. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left.

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Who Else Is Making This Move?

How many people actually move from Switzerland to Maldives, based on official data.

Living there in 2020
128 ↑ 8% vs 2015

people born in Switzerland live in Maldives · UN DESA

Who's moving to Maldives?

Top countries of origin for Maldives's foreign-born residents.

Foreign-born population · UN DESA (2020)

Key Indicator Comparison

Key indicators for anyone considering a move from Switzerland to Maldives.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

CH
0.5
MV
0.6
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

CH
2.4
MV
1.3

Switzerland generally does better on safety, though Maldives leads in road traffic deaths.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

CH
$10,602
MV
$2,288
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

CH
44.4
MV
21.6

Switzerland generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Maldives leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

CH
10.0
MV
29.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

CH
3.7t
MV
3.6t

Switzerland generally does better on environment, though Maldives leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

CH
47.1
MV
17.4
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

CH
6.5%
MV
15.7%

Switzerland performs better than Maldives across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

CH
4.0%
MV
4.1%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

CH
$82,900
MV
$22,400

Switzerland performs better than Maldives across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

CH
83.2 yrs
MV
76.9 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

CH
3.6
MV
25.7

Switzerland generally does better on family life, though Maldives leads in education spending.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Switzerland and Maldives. To live, work, or study long-term in Maldives, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Maldives's immigration authority.

Switzerland passport

Switzerland passport holder visiting Maldives

Visa on Arrival
Switzerland passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Maldives.
Maldives passport

Maldives passport holder visiting Switzerland

Visa Required
Maldives passport holders need a visa to enter Switzerland.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Maldives?

Internet is rarely the blocker — Maldives has 17.4 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people. The real questions are legal: digital nomad visa eligibility, your employer's overseas-work policy, and tax residency in both countries.

Is Maldives safe for expats?

Switzerland generally does better on safety, though Maldives leads in road traffic deaths. The homicide rate in Maldives is 0.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.5 in Switzerland.

How is healthcare in Maldives compared to Switzerland?

Switzerland generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Maldives leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 21.6 doctors per 10,000 people in Maldives, compared to 44.4 in Switzerland. Maldives scores 61 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Switzerland: 86).

What language do they speak in Maldives?

The official language in Maldives is Maldivian. In Switzerland, the official languages are French, Italian, Romansh and Swiss German.

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At a Glance

CH MV
Population 8,508,698 390,164
Currency Swiss Franc (CHF) Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Languages French, Italian, Romansh, Swiss German Maldivian
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +41 +960
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 112