Wealthy people choose to live and work in Mauritius, contributing to its status as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Mauritius attracts a steady number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), many of whom invest in luxury island property to qualify for residency.
To that end, the Mauritius government encourages entrepreneurship and invites foreign investment in a broad range of industry sectors. In exchange, foreigners get to apply for a 10-year Occupation Permit. This is conducive to the long-term stability of the island economy.
A New World Wealth report on wealth migration, published in collaboration with AfrAsia Bank, highlights ease of doing business as a motivating factor for HNWIs to move to other countries. Mauritius is ranked first in Africa and 13th worldwide in the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business Report. Fiscal policy,
good governance, ethics, transparency, political and economic freedom
all contribute to its strong reputation. In addition, it has a transparent and
well-defined investment code and legal system.
The island’s location benefits pleasure-seekers with its magnificent scenery and glorious beaches, lapped by the warm Indian Ocean. Investors who live in Mauritius get that, and so much more. The island is a key connector for Asia and Africa, a signatory on several international treaties, and a portal to European and American markets.
Stable government, favourable business environment, glorious island lifestyle… what’s not to love? Mauritius has so much to offer, it’s no surprise that foreigners look to live and work on the island. Over the years, the Mauritius government has sweetened the deal with various incentives designed to attract foreign investment. The World Bank classifies Mauritius as a
high-income country (as of July 2020) and it is the wealthiest country in
Africa in terms of average wealth per person (wealth per capita).
Register here to start the journey to set up a company in Mauritius. You can get more information here.
One option is to invest a minimum USD 50,000 in a business activity and then apply for an Occupation Permit.
You need to upload the following documents with your application. The originals must be presented at the appointment scheduled after receipt of the approval in principle.
Original birth certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Detailed business plan – as per the template provided
Passport – biodata page
1 x passport-size photograph in colour, less than six months old – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels)
Signed undertaking – signed by yourself as the applicant.
The following documents must be uploaded and presented as originals after your application has been approved in principle:
Business registration card
Certificate of incorporation
Register of shareholders and directors
Investment (proof of transfer of funds from abroad into a local company bank account)
Clearances/ licences/ letters of intent for regulated activities (Global Business Licence, Tourism Enterprise Licence, etc.)
Marriage/ Divorce certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Medical certificate and reports – less than six months old
Last-entry visa pages
Copy of any other permit – Occupation/ Work/ Residence Permit
Processing fee
Any other requested documents.
This will be confirmed when you apply for an Occupation Permit. If you are investing in a regulated activity, you will need a licence. Regulated activities are banking services, the nonbanking financial sector, internet service providers, Freeport activities, and tourism activities. Nonregulated activities do not require a licence to begin operations.
Wait to receive notification of the approval in principle via email. Then you can open a company bank account on the island. You must deposit the first USD 50,000, or its equivalent in any freely convertible currency, into that account before your Occupation Permit will be issued.
No, you can begin the application process online from anywhere in the world via the National Electronic Licensing System. This digital platform facilitates everything from the submission of application to confirmation of approval in principle. You must register first to get access to the platform.
Companies incorporated in Mauritius must file an annual income return with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) as well as the Corporate and Business Registration Department. Applicable tax must also be paid.
You can apply for the 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after at least three years of residency, if:
You have achieved a gross annual income of at least MUR 15m for three consecutive years prior to applying for permanent residency, or
You have achieved an aggregate turnover of MUR 45m for three consecutive years prior to applying for permanent residency.
Yes. Once you have your Occupation Permit, you may apply for a residence permit for your dependents via the Passport and Immigration Office. Eligible dependents are your spouse, a common law partner of the opposite sex, children aged 24 years and younger, and your parents. After the Passport and Immigration Office approves their application for residency, they will be ableto live in Mauritius for the approved period.
You can renew it if your company has achieved a gross income of at least MUR 4m annually from the third year of registration.
A foreigner who owns an operational business in Mauritius, or has inherited an existing business, may apply for an Occupation Permit. This is a 10-year residency permit that allows these individuals to focus on managing their business without having to follow the processes normally required to
set up a company.
Yes, you can apply for the 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after at least three years of residency, if:
You have achieved a gross annual income of at least MUR 15m for three consecutive years prior to that application, or
You have achieved an aggregate turnover of MUR 45m for any consecutive period of three years preceding that application.
You need to upload the following documents with your application. The originals must be presented at the appointment scheduled after receipt of the approval in principle.
Original birth certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Detailed business plan – as per the template provided
Passport – biodata page
1 x passport-size photograph in colour, less than six months old – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels)
Signed undertaking – signed by yourself as the applicant.
The following documents must be uploaded and presented as originals after your application has been approved in principle:
Business registration card
Certificate of incorporation
Register of shareholders and directors
Investment (proof of transfer of funds from abroad into a local company bank account)
Clearances/ licences/ letters of intent for regulated activities (Global Business Licence, Tourism Enterprise Licence, etc.)
Marriage/ Divorce certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Medical certificate and reports – less than six months old
Last-entry visa pages
Copy of any other permit – Occupation/ Work/ Residence Permit
Processing fee
Any other requested documents.
You can renew your Occupation Permit if your company has achieved a gross income of at least MUR 4m annually, from
the third year of registration.
Companies incorporated in Mauritius must file an annual income return with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) as well as the Corporate and Business Registration Department. Applicable tax must also be paid.
No, you can begin the application process online from anywhere in the world via the National Electronic Licensing System. This digital platform facilitates everything from the submission of application to confirmation of approval in principle. However, you will have to register first to get
access to the platform.
Yes. Once you have your Occupation Permit, you may apply for a residence permit for your dependents via the Passport and Immigration Office. Eligible dependents are your spouse,
a common law partner of the opposite sex, children aged 24 years and younger, and your parents. After the Passport and Immigration Office approves their application for residency, they will be able to live in Mauritius for the approved period.
You must provide proof that your existing or inherited business has a NAV of at least USD 50,000. In addition, there must be evidence of accumulated turnover of at least MUR 12m over the three years preceding the application. If the investment is in hi-tech machines and equipment, it must be in a qualifying business activity that includes, but is not limited to, agro-industry, aquaculture, healthcare, ICT-BPO, fin-tech, life sciences, biotechnology, manufacturing, ocean economy and renewable energy.
Foreigners may buy residential property in qualifying property development schemes. These are the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). Foreign nationals may also buy an apartment in a ground-plus-two development i.e. a building comprising at least two floors above ground. Noncitizens who have a residence permit under the IRS/ RES/ PDS do not need an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Technological development and innovation are crucial for a prosperous hi-tech services and manufacturing ecosystem in Mauritius. The “High Technology Machines and Equipment” scheme enables foreign investors to bring in machinery and equipment needed for sectors such as mechatronics,
agro-industry, aquaculture, healthcare, ICT-BPO, fin-tech, life sciences, biotechnology, manufacturing, ocean economy and renewable energy.
You can apply for the 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after at least three years of residency, if:
You have achieved a gross annual income of at least MUR 15m for three consecutive years prior to that application, or
You have achieved an aggregate turnover of MUR 45m for any consecutive period of three years preceding that application.
You need to upload the following documents with your application. The originals must be presented at the appointment scheduled after receipt of the approval in principle.
Original birth certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Detailed business plan – as per the template provided
Invoice from the supplier and a report from a recognized chartered business valuator in the country of origin or a bill of lading if the hi-tech machines and equipment have not yet been shipped
1 x passport-size photograph in colour, less than six months old – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels)
Signed undertaking – signed by yourself as the applicant.
Passport – biodata page
The following documents must be uploaded and presented as originals after your application has been approved in principle:
Business registration card
Certificate of incorporation
Register of shareholders and directors
Investment (proof of transfer of funds from abroad into a local company bank account)
Clearances/ licences/ letters of intent for regulated activities (Global Business Licence, Tourism Enterprise Licence, etc.)
Marriage/ Divorce certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Medical certificate and reports – less than six months old
Last-entry visa pages
Copy of any other permit – Occupation/ Work/ Residence Permit
Processing fee
Any other requested documents.
You need an invoice issued from the supplier and a report from a recognized chartered business valuator in the country of origin to certify their value. If they have not yet been shipped to Mauritius, you can supply a bill of lading instead.
If Mauritius Customs values your shipment differently to what is stipulated on the invoice or bill of lading, you will have to transfer the balance to a local bank account in freely convertible foreign currency. You can find out more here.
You can get residency when you invest at least USD 25,000. The remaining value of hi-tech machines and equipment must total a minimum USD 50,000. This must be used in a qualifying activity such as mechatronics, agro-industry, aquaculture, healthcare, ICT-BPO, fin-tech, life sciences, biotechnology, manufacturing, ocean economy and renewable energy.
No, you can begin the application process online from anywhere in the world via the National Electronic Licensing System. This digital platform facilitates everything from the submission of application to confirmation of approval in principle. However, you will have to register first to get access to the platform.
No, they must be used for the proposed qualifying business activity.
Register here to start the journey to set up a company in Mauritius. You can get more information here.
This will be confirmed when you apply for an Occupation Permit. If you are investing in a regulated activity, you will need a licence before operations begin or within a predetermined period. Regulated activities are banking services, the nonbanking financial sector, internet service providers, Freeport activities, and tourism activities. Nonregulated activities do not require a licence to begin operations.
Companies incorporated in Mauritius must file an annual income return with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) as well as the Corporate and Business Registration Department. Applicable tax must also be paid.
Foreigners may buy residential property in qualifying property development schemes. These are the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). Foreign nationals may also buy an apartment in a ground-plus-two development i.e. a building comprising at least two floors above ground. Noncitizens who have a residence permit under the IRS/ RES/ PDS do not need an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Yes. Once you have your Occupation Permit, you may apply for a residence permit for your dependents via the Passport and Immigration Office. Eligible dependents are your spouse, a common law partner of the opposite sex, children aged 24 years and younger, and your parents. After the Passport and Immigration Office approves their application for residency, they will be able to live in Mauritius for the approved period.
You can renew your Occupation Permit if your company has achieved a gross income of at least MUR 4m annually from the third year of registration.
Wait to receive notification of the approval in principle via email. Then you can open a company bank account on the island. You must deposit the first USD 25,000, or its equivalent in any freely convertible currency, into that account before your Occupation Permit will be issued.
The Innovator Occupation Permit is designed to attract enterprising entrepreneurs and start-ups with research and development (R&D) as their core focus. They will be able to test and scale up ideas for new products or services by leveraging on support networks.
There are no minimum investment criteria for this permit. You must either submit your project to the EDB for evaluation and approval, or register with an incubator accredited by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council.
The business plan must clearly show all R&D expenses. These should contribute at least 20% of the total operational expenditure during the research phase. The EDB reserves the right to accept or reject R&D expenses. These decisions will be based on the decision-makers’ thorough understanding of innovation and added-value aspects of the project.
You need to upload the following documents with your application. The originals must be presented at the appointment scheduled after receipt of the approval in principle.
Original birth certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Detailed business plan – as per the template provided
Passport – biodata page
1 x passport-size photograph in colour, less than six months old – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels)
Signed undertaking – signed by yourself as the applicant.
The following documents must be uploaded and presented as originals after your application has been approved in principle:
Business registration card
Certificate of incorporation
Register of shareholders and directors
Investment (proof of transfer of funds from abroad into a local company bank account)
Clearances/ licences/ letters of intent for regulated activities (Global Business Licence, Tourism Enterprise Licence, etc.)
Marriage/Divorce certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Medical certificate and reports – less than six months old
Last-entry visa pages
Copy of any other permit – Occupation/ Work/ Residence Permit
Processing fee
Any other requested documents.
No, you can begin the application process online from anywhere in the world via the National Electronic Licensing System. This digital platform facilitates everything from the submission of application to confirmation of approval in principle. However, you will have to register first to get access to the platform.
This will be confirmed when you apply for an Occupation Permit. If you are investing in a regulated activity, you will need a licence before operations begin or within a predetermined period. Regulated activities are banking services, the nonbanking financial sector, internet service providers, Freeport activities, and tourism activities. Nonregulated activities do not require a licence to begin operations. Noncitizens who have a residence permit under the IRS/ RES/ PDS do not need an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Companies incorporated in Mauritius must file an annual income return with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) as well as the Corporate and Business Registration Department. Applicable tax must also be paid.
Register here to start the journey to set up a company in Mauritius. You can get more information here.
Foreigners may buy residential property in qualifying property development schemes. These are the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). Foreign nationals may also buy an apartment in a ground-plus-two development i.e. a building comprising at least two floors above ground. Noncitizens who have a residence permit under the IRS/ RES/ PDS do not need an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Yes. Once you have your Occupation Permit, you may apply for a residence permit for your dependents via the Passport and Immigration Office. Eligible dependents are your spouse, a common law partner of the opposite sex, children aged 24 years and younger, and your parents. After the Passport and Immigration Office approves their application for residency, they will be able to live in Mauritius for the approved period.
Production and distribution of goods and services
Capital expenditure
Cost of land
Expenses incurred for the use and creation of patents and trademarks.
Direct R&D staff salaries
Subcontracted R&D expenses
External R&D salaries
Clinical trial volunteer reimbursements
Prototypes
Software used for R&D
Consumables
Any other costs associated with gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and comprehension.
The Self-employed Occupation Permit is ideal for freelancers who are keen to live and work in Mauritius. What’s more, self-employed entrepreneurs get the benefit of reliable telecommunication networks to deliver a professional service to local and international clients.
If you are a self-employed entrepreneur, you can qualify for residency by investing at least USD 35,000 in a professional activity. You must support your application with two letters of intent from potential clients.
No, you can begin the application process online from anywhere in the world via the National Electronic Licensing System. This digital platform facilitates everything from the submission of application to confirmation of approval in principle. However, you will have to register first to get access to the platform.
You need to upload the following documents with your application. The originals must be presented at the appointment scheduled after receipt of the approval in principle.
Original birth certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Detailed business plan – as per the template provided
Passport – biodata page
1 x passport-size photograph in colour, less than six months old – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels)
Signed undertaking –signed by yourself as the applicant.
The following documents must be uploaded and presented as originals after your application has been approved in principle:
Business registration card
Certificate of incorporation
Register of shareholders and directors
Investment (proof of transfer of funds from abroad into a local company bank account)
Clearances/ licences/ letters of intent for regulated activities (Global Business Licence, Tourism Enterprise Licence, etc.)
Marriage/ Divorce certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Medical certificate and reports – less than six months old
Last-entry visa pages
Copy of any other permit – Occupation/ Work/ Residence Permit
Processing fee
Any other requested documents.
Register here to start the journey to set up a company in Mauritius. You can get more information here.
The Self-employed Occupation Permit is intended for freelancers working alone. However, they can employ non-administrative staff.
This will be confirmed when you apply for an Occupation Permit. If you are investing in a regulated activity, you will need a licence. Regulated activities are banking services, the nonbanking financial sector, internet service providers, Freeport activities, and tourism activities. Nonregulated activities do not require a licence to begin operations.
Companies incorporated in Mauritius must file an annual income return with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) as well as the Corporate and Business Registration Department. Applicable tax must also be paid.
Foreigners may buy residential property in qualifying property development schemes. These are the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). Foreign nationals may also buy an apartment in a ground-plus-two development i.e. a building comprising at least two floors above ground. Noncitizens who have a residence permit under the IRS/ RES/ PDS do not need an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Wait to receive notification of the approval in principle via email. Then you can open a company bank account on the island. You must deposit the first USD 35,000, or its equivalent in any freely convertible currency, into that account before your Occupation Permit will be issued.
You can renew your Occupation Permit if you have earned
MUR 800,000 annually from the third year of registration.
You can apply for the 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after at least three years of residency. However, you must have had annual business income of at least MUR 3 million for three consecutive years prior to application.
Yes. Once you have your Occupation Permit, you may apply for a residence permit for your dependents via the Passport and Immigration Office. Eligible dependents are your spouse, a common law partner of the opposite sex, children aged 24 years and younger, and your parents. After the Passport and Immigration Office approves their application for residency, they will be able to live in Mauritius for the approved period.
Foreigners who invest a minimum USD 375,000 in a qualifying business activity may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. These are agro-based industry, audio-visual, cinema and communication, banking, construction, education, environment-friendly and green energy products, financial services, fisheries and marine resources, Freeport, information technology, infrastructure, insurance, leisure, manufacturing, marina development, tourism and warehousing, and initial public offerings. In return, they get a 20-year residency to ensure they have plenty of time to settle into island life and establish a productive business in Mauritius.
Foreigners may buy residential property in qualifying property development schemes. These are the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). Foreign nationals may also buy an apartment in a ground-plus-two development i.e. a building comprising at least two floors above ground. Noncitizens who have a residence permit under the IRS/ RES/ PDS do not need an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
You can invest a minimum USD 375,000 in a qualifying business activity. These are agro-based industry, audio-visual, cinema and communication, banking, construction, education, environment-friendly and green energy products, financial services, fisheries and marine resources, Freeport, information technology, infrastructure, insurance, leisure, manufacturing, marina development, tourism and warehousing, and initial public offerings.
This will be confirmed when you apply for an Occupation Permit. If you are investing in a regulated activity, you will need a licence. Regulated activities are banking services, the nonbanking financial sector, internet service providers, Freeport activities, and tourism activities. Nonregulated activities do not require a licence to begin operations.
Wait to receive notification of the approval in principle of your application via email. Then you can open a company bank account on the island. You must deposit the first USD 50,000, or its equivalent in any freely convertible currency, into that account before your Occupation Permit can be issued.
Companies incorporated in Mauritius must file an annual income return with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) as well as the Corporate and Business Registration Department. Applicable tax must also be paid.
Yes. Your spouse, a common law partner of the opposite sex, children aged 24 years and younger, and your parents are eligible for a residence permit.
When it comes to getting around in Mauritius you must consider time, ease in relation to distance, practicality in terms...
The Economic Development Board introduced the PDS in 2016 to facilitate the development of high-end properties...
Foreigners who invest a minimum USD 375,000 in a qualifying business activity may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit...
All Rights Reserved
Residency Mauritius ltd