Romantic relationship in Maldives

Partner selection and dating generally take place through informal personal and family networks. A 2009 survey found that women aged 15 to 24 reported choosing a partner alone in 36.3% of cases and jointly with parents in 58.5%; the corresponding figures for men were 57.7% and 38.1%. These historical figures differ between urban and rural settings and do not establish current dating patterns. The 2016–17 survey recorded a median age at first marriage of 20.9 years for women and 24.7 years for men. These figures describe past populations rather than a current requirement or expectation. A legally registered marriage requires both parties' consent, two witnesses, an offer and acceptance, a wali or judicial guardian where required, and a judicial mauzun. The Registrar of Marriages must approve the marriage, and the application should be submitted at least seven weeks before the ceremony. The minimum age is 18 under the Child Rights Protection Act 19/2019, in force from 2020. The woman is entitled to mahr, and the couple may record a written nuptial agreement. A man may have up to four wives only with prior Registrar approval, demonstrated financial capacity and a reason accepted under Sharia. A Maldivian woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man under the stated rules; a Maldivian man may marry a non-Muslim woman only where Sharia permits it. The Family Court provides marriage-preparation programmes and marriage-related forms. Practical access differs between Malé, Hulhumalé and the atolls, and the current marriage fee depends on the applicable regulations. No civil cohabitation status, domestic-partner registration or relationship-based benefit system was identified. A resort wedding is ceremonial and does not create a legally registered marriage. Visitors cannot legally register a marriage in the Maldives. A Maldivian intending to marry another Maldivian must notify Immigration in writing before arrival. Registration of a marriage concluded overseas generally must be completed within two months where a Maldives mission exists and within six months where no mission exists. The Domestic Violence Prevention Act 3/2012 protects people in intimate relationships, people who share or recently shared a residence, and parents of a child. It covers physical, sexual, verbal or psychological and economic abuse, as well as intimidation, harassment, stalking, controlling behaviour, coercion and confinement. A person with reasonable grounds must report domestic violence. The Maldives Police Service may enter the incident location without a court order, investigate, and arrange medical care or shelter. Courts can issue protection, no-contact, residence, custody and compensation orders. The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services and the Family Protection Authority coordinate support. A victim without the means to pay can request legal representation at state expense. Relevant contacts include the Ministry at 3328393, the Police Family and Child Protection service at 9790163, police emergency services at 3322111 and the Family Protection Authority at 3010551. Divorce proceedings go through the Family Court or another competent court. A husband needs judicial approval to divorce, while a wife may apply for divorce. A contested case can go to the Conciliation Division or an island court, with reconciliation generally targeted within a maximum of three months. Available procedures include divorce, faskh, thafriq and the iddah period. Thafriq connected to domestic violence can end the marriage immediately. In 2024, the Maldives registered 5,170 marriages, 3,368 divorces, 2 faskh cases and 94 thafriq cases. These figures concern registered formal relationships and do not measure the prevalence of informal dating or partnerships.