Permits in Mauritius
Residence Permit
A Residence Permit in Mauritius is a written permit authorizing a non-citizen to enter and stay in the country. This permit is mainly for retired people, dependents of a permit holder, and for those who get a Residence Permit from a minimum investment of USD 375,000 in property. A Residence Permit holder is not allowed to work in Mauritius without a separate Occupation Permit. Only non-citizens who obtain a Residence Permit by investing in real estate over USD 375,000 can work and invest in Mauritius without a separate Occupation Permit.
Occupation Permit
An Occupation Permit is the same as a Residence Permit, but it also allows the foreign citizen to work. Another way of obtaining an Occupation Permit would be through the purchase of property of over USD 375,000. The property needs to be under approved schemes such as, PDS, Smart City or G+2. There are three main categories of Occupation Permit: an Investor Permit, a Professional Permit, and a Self-Employed Permit. All three categories of Occupation Permit have their own set of rules that dictate the conditions for each permit.
Investor Permit
An Investor Permit is for those who are looking to set up their own business or company. This could be anything from an international trading company, an investment company, or a local restaurant. If you’re looking for business registration or company formation services in Mauritius, go to this page for more information.
Professional Permit
To be considered eligible for a Professional Permit as per the Immigration Act, the foreign citizen should be employed in Mauritius by virtue of a contract of employment and registered with the EDB. It should be noted that the holder of a Professional Permit should earn a monthly salary of at least MUR 60,000.
Self-Employed Permit
A holder of a Self-Employed Permit is defined as 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 2002. The self-employed person should operate a one-person business activity, working exclusively for their own account.
Retirement Permit
Also known as a Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit, the Residence Permit is applicable to retired, foreign citizens who are 50 years or above. Mauritius is an equally favourable destination for retirees as it is for professionals and travelers. Mauritius offers various retirement-focused facilities for those who want to spend their retirement years on this island. Various Smart Cities and luxurious developments include, not just the usual restaurants, cafes and spas, but also medical facilities on-site and even assisted living.