Mauritius visa and permits
Expat Hub/Visas & Permits

Visas & Permits
for Mauritius

Mauritius has one of the most welcoming immigration frameworks in Africa and the Indian Ocean — from a simple Premium Visa for remote workers to permanent residency via property purchase.

Quick comparison

PermitBest forDurationMin. income/investmentWork allowed?
Premium VisaRemote workers, nomads1 year, renewable~USD 1,500/moRemote work only
Occupation PermitLocal employment3 years, renewableMUR 60,000/moYes — for permit employer
Retirement PermitRetirees 50+3 years, renewableUSD 1,500/mo (transferred)No
PDS ResidencyProperty investorsIndefiniteUSD 375,000 purchaseNo (separate permit needed)
🌴

Premium Visa

Live and work remotely for up to 1 year

Key points

  • No work permit required — you work for foreign employer/clients
  • Apply online through the Mauritius eServices portal
  • Renewable — most holders renew annually
  • No minimum stay requirement
  • Dependants (spouse and children) included
The Premium Visa is the most popular route for expats trialling life in Mauritius before committing to a longer-term permit. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days online.

What you need

  • Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
  • Proof of income or employment outside Mauritius
  • Proof of accommodation in Mauritius
  • Bank statements (last 3 months)
  • Clean criminal record certificate
  • Medical insurance covering Mauritius
Min. income / investment
USD 1,500/month (approx.)
Apply / Learn more
💼

Occupation Permit

Work legally in Mauritius for a local employer

Key points

  • Three categories: Employed professional, Self-employed, Investor
  • Employed: minimum salary MUR 60,000/month for most sectors
  • Self-employed: viable business plan and local registration required
  • Investor: minimum investment of USD 50,000
  • Spouse can apply for work permit as dependant
Processed through the EDB One-Stop Shop. The Occupation Permit includes a residence permit — you can live and work legally in Mauritius for the duration.

What you need

  • Employment contract or business registration
  • Minimum salary or investment threshold met
  • Relevant professional qualifications
  • Clean criminal record
  • Medical insurance
  • Application submitted through Economic Development Board (EDB)
Min. income / investment
MUR 60,000/month (employed); varies for investors
Apply / Learn more
🌅

Retirement Permit

Retire in Mauritius with a secure income transfer

Key points

  • Must be 50 years of age or older
  • Income must be transferred into a Mauritius bank account monthly
  • No right to work for a Mauritius employer
  • Renewable as long as income requirements met
  • Spouse included as dependant
Popular with South African, British, and French retirees. Mauritius offers an excellent quality of life, healthcare, and security for retirees on a modest to comfortable income.

What you need

  • Proof of age (50+)
  • Proof of pension or investment income
  • Bank statements showing monthly transfers
  • Valid passport
  • Clean criminal record
  • Medical insurance
Min. income / investment
USD 1,500/month transferred to Mauritius bank
Apply / Learn more
🏡

Residency via Property (PDS)

Buy property and receive a residence permit

Key points

  • Purchase a PDS-approved property for USD 375,000+
  • Residence permit granted to buyer, spouse, and children under 24
  • Permit valid for as long as the property is owned
  • No minimum stay requirement
  • No income requirement — investment is the qualifying condition
The most popular long-term residency route for wealthy individuals. See our Property guide for details on PDS developments and the purchase process.

What you need

  • Purchase of an approved PDS or Smart City property
  • Minimum purchase price USD 375,000
  • Notarised deed of sale
  • Application to EDB post-purchase
  • Valid passport
  • Clean criminal record
Min. income / investment
N/A (purchase price threshold applies)
Apply / Learn more

Before you apply — important notes

🏛️ Where to apply

Most permits are processed through the Economic Development Board (EDB) one-stop shop in Ebène. The Premium Visa can be applied for fully online at eservices.gov.mu. Processing times range from 5 business days (Premium Visa) to 4–6 weeks (Occupation Permit).

📋 Document preparation

All documents must be in English or French. Non-English/French documents require certified translations. Criminal record certificates from your home country must typically be apostilled. Give yourself 3–4 months to gather all documents before your intended move date.

⚖️ Get professional help

Immigration requirements in Mauritius do change — minimum salary thresholds, investment minimums, and eligible sectors are revised periodically. Using a local accountant or immigration specialist is strongly recommended to ensure your application is current and complete.