Working & Living in Mauritius

Mauritius is a safe and peaceful island, blessed with a tropical climate, lovely beaches, and hospitable people from a mix of various cultural traditions. Equally important Mauritius has now become an unavoidable location for those willing to do and thrive their business in the region as all the necessary factors one would consider for relocation are readily available.

With the objective to become a high-income economy in the next decade, Mauritius has been encouraging foreign talents, know-how and investment into the country. Whether you are an investor, a professional, a self-employed or a retired non-citizen, there are a number of compelling reasons to consider Mauritius as your location for doing business and living.

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.  They are also eligible to acquire property in Mauritius under prescribed conditions.

Permanent Residence Permit

The Permanent Residence Permit (“PRP”) allows a non-citizen to work and live in Mauritius for a period of 20 years. The following categories are eligible for the PRP.

• An investor who holds a valid OP for at least 3 years with an annual turnover exceeding MUR 15 million, for same period.
• An investor who invests at least USD 375,000 in a qualifying business activity as per list below:

Agro-based industry, Audio-visual, Cinema and Communication, Banking, Construction, Education, Environment-friendly and green energy products, Financial Services, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Freeport, IT, Infrastructure, Insurance, Leisure, Manufacturing, Marina development, Tourism and Warehousing, Initial Public Offerings.

• A self-employedwho holds an OP and where the annual business income exceeded MUR 3 million for three consecutive years.
• A professionalhaving a valid OP or a Work Permit and whose monthly basic salary exceeded MUR 150,000 for three consecutive years
• A retired non-citizenwho has held a RP for three years and has transferred USD 54,000 annually or its equivalent during these three years.

Existing OP/RP holders’ eligibility for PRP

• A non-citizen holding OP/RP for at least 3 years and whose OP/RP is valid on 1 September 2020 is eligible for a 20-year PRP. The eligibility conditions will be that of OP/RP criteria for renewal.
• OP/RP holders (Investor/Self Employed/Retired) can apply for PRP after holding their permit for 3 years, provided they meet the PRP eligibility criteria.

 Occupation Permit

The Occupation Permit (“OP”) allows a foreign citizen to work and reside in Mauritius provided certain conditions are met. The OP can be applied for under three different categories as detailed below;;

1.  Investor: an investor is eligible to apply for an Investor OP under the following options:

• An initial transfer of USD 50,000 or its equivalent.
• Net asset value of at least USD 50,000 or its equivalent and a cumulative turnover of at least 12 million rupees during the 3 years preceding the application.
• High Technology Machines & Equipment: An initial investment of USD 50,000 or its equivalent, of which a minimum transfer of USD 25,000 and the equivalent of the remaining value in high technology machines and equipment.

Permit duration 10 years.

2. Investor for innovative start-ups: Foreign nationals are eligible to apply under the following options:

• No minimum investment required and submission of an innovative project to the Economic Development Board.
• Registered with an incubator accredited with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council.

Permit duration: 10 years

Qualifying Expenditure: any expenditure deemed to have been incurred with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding

3. Professional: Basic salary should exceed MUR 60,000 monthly. However, the basic salary for professionals in the ICT and BPO sector, pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing should exceed MUR 30, 000 monthly.

Permit duration: up to 3 years

4. Self-Employed: Income from the business activity should exceed MUR 600,000 annually for the first two yearsof activity with an initial investment of USD 35,000. The annual income has been increased to MUR 800,000 as from the third year of activity.

Permit duration: 10 years