Moving to Maldives from United States

moving to

What to Expect

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

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

Planning this move? Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted international movers. Get free quotes ↓

Get free moving quotes to Maldives

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Who Else Is Making This Move?

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

Living there in 2020
46 ↑ 5% vs 2015

people born in United States 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 United States to Maldives.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

US
6.4
MV
0.6
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

US
14.2
MV
1.3

Maldives performs significantly better than United States across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

US
$13,473
MV
$2,288
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

US
36.1
MV
21.6

Maldives generally does better on health & wellbeing, though United States leads in doctors per 10,000 people.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

US
14.0
MV
29.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

US
13.6t
MV
3.6t

United States 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

US
37.8
MV
17.4
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

US
28.2%
MV
15.7%

United States generally does better on infrastructure, though Maldives leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

US
3.6%
MV
4.1%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

US
$73,600
MV
$22,400

United States generally does better on employment & economy, though Maldives leads in poverty rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

US
80.6 yrs
MV
76.9 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

US
5.2
MV
25.7

United States performs better than Maldives across all family life metrics.

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

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between United States 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.

United States passport

United States passport holder visiting Maldives

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

Maldives passport holder visiting United States

Visa Required
Maldives passport holders need a visa to enter United States.

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?

Maldives performs significantly better than United States across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Maldives is 0.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 6.4 in United States.

How is healthcare in Maldives compared to United States?

Maldives generally does better on health & wellbeing, though United States leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 21.6 doctors per 10,000 people in Maldives, compared to 36.1 in United States. Maldives scores 61 on the WHO universal health coverage index (United States: 86).

What language do they speak in Maldives?

The official language in Maldives is Maldivian. In United States, the official language is English.

Share this

At a Glance

US MV
Population 337,341,954 390,164
Currency United States Dollar ($) Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Languages English Maldivian
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +1 +960
Time zones 11 1
Emergency number 911