Mauritius, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, attracts many expatriates, investors and retirees every year in search of an exceptional quality of life and an advantageous tax environment. Living in Mauritius means enjoying a unique experience, between pristine beaches, lush nature and tropical serenity. Whether you’re thinking of relocating here for professional reasons, to invest or to enjoy a sunny retirement, this guide is designed to help you every step of the way.
Here we present the different types of residence permits available, the eligibility criteria for each, and the steps you need to take to make your project a reality. Professional legal support also means you can rest assured that you’ll be able to set up your business without the administrative hassle. In Mauritius, every moment is an invitation to live to the full; let us guide you to this dream destination.
1. The main types of residence permit in Mauritius
Mauritius offers a range of residence permits, carefully tailored to the diverse needs of international applicants. Whether you’re looking to invest, work or enjoy a peaceful retirement, each type of permit meets the specific expectations of each profile, making it easy to integrate into this exceptional setting:
- Occupation Permit (OP) : This permit combines residence and work for investors, professionals and self-employed entrepreneurs. It is valid for 10 years and is renewable under certain conditions.
- Residence permit for pensioners: For people over 50, this permit allows pensioners to live in Mauritius by transferring a minimum annual amount of USD 18,000. This permit is renewable every 10 years and does not allow you to work locally.
- Residence permit attached to real estate: By acquiring real estate worth over 375,000 USD in an approved program (IRS, RES, PDS, SCS), a non-citizen can obtain a residence permit for as long as he/she remains the owner of the property.
- Permanent Permit of Residence (PRP): This 20-year permanent residence permit is available to investors, professionals, self-employed entrepreneurs and retirees who meet specific income or investment requirements.
In short, each type of residence permit in Mauritius is structured to facilitate the installation of varied profiles while meeting the specific criteria of investors, professionals and retirees, thus contributing to the island’s economic and cultural development.
2. Criteria and conditions for each type of permit
Eligibility criteria are specific to each type of residence permit, each tailored to the needs and profile of applicants, whether investors, professionals or retirees. Each license imposes distinct conditions, ranging from investment amounts for investors, to income requirements for professionals, to financial requirements for retirees. Here’s a detailed overview of the main requirements associated with each license category, to help you make the right choice and ensure your eligibility:
- Investors: An initial investment of USD 50,000 is required for the Occupation Permit. For GWP, annual sales of MUR 15 million are required over three consecutive years.
- Professionals: Professionals must earn a minimum salary of MUR 60,000 per month, reduced to MUR 30,000 for certain sectors (e.g. ICT). The license is valid for 10 years, renewable under certain conditions.
- Self-employed: Applicants must transfer USD 35,000 to a Mauritian bank and generate an annual income of MUR 800,000 within the first three years.
- Retirees: Retirees over 50 years of age must demonstrate annual transfers of at least 18,000 USD to maintain their license. This type of permit allows them to live in Mauritius without working.
3. Application process and legal support
To obtain a residence permit, the application process involves several steps and specific documents that vary according to the permit category.
At Westimmo, every customer benefits from tailor-made support from our experienced legal team, who guide customers through every step of the process. This team ensures that every file complies with local requirements, from the preparation of documents to interactions with the Mauritian authorities.
By taking charge of these administrative formalities and ensuring rigorous follow-up, Westimmo enables its customers to settle serenely in Mauritius, with the assurance that their residence application is in good hands:
- Preparing and checking documents: Each application requires specific documents (proof of funds, employment contracts, references for self-employed entrepreneurs). Our legal team assists customers in collecting and verifying these documents to ensure compliance with Mauritian standards.
- Online application submission: Applications are submitted via the Economic Development Board (EDB) portal. This platform requires precise information, and our team ensures that every file is complete and compliant, reducing the risk of refusal or delay.
- Follow-up on the application: You may need to contact the EDB or immigration office to provide additional information. Our team takes charge of these interactions, representing customers’ interests before the relevant authorities for a smooth and efficient procedure.
- Renewal and administrative follow-up: Permits like the Occupation Permit require periodic renewal. We remain available to support customers in meeting deadlines and conditions, guaranteeing compliance at every stage..
Applying for a residence permit in Mauritius requires careful preparation and an understanding of the criteria specific to each permit. Whether you’re looking to invest, work or retire, Mauritius offers options to suit a variety of profiles, and our legal team is here to help you every step of the way. Thanks to this support, customers benefit from peace of mind and can concentrate on their life project in this paradise setting.
For more information or to start your inquiry, please contact us for customized support.
