Sources and verification

The Companies Act 2023, Law No. 7/2023, is the starting point for understanding a company’s legal position in the Maldives. Its provisions must be read with the amendments, regulations and other laws that apply to the particular company and proposed activity. This manual brings those issues into a practical structure, linking company type, constitutional documents, shareholder rights, directors’ duties, share transactions and continuing compliance.

The original sources govern

Every explanation, practice note, workflow and translation in this manual is subject to the applicable law in its authoritative, original-language form. The official Dhivehi legislation is the legal source; this manual is an explanatory reference. If there is a difference or an uncertainty, consult the precise original provision, its amendments and the relevant regulations, together with any applicable judicial interpretation. Administrative guidance helps explain filing practice but does not replace the legislation.

Check the rule that applies to your company type, the relevant date and the action you intend to take. A company’s internal approval, the effective date of a transaction and a later notification to the Registrar may be separate legal steps. For a foreign investment, company registration must also be considered alongside investment authorisation, sector conditions and any required licences. These distinctions can affect a transaction even where a filing has been accepted.

Verification before reliance

The translations used here are unofficial. The English Act text covers 251 numbered provisions; it is not a certified consolidated translation and does not reproduce Schedule 1. Consult the official schedule for the statutory fee provisions. The recorded source-check date is 13 September 2026. Later amendments, regulations, official directions, fees and filing requirements must be checked before use; a link or an earlier source-check date is not confirmation that a requirement remains current.

This manual provides general research and practice information. It is not legal advice or an opinion on your particular circumstances, and it should not be the sole basis for an investment, corporate decision, filing or other action. Have a lawyer review the original sources, your company’s constitutional documents, the relevant records and the facts before you rely on an entry or proceed with a matter.

Official sources for verification

Use the legislation and official resources below to check the precise provision and its current application. Read the Act, amendments and applicable regulations together, and check the official index and relevant authority for later changes. This list is a starting point; a particular company or transaction may engage additional laws or requirements.

English reference text