How do you get a long-stay visa for Mauritius?
Direct Answer
Mauritius offers the Premium Visa (up to 1 year, renewable), the Occupation Permit (work and residency combined), and the Retired Non-Citizen permit as its main long-stay options.
Overview of long-stay options
Mauritius does not issue a generic long-stay visa — instead it has a set of targeted permits administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO). The right permit depends on whether you intend to work, retire, or live on investment income.
Premium Visa (remote workers and visitors)
The Premium Visa allows stays of up to one year and is renewable. It is aimed at remote workers, digital nomads, and people exploring Mauritius before committing to a permanent permit. It does not allow local employment or local self-employment. There is no income minimum published on the EDB website, but applicants must demonstrate that they are financially self-sufficient. Processing time: approximately five working days. Apply online through the EDB portal.
Occupation Permit (working residents)
The Occupation Permit (OP) combines a work permit and a residence permit in a single document. It has three categories: Investor, Professional, and Self-Employed. Professionals need a minimum gross salary of MUR 60,000 per month. Investors need to invest at least MUR 6 million into a Mauritius company. Self-employed applicants must derive business income from the export of services and demonstrate a minimum turnover. OPs are issued for an initial period of three years and are renewable.
Retired Non-Citizen permit
For people aged 50 and over who wish to retire in Mauritius without working. Requires a minimum transfer of USD 1,500 per month (or USD 18,000 per year) into a Mauritius bank account. Permit is valid for three years and renewable.
Residence Permit via property
Purchasing a qualifying property (PDS or IRS, above USD 375,000) automatically grants a Residence Permit. See the dedicated property residency answer for details.
Application process
All EDB-administered permits are applied for online at edbmauritius.org. Supporting documents include a valid passport, proof of income or investment, health insurance, and a police clearance certificate from your country of residence.