Settling in Mauritius starts with having the right permit.<\/p>\n
Whether you come to work<\/strong>, undertake<\/strong>, to retire<\/strong> or simply stay a long time<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Important point:<\/strong> These statuses have distinct criteria and controls. A poor "choice of category" is a frequent cause of blockage or delay.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Permit applications (OP\/RP, and certain short-term permits) are designed to be processed via the platform NELS<\/strong> (National Electronic Licensing System), with verification by the EDB and the Passport & Immigration Office, then examination by a Joint Committee<\/strong> (Ministry\/Immigration\/EDB representatives).mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n The Finance Act 2025 introduces two salary subcategories:<\/p>\n Concrete example:<\/strong> You sign a local contract at 45,000 MUR\/month: you are in principle in the \u201cProPass\u201d logic (if the rest of the file is compliant and the application is submitted correctly).<\/p>\n The Finance Act 2025 provides for a \u201cYoung professional\u201d 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<\/a>)<\/p>\n Two initial investment options + revenue targets (turnover) are planned:<\/p>\n Concrete example:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n An \u201cInvestor for innovative start-ups\u201d category exists via submission of an innovative project to the EDB<\/strong> Or registration with an accredited incubator<\/strong> (Mauritius Research and Innovation Council). Renewal conditions may depend on criteria set by the Chief Executive Officer.mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n This status is aimed at the self-employed, but with strict economic and documentary requirements:<\/p>\n Practical tip:<\/strong> Letters of intent must be credible (contact details, scope of services, timeline, indicative budget). This is often the weak point of freelance applications.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Finance Act 2025 specifies a logic for transferring funds to local accounts:<\/p>\n The retiree must not hold paid employment, but may invest under certain conditions.mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n The Finance Act 2025 mentions, for the Family Occupation Permit<\/strong>, a contribution of USD 250,000<\/strong> (or equivalent) to COVID-19 Projects Development Fund<\/em>. (mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n Furthermore, the concept of\u2019dependent child<\/strong> is extended with an age limit \u201cno older than 24 years<\/strong>\u201d. (mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n THE Premium Visa<\/strong> is a visa (and not a residence permit) allowing you to stay in Mauritius 1 year<\/strong>, renewable, and it is free<\/strong> according to the Passport and Immigration Office.passport.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n 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 \u201csettling in\u201d strategy (school, company, taxation, etc.).<\/p>\n THE Finance Act 2025 (Act No. 18 of 2025)<\/strong> was adopted\/approved in early August 2025 and notably modifies the EDB framework (OP\/RP\/PRP criteria) and the Immigration Act.mof.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n1) Residence, work, \u201clong stay visa\u201d: what exactly are we talking about?<\/h2>\n
Visa, Residence Permit, Occupation Permit: the differences you need to know<\/h3>\n
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The procedure has been modernized: NELS + joint verification<\/h3>\n
2) The main permits required to live in Mauritius (depending on your profile)<\/h2>\n
A) Working as an employee: Occupation Permit \u201cProfessional\u201d<\/h3>\n
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B) Young graduates in Mauritius: \u201cYoung professional\u201d<\/h3>\n
C) Entrepreneurship \/ Investment: Occupation Permit \u201cInvestor\u201d<\/h3>\n
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D) Innovative start-up: the \u201cinnovative start-ups\u201d pathway\u201d<\/h3>\n
E) Freelance \/ consultant \/ independent activity: Occupation Permit \u201cSelf-employed\u201d<\/h3>\n
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F) Retirement: Residence Permit \u201cRetired non-citizen\u201d<\/h3>\n
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G) Family: \u201cFamily Occupation Permit\u201d and dependents<\/h3>\n
H) Alternative \u201clong stay\u201d without working locally: Premium Visa<\/h3>\n
3) Focus: what the Finance Act 2025 (really) changes<\/h2>\n
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4) Summary table of permits (key conditions and objectives)<\/h2>\n
Quick comparison (updated with the criteria of the Finance Act 2025)<\/h3>\n