Mauritius is an island nation that attracts many expats looking to live and work abroad. It is no surprise that many expats consider moving to Mauritius to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural beauty However, navigating the visa options for expats can be overwhelming. In this article, we provide an overview of the different visa options for expats in Mauritius. You can also refer to this page where you can find detailed information on all the permits available in Mauritius for foreigners.
Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
One of the visa options for expats moving to Mauritius is the Premium Travel Visa, which is also known as the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is an excellent option for remote workers and digital nomads who want to live and work in Mauritius for an extended period. Also known as the Mauritius Premium Travel Visa, this visa allows individuals to work from anywhere in the world while enjoying the tropical paradise in Mauritius. It is not only for digital nomads but also for retirees and travellers who wish to stay in Mauritius for more than 90 days. To apply for the Mauritius Premium visa, individuals must demonstrate that they have a stable and consistent income from their remote work and that they have a place to live and work. To read more about the requirements and process for the Mauritius Premium Visa, go to this page.
The Occupation Permit
The Occupation Permit is the most common visa option for expats moving to Mauritius. The Mauritius Occupation Permit is issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and allows non-citizens to live and work in Mauritius. There are different categories of Occupation Permits available in Mauritius based on the type of work you will be doing. These categories include:
Investor Permit
The Mauritius Investor Permit is for individuals who wish to invest in Mauritius. To be eligible for this permit, you must set up a company and transfer an initial investment amount of at least USD 50,000 to a local bank in Mauritius.
Professional Permit
The Professional Permit is for individuals who have been offered employment by a company registered in Mauritius. To be eligible for this permit, you must earn a minimum monthly salary of MUR 60,000 or MUR 30,000 per month in the ICT sector.
Self-Employed Permit
The Self-Employed Permit is for individuals who wish to start a business in Mauritius. To be eligible for this permit, you must transfer a minimum of USD 35,000 into your personal bank account in Mauritius and provide two letters of intent from potential clients.
The Residence Permit
The Mauritius Residence Permit is another option available to expats moving to Mauritius. The Mauritius Residence Permit is issued by the Passport and Immigration Office and allows non-citizens to live in Mauritius.
Retired Non-Citizen Permit
The Mauritius Retired Permit is for individuals who are 50 years or older and wish to retire in Mauritius. To be eligible for this permit, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a monthly income of at least USD 1,500.
Residence by Investment
Acquiring real estate in Mauritius is a way to obtain permanent residence in Mauritius. The minimum investment requirement is USD 375,000 in a specific scheme approved by the Economic Development Board (EDB), such as the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or a Smart City. This type of Mauritius residence permit also allows expats to work in Mauritius without an additional occupation permit.
Dependents
It’s important to note that dependent of a residence permit holder or an occupation permit holder get their own residence permit. This includes dependent children and dependent parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to obtain an Occupation Permit in Mauritius?
The processing time for an Occupation Permit application usually takes between 4-6 weeks.
2. Can I work for 2 companies, one in Mauritius and one outside Mauritius?
Yes, the Self-Employed Permit allows you to work both in Mauritius and outside Mauritius.
3. Is there any limit to what one can do with the 50, 000 USD invested?
The 50,000 USD can be used for any cost to do with the business from importing stock to paying for staff or renting an office.
4. Do I need a job offer to apply for the Professional Permit?
Yes, the Professional Occupation Permit in Mauritius requires a contract already signed with the future employer from a company registered in Mauritius, and you must earn a minimum monthly salary of MUR 60,000.
