Settling in Mauritius starts with having the right permit.
Whether you come to work, undertake, to retire or simply stay a long time, Mauritius offers several residency statuses (Occupation Permit, Residence Permit, Permanent Residence Permit, etc.) with specific criteria and a now highly structured procedure (application via NELS, review by a Joint Committee). In this guide, EXPAT MAURITIUS helps you understand the options, key conditions, and concrete steps to settle legally, without any unpleasant surprises.
For a comprehensive view of your project (visa/permit + accommodation + schooling + bank + real estate), you can also consult Living in Mauritius: turnkey expatriation and our expatriation guides.
1) Residence, work, “long stay visa”: what exactly are we talking about?
Visa, Residence Permit, Occupation Permit: the differences you need to know
- Visa (short stay) : allows entry and a limited stay (tourism/business), without the right to work.
- Residence Permit (RP) : authorizes residence in Mauritius for a given reason (e.g., non-citizen retiree).
- Occupation Permit (OP) combined authorization residence + work/activity (employee, investor, self-employed…).
- Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) : long-term residency status (notably 20 years depending on the category), subject to stricter criteria.mof.govmu.org)
Important point: These statuses have distinct criteria and controls. A poor "choice of category" is a frequent cause of blockage or delay.
The procedure has been modernized: NELS + joint verification
Permit applications (OP/RP, and certain short-term permits) are designed to be processed via the platform NELS (National Electronic Licensing System), with verification by the EDB and the Passport & Immigration Office, then examination by a Joint Committee (Ministry/Immigration/EDB representatives).mof.govmu.org)
2) The main permits required to live in Mauritius (depending on your profile)
A) Working as an employee: Occupation Permit “Professional”
The Finance Act 2025 introduces two salary subcategories:
- ProPass : monthly base salary of at least 30,000 WALLS. (mof.govmu.org)
- Expert Pass : monthly base salary of at least 250,000 MUR. (mof.govmu.org)
Concrete example: You sign a local contract at 45,000 MUR/month: you are in principle in the “ProPass” logic (if the rest of the file is compliant and the application is submitted correctly).
B) Young graduates in Mauritius: “Young professional”
The Finance Act 2025 provides for a “Young professional” category based on a local diploma (at least undergraduate) or an equivalent international professional certification issued by an institution registered in Mauritius.mof.govmu.org)
C) Entrepreneurship / Investment: Occupation Permit “Investor”
Two initial investment options + revenue targets (turnover) are planned:
- Option 1 initial investment USD 50,000 + minimum turnover 1.5 M WALL from year 1, and 20 M WALL accumulated in year 5; renewal subject to 5M WALL/year from year 6. (mof.govmu.org)
- Option 2 initial investment USD 100,000 + minimum turnover 1 M WALL from year 1, and 15 M WALL accumulated in year 5; renewal: 5M WALL/year from year 6. (mof.govmu.org)
Concrete example: You are creating a B2B service company with a gradual billing capacity: option 1 can be a viable option if your financial plan targets a realistic milestone from the first year (turnover), and a cumulative trajectory over 5 years. In the application, the consistency between the business plan, resources, and bank statements becomes crucial.
D) Innovative start-up: the “innovative start-ups” pathway”
An “Investor for innovative start-ups” category exists via submission of an innovative project to the EDB Or registration with an accredited incubator (Mauritius Research and Innovation Council). Renewal conditions may depend on criteria set by the Chief Executive Officer.mof.govmu.org)
E) Freelance / consultant / independent activity: Occupation Permit “Self-employed”
This status is aimed at the self-employed, but with strict economic and documentary requirements:
- Initial investment : USD 50,000.
- Sector : services only.
- Evidence : at least 3 letters of intent, of which 2 potential local customers.
- Revenues minimum 750,000 MUR from year 1; ; 6 M WALL accumulated in year 5; renewal from year 6 onwards: 1.5 M WALL minimum.mof.govmu.org)
Practical tip: Letters of intent must be credible (contact details, scope of services, timeline, indicative budget). This is often the weak point of freelance applications.
F) Retirement: Residence Permit “Retired non-citizen”
The Finance Act 2025 specifies a logic for transferring funds to local accounts:
- Initial : at least USD 2,000 on a local bank under 60 days after the permit has been issued.
- Afterwards : USD 24,000/year Or USD 2,000/month. (mof.govmu.org)
The retiree must not hold paid employment, but may invest under certain conditions.mof.govmu.org)
G) Family: “Family Occupation Permit” and dependents
The Finance Act 2025 mentions, for the Family Occupation Permit, a contribution of USD 250,000 (or equivalent) to COVID-19 Projects Development Fund. (mof.govmu.org)
Furthermore, the concept of’dependent child is extended with an age limit “no older than 24 years”. (mof.govmu.org)
H) Alternative “long stay” without working locally: Premium Visa
THE Premium Visa is a visa (and not a residence permit) allowing you to stay in Mauritius 1 year, renewable, and it is free according to the Passport and Immigration Office.passport.govmu.org)
It is an interesting option to test life in Mauritius or to work remotely (according to the applicable rules), but it does not necessarily replace a “settling in” strategy (school, company, taxation, etc.).
3) Focus: what the Finance Act 2025 (really) changes
THE Finance Act 2025 (Act No. 18 of 2025) was adopted/approved in early August 2025 and notably modifies the EDB framework (OP/RP/PRP criteria) and the Immigration Act.mof.govmu.org)
- New quantified criteria (investor, self-employed, pro ProPass/Expert Pass, retired).
- Strengthening access to the PRP : high thresholds over 5 years (turnover/salary/transfers).
- PRP validity 20 years in some cases, and 10 years in certain cases related to the spouse.mof.govmu.org)
- Procedure NELS + Joint Committee (recommendations to the Ministry).mof.govmu.org)
- Entry into force Certain provisions (including those affecting the Immigration Act via section 25) may come into effect on a date fixed by proclamation.mof.govmu.org)
4) Summary table of permits (key conditions and objectives)
Quick comparison (updated with the criteria of the Finance Act 2025)
| Status | For whom? | Numerical criteria (excerpts) | Points to be aware of |
|---|---|---|---|
| OP Investor (USD 50k) | Entrepreneur / investor | USD 50,000 + 1.5M MUR (year 1) + 20M MUR cumulative (year 5) + 5M MUR/year (from year 6) | Credible turnover trajectory + bank statements + adherence to milestones |
| OP Investor (USD 100k) | Entrepreneur / investor | USD 100,000 + 1M MUR (year 1) + 15M MUR cumulative (year 5) + 5M MUR/year (from year 6) | Investment capacity + accounting monitoring (turnover) from the 1st year |
| OP Professional (ProPass) | Employee | Base salary ≥ 30,000 MUR/month | Contract, job consistency, employer file, NELS compliance |
| OP Professional (Expert Pass) | Executive / expert | Base salary ≥ 250,000 MUR/month | Solid supporting documents (position, expertise, remuneration) |
| OP Self-employed | Freelancer/consultant (services) | USD 50,000 + 3 LOIs (2 of which are local) + 750k MUR (year 1) + 6M MUR (year 5) + 1.5M MUR/year (from year 6 onwards) | Laws are often insufficient; a highly structured business plan is necessary. |
| RP Retired non-citizen | Retirement | USD 2,000 within 60 days + USD 24,000/year (or USD 2,000/month) | No job; plan ahead regarding banking, transfers, and proof of income. |
| PRP (long-term objective) | Investor / professional / independent contractor / retiree | Former employee: 400,000 MUR/month over 5 years; Retired: USD 200,000 over 5 years | Built over 5 years: accounting, payroll, proof of transfers, compliance |
The figures above are derived from the criteria published in the First Schedule of the Economic Development Board Act (as replaced/adjusted by the Finance Act 2025).mof.govmu.org)
5) Obtaining your license: practical steps (without jargon)
Step 1 — Choose the right category (and avoid the “bad matches”)
Before submitting, you must align:
- Your real activity (employee / entrepreneur / self-employed / retired),
- THE available evidence (contract, funds, business plan, letters of intent, transfers),
- Your objective (test stay vs permanent installation vs PRP).
Step 2 — Prepare the “universal” parts”
Without claiming to replace an official checklist, here are the documents that are almost always required (and which most often cause problems when they are missing):
- Passport (sufficient validity), passport photos.
- Criminal record extract / police clearance (depending on country).
- Medical certificates / examinations (as required).
- Financial documentation (statements, transfers, proof of funds).
- Proof of address/accommodation (as applicable).
The government portal also reiterates the "basic" information required when applying for a residence permit (identity, occupation, duration/purpose of stay, local sponsor if applicable, etc.).dha.govmu.org)
Step 3 — Submission via NELS, then “approval in principle”
The procedure described in the texts: submission via NELS, completeness check, then review by the Joint Committee; if agreed, a approval in principle is issued via NELS, prior to final issuance of the permit after verification of the originals and payment of statutory fees.mof.govmu.org)
Step 4 — Respect transfer deadlines (investors / self-employed individuals / retirees)
Examples to consider when opening a bank account:
- Investor/Self-employed: transfer commitment under 60 days after issuance of the OP (USD 50,000 or USD 100,000 depending on the option).mof.govmu.org)
- Retired non-citizen: USD 2,000 within 60 days + regular transfers thereafter.mof.govmu.org)
6) Fees, costs and budget: what is certain (and what depends on the case)
The key point: a processing fee of USD 50 since December 1, 2025
The NELS platform indicates that a Application fee of USD 50 (non-refundable) is effective since the December 1, 2025 for Occupation Permit and Residence Permit applications.business-edbmauritius.org)
The rest: statutory fees and “peripheral” costs”
- Statutory permit fees : variables depending on the category and duration, to be confirmed at the time of submission (NELS / official scales).
- Translations, apostilles/legalizations : depending on the country issuing the documents.
- Medical : examinations and consultations (depending on centers and requirements).
- Installation : housing, school, insurance, banking, etc. (often underestimated).
7) Permanent Residence Permit (PRP): stricter criteria to aim for from the outset
The PRP is not “automatic”: it is necessary maintain thresholds over 5 years, and be able to prove them.
- Investor : annual turnover ≥ 15 M WALL for 5 years, or 75 M WALL accumulated over 5 years.mof.govmu.org)
- Professional : base salary ≥ 400,000 MUR/month over 5 years.mof.govmu.org)
- Self-employed : income ≥ 3 M WALL/year over 5 years, or 15 M WALL accumulated over 5 years.mof.govmu.org)
- Retired non-citizen : aggregate transfers ≥ USD 200,000 over 5 years.mof.govmu.org)
The validity of a PRP can be 20 years (depending on category) and 10 years in certain cases related to the spouse.mof.govmu.org)
8) And what about real estate in all of this? (residence via purchase)
Many expatriates consider real estate as a means of settling in (residence linked to property ownership within a structured framework). Real estate and tax regulations are specific (EDB schemes, notary fees, registration fees, taxes) and are subject to change.
Good reflex: treat real estate as a project in its own right (financing, notary deadlines, tax calendar) and coordinate with the permit strategy.
Note: the Finance Act 2025 also defines what constitutes a EDB Property Scheme for certain tax provisions and notably establishes a change in taxation effective from July 1, 2026 for certain transactions involving non-citizens (e.g., land transfer tax on assets under EDB schemes).mof.govmu.org)
9) How EXPAT MAURITIUS can simplify your life
EXPAT MAURITIUS supports individuals and entrepreneurs who want living and investing in Mauritius with an “all-in-one” approach: understanding permit categories, preparing files, coordinating steps, and a global vision of the installation (real estate, housing, schools, banking, insurance, business creation).
Our goal is simple: reduce errors, accelerate compliance and help you build a realistic project (including if your priority is long term and PRP).
Discover our approach to the EXPAT MAURITIUS website.
FAQ — Residence Permit in Mauritius (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can EXPAT MAURITIUS help me choose between an Occupation Permit and a Retired Residence Permit?
Yes, because the choice depends primarily on your actual activity (employment, self-employment, investment, retirement) and the evidence you can provide. An Occupation Permit involves economic criteria (salary, investment, turnover, letters of intent), while the “Retired non-citizen” Residence Permit relies on regular bank transfers and the absence of local employment. EXPAT MAURITIUS can help you clarify the most suitable option, assess your level of document preparation, and develop a realistic relocation roadmap.
What documents should I prepare to maximize my chances when applying through NELS?
Beyond the application form, the quality of your application depends on the supporting documents: a valid passport, civil status documents, criminal record/police clearance, required medical examinations, financial evidence (statements, transfers, funds), and documents specific to your category (employment contract, business plan, letters of intent, etc.). Inconsistencies (names, dates, addresses, translations) often lead to rejections and delays. EXPAT MAURITIUS helps you structure a clear, coherent, and compliant application before submission.
How to obtain a permit in Mauritius as a freelancer (self-employed)?
The “Self-employed” status targets independent activities in the service sector and requires an initial investment (USD 50,000), letters of intent (at least 3, including 2 local ones), and revenue/turnover targets (e.g., MUR 750,000 in year 1, then MUR 6 million cumulatively by year 5). The main challenge is proving commercial viability (customers, offering, pricing, timeline). EXPAT MAURITIUS can help you prepare a solid application (proof of funds, LOI framework, business plan) and secure each step.
Is a Premium Visa sufficient to live in Mauritius all year round?
The Premium Visa allows you to stay in Mauritius for one year (renewable) and is advertised as free by the authorities, making it a practical option for a "trial year" or a longer stay without local employment. However, it is not the same as a residence/occupation permit: depending on your project (schooling, starting a business, long-term strategy), a residence permit or an Occupation Permit may be more suitable. EXPAT MAURITIUS can help you decide between a "long stay" and "settlement" based on your objectives.
After 5 years, how do I get a Permanent Residence Permit (20 years)?
The Personal Retirement Plan (PRP) should be prepared from the first year: it's not enough to simply meet certain thresholds (turnover, salary, or transfers depending on the category); you also need to be able to properly document these over time (accounting, payroll, bank statements). The criteria are demanding (e.g., employee: 400,000 MUR/month over 5 years; retiree: USD 200,000 transferred over 5 years). EXPAT MAURITIUS can help you structure your plan (category selection, compliance, evidence) so that your PRP objective remains realistic and defensible when the time comes.
And now ?
If you wish to settle legally in Mauritius, the most cost-effective option is to secure the good status From the outset, EXPAT MAURITIUS offers assistance and coordinates permits, installation, and (if necessary) real estate. EXPAT MAURITIUS offers a free evaluation and personalized support to build your expatriation plan. Visit us at EXPAT MAURITIUS to get started, then explore our turnkey expatriation resources and practical guides.
