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How to get a residence permit in Mauritius?
Getting a residence permit in Mauritius is an attractive option for those looking to establish a long-term residence in the country.
Residence permit in Mauritius benefits
Yet the benefits of getting a residence permit in Mauritius are genuine. Apart from its world-class beaches and great weather, the island offers a favorable business environment and a particularly attractive tax regime that provides residents with a single fixed tax rate of 15%.
To take advantage of these benefits, expatriates should get familiar with and satisfy the country’s residence permit specifications to live and settle in Mauritius. The island’s Economic Development Board (opens in a new tab), the body charged with the country’s immigration processes, offers several different types of permits for foreigners seeking permanent residence. Planning an international relocation can be a challenging process, especially if you are doing it yourself. Therefore, it is always advisable to use credible and verified immigration agencies in Mauritius.
Why is Mauritius becoming a popular destination for immigrants?
The Republic of Mauritius is an island nation that has one of the most promising economies in Africa. Situated over 3,000 kilometers from the African coast, Mauritius is a middle-income country with about 1.4 million people, covering a geographical area of about 2,000 square kilometers.
Considering its low population, Mauritius is looking to capitalize on migration to boost its socio-economic agenda. Mauritius does not have any record of indigenous people as immigrants, and their descents comprise the current population. On the island, emigration is a significant factor posing a threat to Mauritius’ economic stability and independence. Before and immediately after the country got its independence in 1968, many Mauritians sought permanent residence for other countries while searching for greener pastures. Today, many Mauritian diasporas reside in France, South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
As well as After recognizing the significance of migration as a tool for socioeconomic empowerment, the Mauritian government is working to improve migrants’ opportunities to work, invest, and retire in Mauritius by lowering the requirements for permanent residence.
The Government
Also, The government is on a mission to encourage expatriates to invest, utilize their acquired skills, and develop small and medium businesses in the country by setting up favorable migration policies.
At present, foreign nationals can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit after residing in Mauritius for three years.
However, it will be prudent to know that the Permanent Residence Permit is only viable for a specified period of 10 years.
And If you plan to stay on the island for an extended period, you may wish to invest in real estate in the country.
Non-citizens were not allowed to own property in the country. But the Board of Investment recently introduced changes, establishing schemes that offer expatriates the opportunity to own property.
How to get a visa or a permanent residence permit for Mauritius?
Although a visa is a necessary document for individuals who wish to gain entry in Mauritius. It is not mandatory for citizens of a small number of countries with strong diplomatic ties with the island.
However, foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the country must get a work permit and a permanent residence permit. For a work permit, the Ministry of Labor (opens in a new tab), Industrial Relations, and Employment is tasked with processing it.
At the same time, the Passport and Immigration Office is charged with processing the permanent residence permit. Also if you have already secured a job in Mauritius, the employer should apply for the work permit on your behalf.
How to get the Residence permit in Mauritius
Relevant documentation as well as the required information to be submitted when requesting the residence permit are:
- Name of the applicant
- Nationality
- Birthplace and date of birth
- Sex
- Passport number, place, and date of issuance
- Marital status
- Occupation/employment
- Last permanent residence
- Duration and intended purpose of residence
- Intended residence in Mauritius
- Name of local sponsor, if it exists
- Two current passport photographs of self and accompanying family members
- Name and other details of any family members who intend to accompany the applicant
The types of visas being offered by Mauritius include:
Tourist visa
Although specific countries are allowed to enter Mauritius without a visa, most foreigners are eligible for a 90-day tourist visa on arrival or beforehand. You can visit the Mauritius immigration website (opens in a new tab) to check your country’s visa status.
Family visa
Accordingly to Mauritius immigration regulations. You are eligible for a family visa if your spouse is either a permanent resident or a Mauritius citizen. If your spouse happens to be a citizen, you can seek Mauritius’s citizenship, after living together for not less than four years. It will be prudent to note that your status as a spouse should be legally recognized in Mauritius if you are eyeing getting permanent residence in the country.
Retirement visa
Moreover, for most retirees, peace and serenity are significant factors as they enter a new chapter of their lives. As an attractive destination, Mauritius has a retirement visa program that is available for people who are over 50 years old. Before getting a retirement visa, you will have to show financial ability by transferring 1,500 USD per month. To a local financial institution for the three-year visa duration. You will also have to provide the annual transfer statements to the Mauritius Economic Development Board at the end of every year to ensure your retirement visa remains valid.
Permanent residence permit
Gaining a permanent residence permit means you can live, work, and purchase property using Mauritius’s name. The permit is usually valid for 10-years with the option to renew it once the time lapses.
However, the permanent resident status does not guarantee you the privilege to vote in the island nation. Moreover a residence permit, foreigners can only stay on the island as visitors or tourists for a period not exceeding six months.
It is also possible to change your status from a tourist visa to a residence permit. You will be required to satisfy the conditions set out by the Economic Development Board (opens in a new tab) (EDB) to be successful.
The Permanent residence permit is available in three categories:
- Self-employed permit: It is tailor-made for entrepreneurs who can exceed the 600,000 MUR turnover in the first two years and a turnover amount of 1,200,000 MUR in the third year. The individual should also have an initial investment of 35,000 USD to qualify for this permit.
- Professional permit: This document is a work permit for a business that wishes to employ skilled labour with demonstrated technical know-how in a particular field. The company should be able to pay a minimum of 60,000 MUR per month to its employee. For an ICT company, the business should be able to pay at least 30,000 MUR.
- Investor permit: This permit is for individuals or businesses that can raise a minimum investment of 100,000 USD while generating a minimum cash flow of 2 million MUR in the first year of operation. The company should also deliver a cumulative turnover of 10 million MUR for the succeeding two years to qualify for this permit.
Young professional occupation permit
Also, this residence permit allows non-citizens who pursued their university studies in Mauritius to live and work in the country for three years. Once you complete your first three years of employment in Mauritius. You are eligible for an Occupation Permit as a Professional to extend your stay on the island.
You need to meet these requirements to obtain an occupation permit:
- As a non-citizen, you should join a firm in the Biotechnology, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, ICT, and Financial Services industry.
- Non-citizens should apply for the permit six months after getting their examination results. It is prudent to note that the permit holder will not have to reapply if they decide to join another company before the three-year time lapses.
- As a non-citizen, you will be required to have a bachelor’s degree from a credible tertiary institution or university accredited by Mauritius’ Tertiary Education Commission.
Sponsored work permit
Moreover, another option to live and work in Mauritius is by applying for a sponsored work permit. This will be approved by the Board of Investment and Immigration office on the island.
To be eligible for this permit, non-citizens will have to be between 20 and 60 years old. Also, they need to have relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences relevant to the position they wish to occupy. Finally, they will need to pass a health check.
Meaning the employer submitting an application on your behalf to the relevant bodies to give you this permit. For this reason, it is going to be best for you to find a job first before relocating to Mauritius. Still, these permits are usually valid for four years with the option of renewing them after the time lapses.
How to apply for a residence permit in Mauritius
Non-citizens are required to have a work permit and a permanent residence permit to live and work in Mauritius legally. Both documents are essential, and applicants can fill out a standard form for both permits. You can get the form from the Ministry of Labor, Industrial Relations, Employment, and Training website.
It is important to note that the completed application forms should be submitted online through the ministry’s e-Work Permit Portal. Also, Always ensure you submit the two permits on their rightful entities to get the residence permit, among others in the country.
Work permits are supposed to be forwarded to the Ministry of Labor of Mauritius. While the residence permit should be issued to the Passport and Immigration Office. It is also possible for a company to seek a work and residence permit on behalf of an applicant. Suppose this is the first time the employer is applying for a work and residence permit on behalf of a prospective employee. In that case, they will be required to submit a certified copy of the company’s bylaws and a complete application form.
Interesting topic is perhaps for you on Mauritius Passport How to Get.
Documents required to obtain a residence permit in Mauritius
Futhermore, to be eligible for a residence permit in Mauritius, all applicants must be between 20 and 60 years. However, exceptions can be made for individuals who have specific technical expertise.
Which documents are required for the application for a residence permit for mauritius?
This is the basic information that must be provided when applying for a residence permit.
- Name of the applicant
- Nationality
- Place and date of birth
- Gender
- Passport number, place and date of issue
- Marital status
- Occupation/employment.
- Last permanent residence
- Duration and purpose of stay.
- Intended place of residence in Mauritius
- Name of local sponsor, if any
- Two recent passport size photographs of self and accompanying family members.
- Name and other details of any family members to accompany the applicant
What conditions must be met to obtain the mauritian residence permit?
The issuance of a residence permit is usually subject to certain conditions.
- The applicant should be in possession of a passport valid beyond the duration of the stay
- the applicant should have a return ticket (if applicable)
- the applicant should have proven sufficient financial means
- the applicant is allowed to re-enter his/her country of origin
- the residence permit can be revoked at any time and without giving reasons.
How can i get a work permit in Mauritius?
The following additional information/documents must be submitted with the application for a residence permit (work permit) and the issuance of the residence permit is subject to the following conditions:
- Name of local employer;
- Post in which to be employed in Mauritius and
- Duration of contract/assignment.
- Conditions attached to the residence permit for expatriate employees
- A residence permit is issued to the corresponding period of the Work Permit
- If no Work Permit is issued, applicant, if already in Mauritius, should leave the country
- The necessary deposits are made, where applicable; and
- The dependents of the expatriates, except for those employed as skilled worker, may be allowed to stay in Mauritius on the strength of the residence and work permits provided documentary evidence of family relationship is produced and verified.
Residence permit in Mauritius for Individuals
Individuals residing in politically and economically unstable countries can choose to settle for a residence permit for Mauritius. To act as an insurance policy if things in their home countries take a turn for the worse. If they are financially stable, they can invest their money to get some formal status in return.
Therefore, whether you are looking to have a second home in a great getaway in the Indian Ocean or looking to get a residence permit on the island, Mauritius is one of the best places to consider. It is just a matter of time and you will be viable to apply for permanent residence.
Other factors to consider as a foreign worker in Mauritius
With this intention, There are a few more factors prospective employees need to consider concerning employment in Mauritius.
- Non-citizens married to citizens of Mauritius are free to work on the island without a work permit.
- Non-citizens are liable to apply for a permanent residence permit three years after living in Mauritius. Although the permit is known as a permanent residence permit, it is only valid for a duration of 10-years.
- All foreign companies willing to operate in Mauritius will only be accepted if they are registered as foreign companies. If a business does not have an established presence in the country, it can still operate in Mauritius if it satisfies global PEO standards. Once you ascertain that a company is certified, you can apply for a work or residence permit and eventually permanent residence.
Immigration agencies in Mauritius
Mauritius has many job opportunities for foreigners in many areas, including ICT, accounting, architecture, business consulting, and marketing.
If you are interested in relocating and working in Mauritius, there are several career sites. And accredited recruitment agencies, such as MyJob.mu, Orange Mauritius, and the Ministry of Labor’s website.
It is not strange to see employers working with agents who work with other agents in different parts of the world to advertise for Mauritius positions.
Job Offer
If you have been invited for an interview for Mauritius’s position, be excited about it already because it is a lucrative opportunity to grow career-wise. Although, Ensure you research the job beforehand to increase your chances of safeguarding the job. The good thing is that there are numerous jobs available in the market. And companies employ on a merit basis as long as you are qualified. And as long as you are relying on the help of immigration agencies in Mauritius, you are on the safe side.
The Bottom Line
Are you contemplating relocating to Mauritius?
If you have never traveled overseas, then you should brace yourself for an overwhelming process to attain a work or obtain a residence permit in the country. If you have ever traveled, you know the hustle that comes with everything.
Whatever stage you might be at, it is always better to look for credible immigration agencies in Mauritius to assist you with a complete set of relocation services. These agencies should help you with services such as visa processing solutions. Finding accommodation, school search, and even connect you with a good community. However, always do your due diligence before settling on any immigration agency.
How do I study in the island and get a job offer to study and work
Hi, my daughter has a student Visa studying at SSR Medical school. Can I has the parent get a long stay visa. If so how do I get it.
Thanks and regards
Roshni
The normal Visa could be up to 6 months in a Year.
No, you have to seek a visitor visa first and foremost. Then, once you are in the island, you can contact the Mauritius authorities to get a long stay visa subject to the conditions that you may have to meet. It is the same for Mauritian nationals in India. I have lived in India as a student for a long time.
With Pravind Jugnauth as PM, you won’t have any problem because he favours Indians as he is a Modi Bakht ( worshipper), and he has made the island an Indian colony. Good luck!
Hi Steven,
I would like to know if you could advise me. I am a non citizen who recently married a citizen of Mauritius. what would be the procedure for me to apply for my resident permit/visa.
Thank you.
It’s written under Howw ro get Mauritius Citizenship
I am contemplating the thought of relocating to Mauritius while keeping my current employment over seas. Would it be possible to buy property in Mauritius, and live there while working for a foreign company?
Hi Rikard, please read Investment Models in Mauritius
Please let me know about business in Mauritian island
Read, How to start a business in Mauritius, this should help.