President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has re-established the types of economic activities permitted and minimum investment threshold for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the Maldives.

The updated framework under Act No. 24/2014 (Special Economic Zones Act) was announced through Presidential Decree No. 1/2026, which was issued and published in the Government Gazette, following the annual review process required under the SEZ legislation.

Under the Special Economic Zones Act, the President is required to specify, in consultation with the Board of Investments, the categories of economic activities eligible for SEZ status and the minimum investment required for such projects. The law further mandates that these specifications be reviewed and announced before February each year.

According to the new decree, strategic investment projects seeking designation as SEZs must involve a minimum investment of USD 100 million. In addition, a separate threshold of USD 500 million has been established for sustainable township development projects.

The decree identifies nine categories of strategic economic activities that qualify under the USD 100 million investment requirement. These include export-oriented manufacturing; international logistics and transhipment services, including ports, airports, bunkering and docking facilities; universities, tertiary and specialised hospitals, and advanced research and development centres; large-scale information and communication technology parks; international financial services and trade centres; renewable energy projects; initiatives introducing technologies not currently available in the Maldives; food security-related activities; and gas, oil and mineral exploration.

For sustainable township developments, the decree stipulates that the minimum USD 500 million investment must be allocated specifically towards township development components, reflecting an emphasis on long-term planning and sustainability.

The revised SEZ framework replaces the provisions set out under the previous year’s decree and is intended to guide high-value investments into sectors identified as priorities for economic diversification and national development.