Mauritius visas & permits

The Mauritius immigration system

Mauritius has one of Africa's most open and well-structured immigration frameworks. The system is administered jointly by the Economic Development Board (EDB) — which handles business and investment permits — and the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO), which handles tourist entries, Premium Visas, and the final residence documentation.

The key distinction to understand is the difference between a permit and a residency document: in Mauritius, a permit (such as an Occupation Permit) grants you the right to live and work in the country, while the actual residence card is a physical document issued by the PIO once the permit is approved. Both are needed.

*Premium Visa holders may perform remote work for foreign employers and clients. They cannot be employed by or invoice a Mauritius-registered company.

Tourist entry — 60 days on arrival

Mauritius does not issue tourist visas in advance — entry is granted on arrival for eligible nationals. There is no fee. You must hold a valid passport (at least 6 months remaining), a return or onward ticket, and be able to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay.

Extensions up to a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period may be requested at the Passport and Immigration Office in Port Louis. Extensions are not automatic — officers assess each case individually. If you need to stay longer than 180 days, you must hold a qualifying permit.

Premium Visa — 1 year for remote workers and retirees

The Premium Visa was introduced to attract high-value remote workers and location-independent professionals. It allows you to live in Mauritius and work remotely for foreign employers or clients, without being able to work for or invoice a Mauritius company.

Who it is for

The Premium Visa suits three main groups: (1) remote employees working for a company based outside Mauritius; (2) freelancers and consultants with overseas clients; and (3) individuals who are not working but are financially self-sufficient through savings, investments, or passive income and are not yet 50 (who would use the Retired Non-Citizen permit instead).

Financial requirements

The EDB does not publish a strict minimum income figure for the Premium Visa — it assesses financial self-sufficiency on a case-by-case basis. In practice, applicants should demonstrate monthly income or funds sufficient to cover living expenses in Mauritius without becoming a burden on the state. Bank statements showing 3–6 months of funds at MUR 50,000–100,000+ per month are typically considered adequate.

Application and renewal

Applications are submitted online through the EDB portal. Required documents include: passport, employment contract or proof of freelance income (invoices, contracts, employment letter), bank statements, proof of health insurance, and evidence of accommodation in Mauritius. Processing takes 10–21 working days. The visa is renewable annually without a fixed limit, provided you continue to meet the requirements.

Occupation Permit — working in Mauritius

The Occupation Permit (OP) is the primary permit for foreigners who want to work in Mauritius — whether running their own business, employed by a local company, or operating as a sole trader. There are three categories, each with different requirements.

Investor Occupation Permit

The Investor OP is for people who want to set up and operate a business in Mauritius. The business must be incorporated in Mauritius (a GBC1 Global Business Company or a domestic company). The minimum investment requirement is MUR 6 million in paid-up capital, or USD 375,000+ if the business involves qualifying activities under the EDB's investment facilitation regime.

In the first year, the business must generate a minimum turnover of MUR 4 million; from the third year, this rises to MUR 12 million. These turnover requirements are assessed at renewal and are the most common reason for OP non-renewal. Businesses in priority sectors (ICT, financial services, manufacturing, life sciences) may qualify for exemptions.

Professional Occupation Permit

The Professional OP is issued to foreigners who have a job offer from a Mauritius employer. The employer applies on the employee's behalf through the EDB. The permit is tied to the specific employer — changing employers requires a new OP application.

The minimum salary threshold of MUR 60,000 per month (basic, excluding benefits) applies to most sectors. For ICT and BPO roles, a lower threshold of MUR 30,000 applies. The employer must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by a Mauritius national — the EDB uses a "local hire first" principle for review.

Self-Employed Occupation Permit

The Self-Employed OP allows a foreign national to operate their own practice or trade in Mauritius. This is distinct from the Investor OP: the Self-Employed holder typically works in a profession (consulting, IT, creative services, healthcare) rather than running a business with employees.

Minimum turnover requirements must be met at renewal. The EDB may also assess whether the activity genuinely requires self-employed status or could be structured differently. Professional indemnity insurance is advisable and may be required for regulated professions.

Retired Non-Citizen permit

See our dedicated Retiring in Mauritius guide for full details on the Retired Non-Citizen permit, income requirements, healthcare, cost of living, and the best areas for retirees.

Residence Permit via property purchase

Purchasing a qualifying property at or above USD 375,000 grants a Residence Permit to the buyer, their spouse, and any dependants. This permit allows you to live in Mauritius for as long as you own the property. It does not grant the right to work.

The permit is not automatic — you must apply through the EDB after the property purchase is completed. Required documents include the deed of sale, proof of payment, passport, and health insurance. Processing takes 10–21 working days.

See our full property buying guide for details on the approved schemes (PDS, Smart City, Ground+2), purchase process, and costs.

Permanent Residence Permit

The Permanent Residence Permit is the highest residence status below citizenship. It is valid for 20 years and renewable. PRP holders can work in Mauritius (without being tied to a single employer), live indefinitely, and access public services on the same basis as citizens.

After holding a qualifying permit (Occupation Permit, Retired Non-Citizen, or property Residence Permit) for at least three consecutive years, you may apply for the PRP. The EDB assesses your continued financial contribution to Mauritius — investors must continue to show business activity, professionals must demonstrate ongoing employment, and retired residents must show continued financial self-sufficiency.

Exceptional investor PRP

Investors who can demonstrate a direct investment of USD 375,000 or more in a qualifying Mauritius business may apply for the PRP directly without the 3-year qualifying period. This exceptional route is assessed by the Prime Minister's Office and is not guaranteed.

Mauritius citizenship

Mauritius citizenship can be acquired by registration (the primary route for long-term residents) or by descent (for those with Mauritius-born parents or grandparents). Naturalisation by registration is possible after holding a Permanent Residence Permit for at least two years with good character and demonstrated ties to Mauritius.

Dual citizenship

Mauritius allows dual citizenship. You do not need to surrender your existing passport. A Mauritius passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the EU Schengen area, the UK, and most African Union states.

Timeline summary

Decision guide — which permit is right for me?

Frequently asked questions