Living in Mauritius


Occupation and Residence Permits

Non-mauritian citizens can work and live on the Island under the Occupational and Residence Permits.

The Occupation Permit (OP) allows foreign nationals to work on the Island under 3 specific categories:

  1. An investor

An Investor is a shareholder and director in a company incorporated in Mauritius under the Companies Act 2001.

Investment required: An initial transfer of USD 50,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible currency in the bank account of the company under which the application will be made; or net asset value of at least USD 50,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency, for existing businesses, inherited businesses and a business with a cumulative turnover of at least 12 million rupees during the 3 years preceding the application.

Duration: A maximum period of ten years, with the possibility to renew.


  2. Professional

A Professional is categorised as a foreign national that is under contractual employment in Mauritius.

Salary: A monthly salary of at least MUR 60,000. The monthly salary should be at least MUR 30,000 should the professional be in the sector of information and communication technologies (ICT), business process outsourcing (BPO), pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing.

Duration: A maximum period of three years or as per the duration of the contract of employment, with the possibility to renew.


  3. Self-Employed

A Self-Employed is a non-citizen engaged in a professional activity under the services sector only and registered with the Registrar of Businesses under the Business Registration Act

He or she can only operate a one-person business activity.

Investment required: An initial transfer of USD 35,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency to his/her local bank account in Mauritius.

Duration: A maximum period of ten years, with the possibility to renew.


Retired Non-Citizen

A Retired Non-Citizen is defined as a person above 50 years of age and who is not a Mauritian citizen.

Investment required: An initial transfer of at least USD 1,500 or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency to his/her local bank account in Mauritius.

From then on, she/he should transfer a minimum amount of USD1500 per month or the aggregate of at least USD 18,000 per year or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency during the duration of the residence permit.

Duration: A maximum period of ten years, with the possibility to renew.


Dependents of OP or RP permit

Dependents of OP or RP permits who are under the age of 24 are also eligible to apply for a residence permit and are defined as spouse (including Common Law Partner of the opposite sex), parents of OP/RP holder and children, including stepchildren or lawfully adopted children.


Permanent Residence Permit

A holder of an Occupation or Residence Permit is eligible to apply for a 20-year Residence Permit provided that specific conditions are met.

For more information, visit the EDB website here

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