WHAT IS MAURITIUS OCCUPATION PERMIT?
The Mauritius Occupation Permit (OP) is issued to non-citizens who wish to live and work in Mauritius. The
OP allows individuals to engage in gainful employment, establish businesses, or invest in the country. It is
granted for 10 years and can be renewed under certain conditions.
Mauritius Occupation Permit Advantages
• Grants the holder the right to live, work, and retire in Mauritius
• Ability to add common Law Partner of the opposite sex, parents, and dependent children
• Permission to work in Mauritius without applying for Occupation Permit or Work Permit
• Generous Tax System with opportunities for tax optimization
• Safe and secure environment
• Access to high-level educational institutions
Mauritius Occupation permit requirements
• A bank guarantee or undertaking by employer (depends on investment type)
• Medical certificate issued by a doctor in Mauritius, together with required test reports
• Provide all required documents in English or French (or authorized translated copy)
• Make a qualifying investment where applicable
Process
• Choose the relevant category and submit application with all required supporting documents and applicable fees
• Once approved by the PMO, Approval in Principle issued, valid for 90 days from the date of issue
• Applicants pay the non-refundable processing fees
• Attend appointment for personal identification and verification of all original documents by both the EDB and the PIO
• The Applicant receives the Mauritian Residence Permit
*An investor or self-employed must provide details about their business project concerning proposed investment level, amount to be transferred to Mauritius and expected annual turnover.
For a professional, the employer must submit a copy of contract of employment.
INVESTMENT
Investor
- Normal: Invest a minimum of USD 50,000 from abroad in the bank account of a company in Mauritius
- Net asset value: Invest a minimum net asset value of at least USD 50,000 for existing/inherited businesses, having archived a cumulative turnover of approx. USD 263,000 over the 3 years preceding the application
- High-Technology: Invest at least USD 50,000 in high-tech machinery and equipment with a minimum transfer of at least USD 25,000 from abroad into the company’s Mauritian bank account that generates cumulative turnover in Mauritius, subject to certain conditions
Innovative Start-Up: No investment criteria, aimed at investments in innovative start-ups (research and development) across various sectors. Investors can choose between two options:
- Option 1: Submit an innovative project to the Economic Development Board for approval
- Option 2: Register with an incubator accredited with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council. The R&D expense should constitute of at least 20% of the total operational expenditure during the research phase
Professional Investors
- Be employed in Mauritius by a multinational or local company earning at least USD 700 per month
Self-Employed:
Non-citizen, registered with the Registrar of Businesses as a one-person company, minimum initial transfer of USD 35,000 to a local Mauritian bank account.
Retired non-citizen:
Non-citizens aged 50 years or above must make an initial transfer of at least USD 1,500 per month to a local bank account in Mauritius. Following the initial transfer, they must continue to transfer at least USD 1,500 per month or a total of at least USD 18,000 per year throughout the 10 years’ validity of the residence permit.
FAQ
The Mauritius Occupation Permit (OP) is issued to non-citizens who wish to live and work in Mauritius. The
OP allows individuals to engage in gainful employment, establish businesses, or invest in the country. It is
granted for 10 years and can be renewed under certain conditions.
Non-citizens who intend to work, invest, or start a business in Mauritius may be eligible to apply for an Occupation Permit. Specific criteria and requirements apply based on the category of employment or business activity.
The main categories of Occupation Permits include:
- Investor: For those intending to invest in a business or set up a company in Mauritius.
- Professional: For individuals with specialized skills and expertise seeking employment in Mauritius.
- Self-Employed: For non-citizens operating as a one-person company or registered with the Registrar of Businesses.
- Occupational: For specific employment in Mauritius based on a contract of service.
- Retired Non-Citizen: For individuals who wish to retire and live in Mauritius.
Investor:
- Normal: Invest a minimum of USD 50,000 from abroad in the company’s Mauritian bank account
- Net asset value: Invest a minimum net asset value of at least USD 50,000 for existing/inherited businesses, accompanied with a cumulative turnover of approx. USD 263,000 over the 3 years preceding the application
- High-Technology: Invest at least USD 50,000 in high-tech machinery and equipment with a minimum transfer of at least USD 25,000 from abroad into the company’s Mauritian bank account. This investment should be part of a business activity that generates cumulative turnover in Mauritius, subject to certain conditions.
Innovative Start-Up:
No investment criteria, aims to encourage investments in innovative start-ups engaged in research and development (R&D) across various sectors. Investors can choose between two options:
- Option 1: Submit an innovative project to the Economic Development Board for approval
- Option 2: Register with an incubator accredited with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council. The R&D expense should constitute of at least 20% of the total operational expenditure during the research phase
Professionals:
Be employed in Mauritius by a multinational or a local company with a Monthly basic salary of at least USD 700;
Self-Employed:
Non-citizen, registered with the Registrar of Businesses as a one-person company, make an initial transfer USD 35,000 to a local Mauritian bank account.
Retired non-citizen:
Non-citizens aged 50 years or above must make an initial transfer of at least USD 1,500 per month to a local bank account in Mauritius. Following the initial transfer, they must continue to transfer at least USD 1,500 per month or a total of at least USD 18,000 per year throughout the 10 years’ validity of the residence permit.
Yes, you can bring your spouse (including Common Law Partner of a different sex), parents, and dependent children including stepchildren or lawfully adopted children who are unmarried and not engaged in any gainful activity.
Yes, Occupation Permits holders may apply for a renewal of the permit. The renewal application should be submitted at least one month prior to expiry, subject to meeting renewal criteria, such as maintaining a minimum business income or continuous employment.
No, working in Mauritius without a valid Occupation Permit is illegal. Non-citizens must obtain the relevant permit before commencing any employment or business activities in the country.
The processing time for an Occupation Permit takes 2 to 6 months.
Please contact HLG if you wish to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents.
The present document is intended for guidance and general information only and does not constitute or purport to provide you with legal advice. Such information is subject to changes without notice. Each case is unique and depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual and due consideration should be taken if applying the general information to your personal situation. For an evaluation of your personal circumstances one of our legal team would be happy to assist.