How to get a residence permit or visa to live in Mauritius (2025)

Regardless of your background and aspirations, Mauritius provides a program that facilitates settlement, investment, employment, or retirement in this beautiful nation.

The EDB (Economic Development Board) is the government body that helps foreign nationals settle on the island. While it is possible to handle the necessary procedures independently, online, it is recommended to engage the services of a relocation company. They possess the expertise to guide you through the intricacies of each scheme and streamline the process of acquiring your residence or work permit.

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There are several possible schemes for establishing Mauritius as your place of residence:

• Occupation permit as Investor: investing in a company
• Residence permit: investing in a property
• Occupation Permit as Professional: working for a Mauritian company
• Residence permit as retired
• Young Occupation Permit: post-study work permit

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Coming to Mauritius for a short stay

Tourist visa

If you wish to discover Mauritius first, a tourist visa is sufficient. It is issued free of charge and is valid for 90 days, 60 days, or two weeks, depending on your nationality. It can be extended by the Passport and Immigration Office for a maximum of 6 months per calendar year.

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Premium visa

The Premium Visa is intended for individuals who wish to stay in Mauritius for more than 6 months without engaging in any local economic activity. It is valid for one year and is renewable. This visa is particularly suitable for remote workers, digital nomads, retirees, and long-stay travellers, provided that their income originates exclusively from abroad. The visa is free of charge, and the application must be submitted online via the EDB website.

To apply for a Premium Visa, you will need to provide:

• 3 most recent bank statements and proof of income showing either a monthly income of at least $1,500 or a bank balance equivalent to one year (approximately $18,000), plus $500/month for each dependent child
• A travel and health insurance
• A return flight ticket or proof of onward travel
• A proof of accommodation on the island

The holder of a Premium visa is required to pay income tax on sums transferred to a bank account in Mauritius if they have not been taxed in the country of origin or residence.

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The different residence permits

In Mauritius, you will often hear about the Residence Permit (RP) and the Occupation Permit (OP). Unless otherwise specified below, your permit is valid for five years and is renewable.

The Occupation Permit combines both residence and work authorisation, and applies to sole traders (as Self-employed), entrepreneurs (as Investor), employees (as Professional), and recent graduates beginning their careers (Young Professional Occupation Permit).

The Residence Permit allows a foreign national to live in Mauritius following the purchase of a property (by Property Investment), as a retiree (as Retired), or through marriage to a Mauritian citizen (by marriage). Specific conditions apply if you wish to work in Mauritius while holding a Residence Permit.

Be careful not to confuse a Residence Permit with tax residency. One does not automatically imply the other. Check our article about being a tax resident in Mauritius for more insights.

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Settling as a couple or family: the Dependent Permit

Mauritius supports family reunification. Holders of a Residence Permit or an Occupation Permit (excluding the Young Professional Occupation Permit) may apply for Dependent Permits for their spouse or civil partner (of the opposite sex), their children (natural or adopted, under 24 years old and unmarried), as well as their parents or other dependants. The fee is $400 per Dependent Permit. The Dependent Permit is valid for the same duration as the Residence Permit or Occupation Permit to which it is linked.

Please note that holders of a Dependent Permit are not allowed to work in Mauritius, but they may apply for their own Occupation Permit or Residence Permit.

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Starting or taking over a business: Occupation Permit as Investor

Mauritian regulations allow a foreign national to invest in a business and to act as both shareholder and director.

You set up a company with a minimum initial investment of either $50,000 or $100,000, depending or the type. Your turnover must reach at least Rs 1.5 million from the first year, and a cumulative Rs 20 million by the fifth year Your Occupation Permit as Investor may be renewed if you generate a minimum annual turnover of Rs 5 million from the 6th year of operations onwards.

You invest in an innovative start-up (Innovator Occupation Permit): no fund transfer is required. This scheme applies to businesses with R&D at the core of their activity, in eligible sectors such as ICT, fintech, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

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You are a self-employed: Occupation Permit as Self-Employed

The Self-Employed scheme is intended for individuals working as freelancers or self-employed professionals in the services sector, employing only administrative staff. The minimum required investment is $50,000 (or equivalent), transferred from abroad to a local bank account.

Your Occupation Permit as Self-Employed is valid for five years and may be renewed if you can demonstrate a minimum annual turnover of Rs 5 millions from the sixth year of operations onwards.

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You are employed by a Mauritian company: Occupation Permit as Professional

Do you wish to work as an employee for a local or international company in Mauritius? It is possible.

Depending on the position and your qualifications, you will need to earn a minimum monthly salary of Rs 50,000 (ProPass) or Rs 250,000 (Expert Pass). You must also demonstrate the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the position.

The permit application must be submitted by your employer. This work permit is valid for four years and can be renewed, provided the renewal request is submitted at least three months before the permit expires.

You may hold shares in the company employing you (as a non-majority shareholder), and you may invest in other businesses, as long as you do not receive a salary from them.

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You are entering the job market after studying in Mauritius: Young Professional Occupation Permit

After completing higher education in Mauritius (under a Student Visa), it is possible to work in the country for a period of two years under an employment contract with a company.

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You are investing in real estate: Residence Permit by Property Investment

Investing in a property with a minimum purchase price of $375,000 entitles you to a Residence Permit, which remains valid for as long as you own the property. You will also be allowed to work in Mauritius without the need to apply for an Occupation Permit.

You can find more details about the different types of property in our post about real estate in Mauritius.

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You wish to retire in Mauritius: Residence Permit as Retired

The Retired Permit applies to individuals over the age of 50 who are able to transfer a minimum of $2,000 per month (or the equivalent in foreign currency), or provide annual proof of a minimum deposit of $24,000 into a local bank account. You must reside in Mauritius for at least 180 days per year.

You will be required to submit to the tax authorities a list of any residences (and tax residencies) held in other jurisdictions. You may invest in a business in Mauritius, provided you do not work for the company or receive any form of salary.

Another option available to individuals over 50 is to rent, invest without a minimum price threshold, or acquire a lifetime right of use for a property within a PDS Senior Living scheme.

Beyond the age of 50, you may of course live in Mauritius under any of the other options presented in this article.

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Economic Development Board
www.edbmauritius.org • www.residency.mu • +230 203 3800

Passport & Immigration Office
www.passeport.govmu.org • +230 260 2073 • piomain@govmu.org

Navitas
‍www.immigration.mu • +230 670 7277 • support@immigration.mu

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The information in this article is based on announcements made by the Mauritian government in the 2025–26 National Budget, published in June 2025. Please be aware that some measures may change before being formally adopted, or during the 2025–2026 fiscal year. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we strongly recommend checking with a professional adviser or the relevant authorities for the latest updates.