How much an island in the Maldives costs: why you lease it, not buy it
The Maldives does not sell islands to foreigners the way a property listing might suggest. Islands for resorts are leased from the state. What the sources say, and what is not published.
Buy or lease
- According to investment guides, the Constitution of the Maldives prohibits direct foreign ownership of land, including islands, so investors take long-term leasehold rights while the State keeps the land.
- The most cited term for a resort island lease is 50 years with an option to extend by 49 years, 99 in total; sources differ on the details.
What it costs
- We did not find an official tariff for island leases. Figures in circulation come from broker and investor guides, for example annual rent tied to the resort’s bed count, and are unverified. Whole-project costs for a private island resort are reported in the tens or hundreds of millions of US dollars.
- Authoritative terms are published in the Ministry of Tourism’s island bidding rounds.
If you want an island for yourself
- For most travellers the realistic way to have an island is a stay at a local island guesthouse. What a guesthouse is
- Our island is Thoddoo. Which atoll to choose Cost of a trip
Sources
- Let’s Go Maldives: foreign ownership and legal framework
- Let’s Go Maldives: private island investment
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy an island in the Maldives?
According to investment guides, no: the Constitution bars direct foreign land ownership, and islands are leased.
How long is a resort island lease?
Commonly cited as 50 years, extendable up to 99 in total; check current terms.
What does an island cost?
There is no official price list; broker figures are unverified.
Where to see official terms?
In the Ministry of Tourism’s island bidding announcements.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
