Foreign nationals wishing to work, live or retire in Mauritius may explore various avenues either through the Occupation Permit, the Residence Permit or the Permanent Residence Permit.
1. Occupation/residence Permit
The Occupation Permit (OP), which is a combined work and residence permit, allows non-citizens to reside and work in Mauritius. Non-citizens, above the age of 50 years, may also choose to retire in Mauritius under a Residence Permit (RP).
A non-citizen can apply for an OP/RP under any of the following 4 categories: | |
Investor: | The business activity should generate a turnover exceeding MUR 4 million (approx. USD 115,000) annually with an initial investment of USD 100,000 |
Professional: | Basic salary should exceed MUR 60,000 (approx. USD 1,765) monthly. However, the basic salary for professionals in the ICT Sector should only exceed MUR 30, 000 (approx. USD 880) monthly. For all applications submitted prior to 31 October 2015, the salary threshold of MUR 45,000 (approx. USD 1325) still applies. |
Self-Employed: | Income from the business activity should exceed MUR 600,000 (approx. USD 17,500) annually for the first two years of activity with an initial investment of USD 35,000. The annual income should increase from MUR 600,000 (approx.USD 17, 500) to MUR 1,200,000 (approx.USD 34,500) as from the third year of activity. |
Retired: | A Retired Non-Citizen is defined as a person who is not a citizen of Mauritius and aged 50 years or above. The non-citizen must undertake to transfer to his/her local bank account in Mauritius, at least USD 40,000 annually |
The Occupation Permit/ Residence Permit are granted for a maximum period of three years, renewable thereafter subject to established criteria. | |
Moreover, Occupation/ Residence Permit holders under the following specified criteria are eligible to acquire one apartment, in a building of at least 2 floors above ground, for his/her personal residenceas from date of issuance of the Occupation Permit:
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Dependents of Occupation/ Residence Permit holders, namely spouse, children up to the age of 24 and common-law partner, are also eligible to apply for a residence permit in Mauritius. | |
2. Permanent Residence Permit
The Permanent Residence Permit allows a non-citizen to work and live in Mauritius for a period of ten years. The following categories are eligible for the Permanent Residence Permit;
An investor | Who holds a valid Occupation Permit and where the annual turnover of his company has exceeded MUR 15 million (approx.USD 450,000) for three consecutive years. |
Who invests at least USD 500,000 in a qualifying business activity as per list below: | |
A self-employed | Who holds an Occupation Permit and where the annual income exceeded MUR 3 million (approx. USD 90,000) for three consecutive years. |
A professional | Having a valid Occupation or a Work Permit and whose monthly basic salary exceeded MUR 150,000 (approx.USD 4,500) for three consecutive years immediately preceding the application. |
A retired non-citizen | Who has held a Residence Permit for three years and has transferred USD 40,000 annually to his account in a local bank during each of these three years. |