The framework governing Special Economic Zones in the Maldives has been reaffirmed through a new presidential decree that restates both the categories of economic activity allowed within SEZs and the minimum investment levels required to qualify.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1/2026, issued by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Government has formally reviewed and re-established the parameters set out in the Special Economic Zones Act. The decision follows a statutory requirement for annual review and publication of SEZ eligibility criteria.
The Special Economic Zones Act mandates that the President, in consultation with the Board of Investments, specify each year the types of activities that may operate in SEZs and the minimum investment threshold applicable to those activities. The law also requires that this determination be reviewed before February and announced through a formal decree.
As part of this process, the provisions previously outlined under Presidential Decree No. 1/2025 were reviewed and republished in the Government Gazette under the new 2026 decree, maintaining continuity in the SEZ policy framework.
The decree sets two investment thresholds. Strategic investments must involve capital commitments of at least USD 100 million, while sustainable township development projects are required to meet a higher minimum investment of USD 500 million. In the case of township developments, the decree specifies that the full minimum amount must be directed towards sustainable township components.
Nine categories of strategic economic activity are permitted under the USD 100 million threshold. These include export-oriented manufacturing, transhipment and international logistics services, ports and airports, higher education institutions and specialised hospitals, world-class research and development facilities, ICT parks, international financial services and trade centres, renewable energy projects, food security initiatives, gas, oil and mineral exploration, and activities that introduce technologies not currently available in the Maldives.
By reissuing the annual decree, the Government has preserved the existing structure of the SEZ regime, providing regulatory clarity for potential investors while maintaining the investment scale required for projects to qualify for special economic zone status.
