Bride price, dowry and giftsSouth AsiaMuslim
Polygamy in the Maldives
The legal practice allowing men to marry multiple wives under strict financial conditions.
This custom permits men in the Maldives to take more than one wife. The law requires court approval and proof of financial stability. Such unions remain rare in the country today.
When is Polygamy in the Maldives kept?
Polygamy in the Maldives is kept on when approved by the Registrar of Marriage.
Men in the Maldives may legally marry up to four wives. This practice requires official registration and proof that the husband can support each family. Courts review finances before granting permission. The custom remains uncommon despite being permitted by national law.
Legal framework
The Family Act governs these unions. It sets a limit of four wives per man. The Registrar of Marriage must approve each additional marriage. Judges assess the man's financial capacity to ensure he can provide for all families involved. A specific law from 2001 reinforced these requirements. Unregistered marriages outside the capital have been reported.
Financial requirements
Proof of income is central to the process. In 2012, the minimum required amount was set at MVR 15,000. This figure reflects the economic standards of the time. By 2022, the monthly minimum wage stood at MVR 5,265. These thresholds aim to prevent poverty among spouses. The courts use these metrics to judge suitability.
Prevalence and trends
Such marriages are not common in the islands. Around the start of the 21st century, roughly one in eleven men had a polygamous union. Recent records show even fewer cases. Only fifty-nine were registered in 1998. Fewer than two hundred occurred in 2018. The practice has declined over recent decades.
How Polygamy in the Maldives is kept
A man seeking a second or subsequent wife must apply to the Registrar of Marriage. He must demonstrate sufficient funds to support each household equally. A court reviews his financial history and current assets. If the judge approves the application, the marriage is registered. This process ensures legal recognition and protects the rights of all wives involved.
When and where
It occurs when a man secures court approval. The date depends on financial verification. There is no fixed season for these ceremonies. They happen throughout the year as applications are processed.
This custom exists within the Maldives. It is most visible in the capital where registrations occur. However, unregistered unions also exist outside urban centers. The practice is unique to this island nation.
What Polygamy in the Maldives means
The practice emphasizes a man's ability to provide. Financial stability is seen as a prerequisite for multiple families. Equality between wives is a legal expectation. The system aims to protect women from neglect or poverty.
Who takes part
- The man: Applies for permission and proves his income
- The Registrar: Reviews the application and registers the union
- The court: Assesses financial capability before approval
- The wives: Receive financial support and legal protection
Then and now
The number of such marriages continues to drop. Legal scrutiny makes the process stricter. Many couples opt for single marriages instead. Unregistered unions persist but lack official status.
Questions people ask about Polygamy in the Maldives
When is Polygamy in the Maldives kept?
Polygamy in the Maldives is kept on when approved by the Registrar of Marriage.
Is polygamy legal in the Maldives?
Yes, men can marry up to four wives. The law requires court approval and proof of financial stability. The Registrar of Marriage oversees the process.
How many wives can a man have?
A man may have up to four wives. Each additional marriage needs separate approval. The court checks if he can support them all.
How common is this practice?
It is uncommon. Fewer than two hundred marriages were recorded in 2018. The trend has declined since the early 2000s.
What are the financial rules?
Men must prove they can support each family. The threshold changes with the economy. Courts review income before granting permission.
See also
TabuaA polished sperm whale tooth exchanged as a gift in Fijian weddings and ceremonies.
Bride priceWealth paid by the groom or his family to the bride or her kin to formalize a union.VaniA forced child marriage used as compensation to settle tribal disputes in Pakistan.BaadA customary settlement where a girl or woman is handed over to an offended household to close a dispute.Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Polygamy in the Maldives", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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