Residence and Occupation Permits
Mauritius offers several types of Residence Permits for foreign nationals who wish to live in the country. These permits are granted to investors, professionals, retirees, and those who purchase property under specific government-approved schemes. Here’s a detailed guide on the available residence permits in Mauritius:

-
Occupation Permit (Residence and Work Permit)
The Occupation Permit (OP) allows foreigners to live and work in Mauritius under three main categories: Investor, Professional, and Self-Employed. The OP acts as both a residence and work permit.
Investor: Available to individuals who wish to invest and start a business in Mauritius.
- Initial investment of USD 50,000 in the business.
- The company must generate a minimum annual turnover of MUR 12 million (~USD 300,000) in the first year and a cumulative turnover of MUR 45 million over the first three years.
- The permit is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
- Investors can apply for a 10-year Permanent Residence Permit if their company consistently meets certain revenue criteria.
Professional: For foreigners employed by Mauritian companies.
- Must have a job offer from a Mauritian employer with a minimum monthly salary of MUR 60,000 (~USD 1,400) (or MUR 30,000 in the ICT sector).
- The permit is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Self-Employed: For individuals who wish to work for themselves in Mauritius.
- Initial investment of USD 35,000 in a self-employed activity.
- The business must generate a minimum annual income of MUR 800,000 (~USD 18,000) after the first three years.
- The permit is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
- Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
- The Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) allows foreigners to live in Mauritius for a period of 10 years and is renewable. Foreigners can apply for PRP through various categories, such as investors, professionals, or property owners.
Eligibility for PRP:
- Investors: Must hold an occupation permit for 3 years and the business must generate an annual turnover of MUR 15 million (~USD 350,000) for the last 3 years.
- Professionals: Must have held an occupation permit for 3 years and earn a monthly salary of at least MUR 150,000 (~USD 3,500).
- Self-Employed: Must have held a self-employed occupation permit for 3 years and generate an annual income of MUR 3 million (~USD 70,000).
- Real Estate Investors: Foreigners who invest at least USD 375,000 in an approved real estate development (such as under the Property Development Scheme) qualify for permanent residence.
- Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit
- This permit is for foreign retirees who want to live in Mauritius without engaging in any employment or business activities.
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must be 50 years or older.
- Must transfer a minimum of USD 1,500 per month (or USD 18,000 per year) into a Mauritian bank account to support their living expenses.
- The permit is initially granted for 3 years and can be renewed.
- After 3 years, retirees can apply for a 10-year residence permit if they continue to meet the financial requirements.
- Residence Permit Through Real Estate Investment
- Foreigners can obtain a residence permit by investing in real estate in Mauritius under certain government-approved schemes. These permits are often tied to investments in luxury residential properties.
- Eligibility:
- Foreigners must invest a minimum of USD 375,000 in real estate in specific schemes, such as:
- Property Development Scheme (PDS): Allows the development of residential properties aimed at high-net-worth foreigners.
- Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS): Offers foreigners the opportunity to invest in luxury resorts and villas.
- Real Estate Scheme (RES): Targeted at smaller-scale luxury developments.
- Smart City Scheme: Designed for large mixed-use projects promoting smart urban planning.
- The residence permit is granted to the buyer and their family members (spouse and children under 24 years old).
- The permit is valid for as long as the property is owned.
- Young Professional Occupation Permit
- This permit is aimed at young foreign graduates who have completed their studies in Mauritius and wish to stay and work in the country.
- Eligibility:
- Must be a graduate from a Mauritian tertiary education institution.
- The permit is granted for 3 years and allows the graduate to work in Mauritius without needing to meet the minimum salary requirement.
- Premium Travel Visa
- Mauritius also offers a Premium Travel Visa for individuals who wish to live in Mauritius for an extended period (up to 12 months) while working remotely.
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must provide proof of their remote work or business activity that is conducted outside Mauritius.
- Must have sufficient funds to support their stay in Mauritius.
- The visa is ideal for digital nomads or those who work remotely for companies based outside Mauritius.
- Dependent Residence Permits
- Spouses, children under 24 years old, and dependent parents of foreigners holding an occupation permit, residence permit, or permanent residence permit can apply for dependent residence permits, allowing them to live in Mauritius alongside the primary permit holder.
Application Process
Applications for the various residence permits are managed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, which provides online and offline services for permit applications. Here’s an outline of the typical steps:
- Submission of application through the EDB online portal or in person.
- Provision of required documents (passport, proof of financial means, contracts, etc.).
- Background checks and verification by the authorities.
- Issuance of the residence permit, usually within 4-6 weeks after submission.
Tax Benefits for Permit Holders
Mauritius offers a highly favorable tax environment for residents:
- No capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
- Foreign-source income is not taxed unless remitted to Mauritius.
- Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with several countries, reducing tax burdens for investors.
Conclusion
Mauritius offers a wide range of residence permits catering to different types of foreign nationals, including investors, professionals, retirees, and digital nomads. The country’s attractive tax regime, stable economy, and excellent quality of life make it a popular destination for long-term residence.