As an expatriate who has successfully navigated the process in obtaining a Mauritius Residence Permit, I am here to share everything you need to know to secure Mauritian residency in this beautiful island nation.
My family and I applied at the Economic Development Board in Ebene for our Mauritius Residence Permit.
From understanding the different types of residency permits such as the Mauritius work permit, to navigating the application process, I’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and make your dream of calling Mauritius home a reality!
What are the ways to obtain a Mauritius Residence Permit?
Obtaining Mauritius residency offers various pathways, each catering to different circumstances and objectives.
There are 6 ways to obtain a Mauritius Residence Permit:
| WAYS TO OBTAIN MAURITIAN RESIDENCY | TYPE OF PERMIT OBTAINED | LENGTH OF INITIAL PERMIT | INVESTMENT AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL | OCCUPATION PERMIT | 3 YEARS | – |
| SELF-EMPLOYMENT | OCCUPATION PERMIT | 10 YEARS | USD 35 000 into a professional activity |
| INVESTOR | OCCUPATION PERMIT | 10 YEARS | USD 50 000 into a business activity |
| RETIREMENT OVER 50 YEARS OLD | RESIDENCE PERMIT | 10 YEARS | TRANSFER OF USD 18 000 PER YEAR INTO A LOCAL BANK ACCOUNT |
| INVESTING IN BUSINESS | RESIDENCE PERMIT | 20 YEARS | USD 375 000 |
| REAL ESTATE PURCHASE | RESIDENCE PERMIT | AS LONG AS PROPERTY IS OWNED | USD 375 000 |
The permit holders dependents, comprising of the spouse, common law partner, children and parents will also be eligible for a Mauritius residence permit.
If you also need to move your pets to Mauritius, read my article here, on how we moved our two yorkies with us to Mauritius Island.
1. PROFESSIONAL – Mauritius work permit
Foreign professionals seeking to work and reside in Mauritius can apply for a Mauritius work permit, called an Occupation Permit.
This particular Mauritius work permit is granted to individuals who hold a valid employment contract with a local company subject to a minimum monthly salary.
You will not need to travel to Mauritius to get the process started. Your employer can start the process after they have registered on https://business.edbmauritius.org/
Your employer can then start your application process for you online at the National Electronic Licensing System.
To find out how your taxes will be calculated as an employee living in Mauritius, read my article here.
2. SELF EMPLOYMENT – Mauritius work permit
The Self-Employed Mauritius work permit offers an excellent opportunity for freelancers seeking to establish themselves in a tropical destination with robust telecommunication infrastructure.
In addition to enjoying an active lifestyle, this permit enables individuals to offer their professional services to a diverse clientele, both locally and internationally.
You will require a minimum investment of USD 35 000 plus two letters of intent from potential clients.
You will not need to travel to Mauritius to get the process started. You can start the process after you have registered on https://business.edbmauritius.org/
In order to set-up your business, you can register your company at the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) online https://companies.govmu.org/
Once you have obtained approval, you will need to open a Mauritian bank account transfer the USD 35 000 into that account.
After 10 years you can apply for a renewal subject to business income of MRU 800 000 per year as from the third year of registration.
3. INVESTOR – Mauritius work permit
Mauritius presents an inviting business landscape and numerous lifestyle benefits for foreigners seeking a stable jurisdiction for investment.
Recognizing the global economic and social climate, significant incentives have been introduced regarding investment thresholds and permit durations to offer enhanced foresight, comfort, and convenience to the investor community.
You will require a minimum investment of USD 50 000 into a business activity.
You will not need to travel to Mauritius to get the process started. You can start the process at https://business.edbmauritius.org/
In order to set-up your company, you can register your company at the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) online https://companies.govmu.org/
Once you have obtained approval, you will need to open a Mauritian bank account in the name of the company and transfer the USD 50 000 into that account.
After 10 years you can apply for a renewal subject to business income of MRU 4 million per year from the third year of registration.
4. RETIREMENT – Mauritius Residence Permit
Retiring in Mauritius could prove to be an ideal choice for individuals aged 50 or above.
With a monthly income of just USD 1500, you can secure a 10-year Mauritius residence permit and enjoy the tranquility of this island paradise.
Furthermore, this Mauritius residence permit opens doors to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after three consecutive years.
As a retired non-citizen, aged 50 or above, you have the right to invest in any business under certain conditions: you must not be employed in the business, and you cannot receive any salary or employment benefits from it.
A Retired Non-Citizen must submit a certified bank statement from the retired non-citizen’s country of origin or residence which shows:
- a minimum amount of USD 18 000 or
- a guaranteed minimum income of USD 1 500 per month
You can also invest in an approved Senior Living Residence by purchasing a residential unit in the scheme, which will also allow you to obtain your residence permit.
You will not need to travel to Mauritius to get the process started. You can start the process at https://business.edbmauritius.org/
Once the 10 years have past, you can renew your Mauritius residence permit for another 10 years.
5. INVESTOR – Mauritius Residence Permit
An international investor who commits a minimum of USD 375,000 to a qualifying business venture becomes eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.
This exclusive 20-year residency privilege is designed to facilitate your settlement and ensure the productivity of your business endeavors, while also allowing you to explore additional opportunities available in Mauritius.
In order to set-up your company, you can register your company at the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) online https://companies.govmu.org/
Once you have obtained approval, you will need to open a Mauritian bank account in the name of the company and transfer the USD 375,000 into that account.
6. REAL ESTATE – Mauritius Residence Permit
Several real estate schemes, such as the Real Estate Scheme (RES), Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), and Property Development Scheme (PDS), offer residency to individuals who purchase qualifying properties in designated developments.
Integrated ResortScheme (IRS)
Residential estates developed under the IRS boast an array of world-class amenities tailored for leisure, entertainment, and wellness, including golf courses, marinas, beach clubs, clubhouses, and wellness centers that envelop the residences, offering an exclusive resort experience.
Foreigners have the opportunity to acquire various residential properties within existing IRS projects, such as villas, townhouses, penthouses, apartments, duplexes, and serviced plots of land.
Non-citizens and their dependents become eligible for a residence permit upon acquiring property with a minimum value of USD 375,000.
Property owners retain the flexibility to rent out their properties, attain tax residency status in Mauritius, and face no restrictions on repatriating funds or revenue generated from property sales or rentals.
Furthermore, non-citizens holding a residence permit under IRS are exempted from obtaining an Occupation or Work permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Real Estate Scheme (RES)
A noteworthy addition to Mauritius’ luxury residential offerings, RES projects present a diverse range of residences, including villas, penthouses, duplexes, and apartments, situated within exclusive yet compact residential developments.
Foreign investors have the opportunity to acquire residential properties within existing RES projects, making them eligible for a residence permit for themselves and their dependents upon investing a minimum of USD 375,000 in property acquisition.
Property owners enjoy the flexibility to rent out their properties, attain tax residency in Mauritius, and encounter no restrictions on repatriating funds or revenues generated from property transactions.
Moreover, non-citizens holding a residence permit under RES benefit from exemption from obtaining an Occupation or Work permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Property Development Scheme (PDS)
The Property Development Scheme (PDS) stands as one of the approved schemes meticulously crafted to streamline the development and subsequent acquisition of luxurious properties by non-citizens in Mauritius.
Upon acquiring residential property exceeding a value of USD 375,000, non-citizens are bestowed with a residence permit for as long as they retain ownership of the property.
Additionally, spouses and children below the age of 24 are also eligible for residence permits.
Furthermore, non-citizens holding a residence permit under PDS enjoy exemption from the requirement of obtaining an Occupation or Work permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Invest Hotel Scheme
The Invest Hotel Scheme extends an inviting opportunity for non-citizen investors and individual guests to become proprietors of exclusive hotel units nestled in Mauritius.
Under this scheme, non-citizens can acquire rooms or hotel units within newly developed or existing hotels sanctioned by the IHS.
Owners gain privileged access to meticulously furnished luxury resort hotels equipped with amenities such as fine dining establishments, fully serviced spas, fitness centers, and resort-style pools.
Unit owners, or their authorized representatives, are entitled to utilize the unit for up to 45 days within a 12-month period and may also generate income through the lease-back model.
Moreover, if the unit or room is acquired for a minimum value of USD 375,000, the owner becomes eligible for a residence permit, further enhancing the allure of this investment opportunity.
Ground +2 Appartments
Foreign individuals are permitted to purchase apartments in developments not covered by approved residential schemes.
Non-citizens are eligible to receive a residence permit upon acquiring a residential property situated in a building comprising at least 2 floors above ground level, for a minimum amount of USD 375,000 or its equivalent in any other freely convertible foreign or Mauritian currencies.
This residence permit remains valid as long as the non-citizen retains ownership of the residential property under the G+2 scheme.
These apartments must be situated in condominium developments of at least two levels above ground (G+2), and the purchase price of an apartment should not fall below MUR 6 million or its equivalent in any other hard convertible foreign currency.
What are the steps involved in obtaining a Mauritius Residence Permit?
Here’s a general overview of the process we went through:
- Determine Eligibility
- Assess your eligibility for the Residence Permit based on your circumstances, such as retirement, investment, property ownership, or other non-employment purposes.
- Gather Required Documents
- Collect all required documents, which may include:
- Passport and visa
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement or property deed)
- Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements or pension statements)
- Medical certificate (if required)
- Collect all required documents, which may include:
- Submit Application
- Complete the application form for the Residence Permit and submit it, along with the required documents, to the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office
- Pay Application Fees
- Pay the prescribed application fees, which vary depending on the type and duration of the Residence Permit being applied for.
- Undergo Assessment
- Your application will undergo assessment by the immigration authorities to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. This may involve background checks, verification of documents, and possibly an interview.
- Receive Approval
- If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval from the immigration authorities, granting you permission to reside in Mauritius under the specified category of Residence Permit.
- Collect Residence Permit
- Once approved, collect your Residence Permit from the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office or the designated collection point.
- Renewal
- Keep track of the expiry date of your Residence Permit and initiate the renewal process well in advance to maintain your legal status in Mauritius. Renewal procedures and requirements may vary depending on the type of Residence Permit and any changes in immigration policies.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the category of the Occupation Permit and any changes in immigration policies.
Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with immigration experts or legal advisors to ensure compliance and smooth processing of your application.
