Tens of thousands of people consider relocating to Mauritius each year for the wonderful life that it offers, with not only great opportunities and tax incentives, but also the sun, sea and sand to enjoy alongside. In order to begin this move, the starting point is a permit or a visa. There are a number of ways in which people can come to Mauritius. Below we provide a few of the main options. With all of the permits except retired, the applicant’s spouse, parents and children under 24 years old can come and live in Mauritius as well. In order to work in Mauritius, the dependents will need their own occupation permit.
1 – Getting residency by investment
One of the simplest ways to get residence is to acquire real estate in Mauritius. The basic requirements are that the property costs more than USD 375,000, and that it is in one of the specific schemes that the Economic Development Board (EDB) permits, such as the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or a Smart City. Getting a residence permit through property now automatically allows you to work in Mauritius. Expats should only consider buying a property once they know Mauritius well, know where on the island they want to live, and follow the guidance of local experts.
2 – Retired Permits
This is a very simple way of moving to Mauritius without having to commit to any investments here. The conditions are that the applicant is 50 years old or more, and is not intending to work or be employed in Mauritius (you can still work for companies abroad). One needs to transfer an average of USD 1,500 per month for the duration of your stay here. There is a lot of focus by developers and the Government to make Mauritius a dream retirement destination, from specialist medical facilities to Senior Living accommodation throughout the island. The ability to scuba-dive, play golf and walk the beaches in numerous locations around the island adds some further draw.
3 – Occupation Permits
These permits allow the holder to live and work in Mauritius. We have listed the main 3 options below.
1 – Investor Permit (10 years)
With this permit you need to set up a Mauritian company, and transfer an initial investment amount of at least USD 50,000. This cash injection can be used for almost any business cost from the staff and rent to paying for the accounting and the stock. There are some special types of investor permit, such as the Innovator Permit requiring less investment and more focus on R & D in Mauritius. For renewal the company will need a minimum gross income of MUR 4 million per year from the 3rd year.
2 – Professional Permit (3 years)
This allows a non-citizen to work for a company, (that he or she does not own), for a minimum of MUR 60,000 per month or MUR 30,000 per month in the ICT sector. There are many strong local and global companies in Mauritius, from banks and accounting firms to pharmaceutical firms and PSPs. There are progressively more interesting roles in Mauritius with an influx of entrepreneurs and innovative firms. This is all of course currently subject to the effects of lockdowns, quarantine and COVID.
3 – Self-employed Permit (10 years)
This requires it to be a one-person business. The applicant needs to show a source of funds of USD 35,000 in a local bank account in their name. They will need to have at least two contracts and letters of intent from potential clients to get this permit. For renewal they will need at least MUR 800,000 per year from the 3rd year of registration.
4 – Visas
Premium Visa
This is a recent addition to the options allowing people to relocate here on a year’s (renewable) visa. This is not like the other permits which take several weeks. This is approved in a matter of days and there are very few requirements. Ultimately it is meant to serve those who work remotely or who are retired who fancy a change of scene during the global lockdowns and beyond and encourage people to brave the quarantine to come here.
5 – Permanent Residence
After 3 years in Mauritius on an occupation permit one can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. The Permanent Residence Permit itself is now for 20 years (renewable). One needs to satisfy certain turnover/income requirements to apply for this.
What TBI Business Advisors can do for you
- We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
- We will advise on the appropriate permit or visa for coming to Mauritius.
- We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations.
- We will assemble the documents and make the application on your behalf.
- We can assist with setting up companies if you are an investor or just creating a business here
- We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
- We can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations.
- The directors can act as Commissioner for Oaths.
- We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firm as and when required.
Please contact us via our website or via email to info@tbimauritius.com.