Applications are now open for the Government’s Housing for All scheme, signifying the launch of the first housing initiative under the policy announced on 17 November last year.

Under the scheme, the Government will allocate 15,000 plots of land in the Greater Malé area and 7,900 flats in the Malé area. The rules and eligibility criteria governing land and flat allocations were published following the policy announcement.

Applications were originally due to open on 4 January 2026 but were deferred to allow revisions after concerns raised by residents during community meetings held by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The updated criteria now allow recipients of one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats under previous housing schemes to apply for three-bedroom units, subject to conditions related to family size and the number of children.

Of the 15,000 land plots, 7,000 have been allocated for native residents of Malé, 1,000 for individuals registered on Malé Dhaftharu, and 2,000 for those registered at a later stage. A further 500 plots are reserved for individuals without inherited property, while 3,000 plots are designated for residents from other islands who have lived in Malé City for at least 15 years. An additional 1,500 plots have been set aside for applicants willing to relinquish homes located on narrow streets that hinder access to housing loans.

Of the 7,900 flats, 4,000 have been earmarked for residents of Malé City, 1,500 for long-term residents from other islands living in the city, and 2,400 for applicants under special priority categories. These special priority flats are further divided into 15 sub-categories.

New special categories have been introduced this year, including for taxi drivers, workers in the fishing sector and employees in the tourism industry. The scheme also includes categories for individuals who previously received documentation entitling them to flats but did not ultimately receive housing.

Applicants may apply for either a flat or a land plot, but not both, and must apply under the category most relevant to their circumstances. Applications are open to Malé City residents, residents from other islands currently living in the city, and those eligible under special priority categories.

All applications must be submitted online via the Hiyaavehi Portal using eFaas login credentials. Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum of 15 years’ residence in Malé, calculated up to 14 January 2026. Where there have been interruptions due to special circumstances, supporting documentation must be provided.

Priority will be determined based on income levels and living conditions, with applicants required to submit details of family composition, housing status, employment and income, along with documents proving length of residence. Full eligibility criteria, conditions and the scoring system are set out in the Government Gazette. The deadline for submissions is 14 April 2026.