Occupation Permit Mauritius
For foreign nationals who do not have USD375,000 to invest, an alternative residency by investment route into Mauritius is via an Occupation Permit. Those wishing to apply for an Occupational Permit to work and reside in Mauritius can do so under the three categories: Investor, Professional and Self-Employed.
The Investor and Self-employed permits are issued for a maximum period of ten years and are renewable subject to conditions. The Professional permit is issued for a maximum period of three years depending on the duration of the contract of employment and is renewable subject to conditions.
Occupation Permits can be converted into a 20-year Permanent Residency Permit only three years after issue, provided that the holder meets the relevant criteria.
Foreign nationals can apply for an investor Occupation Permit under the following three options:
In all cases, the Occupational Permit is valid for 10 years and is renewable, subject to the company having achieved a gross income of at least MUR4 million (approx. USD100,000) annually, as from the third year of registration.
Holders are also eligible to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit, after at least three years of residency, if the business records either annual gross income of at least MUR15 million or aggregate turnover of at least MUR45 million for three consecutive years preceding the application.
Dependents, comprising the spouse, common law partner of the opposite sex, children and parents are also eligible for a permanent Residence Permit, allowing them to live in Mauritius for the same duration.
Residency by Innovation
The Innovator Occupation Permit seeks to nurture the innovation ecosystem in Mauritius by welcoming ambitious entrepreneurs and start-ups, who have Research and Development (R&D) as a core aspect of their activities. Investors have a unique opportunity to test and scale up ideas into innovative products or services, by leveraging on supporting networks.
The minimum investment criteria do not apply for this category. The business plan should clearly depict all expenditures related to R&D activities, which must constitute of at least 20% of total operational expenditure, during the research phase. Applicants are required either to submit their proposal to the Economic Development Board for evaluation and approval, or to register with an incubator accredited with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council.
The Innovator Occupation Permit is valid for 10 years and is renewable. Dependents, comprising the spouse, common law partner of the opposite sex, children and parents are also eligible for a permanent Residence Permit, allowing them to live in Mauritius for the same duration.
Self-Employed Entrepreneurs
The Self-Employed Occupation Permit is ideal for a freelancer wishing to relocate to a tropical jurisdiction with reliable telecommunication networks. A minimum investment of USD35,000 is required in a professional activity, together with two letters of intent from potential clients.
The Self-Employed Occupation Permit is valid for 10 years and is renewable, subject to a business income of MUR800,000 per year (approx. USD20,000) as from the third year of registration. Holders are also eligible to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit provided they have held the residency for at least three years and have had an annual business income of at least MUR3 million for three consecutive years immediately preceding the application.
Dependents, comprising the spouse, common law partner of the opposite sex, children and parents are eligible for a residence permit, allowing them to live in Mauritius for the same duration.
Please contact us if you have any questions or queries and your local representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
