Permit, Visa and Immigration Laws
Discover Mauritius, a beautiful place with stunning landscapes and a thriving economy. Our simple guide simplifies the complexities of permits, visas, and immigration for those looking to move here, including valuable insights into Mauritius job openings. We break down the requirements for different permits and visas, whether you’re actively job hunting, considering options, or just thinking about moving to this enchanting island. Our guide aims to provide essential info for a clearer understanding of how to make Mauritius your new home. If you want to know about Mauritius residency you can read here.
Types of permits for Mauritius Job Openings
- Occupation Permit.
- Work Permit.
- Residence Permit.
- Permanent Residence Permit.
Occupation Permit
An occupation permit is an official document that gives foreigners the chance to live and secure work. For those seeking Mauritius job openings, especially foreigners, this permit is essential. It comes in three main categories: investor, professional, and self-employed. Each of these types of permits has its own set of rules that foreigners must adhere to.
Investor Permit
The investor permit is vital for foreign ventures in Mauritius. You must set up a company in Mauritius and transfer at least USD 50,000 to a Mauritian bank as your initial investment. Choose from four options: normal, net asset value, high-tech machines, or no investment for startups. It’s valid for ten years, renewable based on specific criteria.
Professional Permit
To qualify for a professional permit, professionals need a work contract, EDB registration, and a monthly income of at least MUR 22,500. A Professional will be granted an OP for the contract period or up to 10 years, whichever is shorter. Additionally, they can apply for a short-term OP, valid for a maximum period of 9 months.
Self-employed Permit
The Self-employed permit in Mauritius is available to non-citizens registered with the Registrar of Businesses or operating as a one-person company. To qualify, individuals need to transfer USD 35,000 to their Mauritian bank account. This permit allows foreigners to engage in self-employment activities and start their work in Mauritius.
Mauritius Job Openings through Work Permit
To work in Mauritius, foreigners need an Occupation Permit, and the rules vary based on the job type. There are three main types of Work Permit (Occupation Permit) : Investor, Professional, and Self-Employed, each with specific rules. The Occupation Permit combines residence and work permits into one. Applying is done online through the Economic Development Board‘s system. For non-professionals earning less than MUR 30,000, there are special permits managed by the Ministry of Labour, providing access to Mauritius job openings.
Mauritius Job Openings through Residence Permit
The residence permit for retired non-citizens is for individuals aged 50 and older who are not citizens of Mauritius. To qualify, they must deposit at least USD 18,000 or transfer an average of USD 1,500 per month during their stay. They can invest in any business as long as they are not employed or receiving a salary from it. However, they are allowed to take up Mauritius job openings in specific sectors. This permit enables retired individuals to live in Mauritius.
Residence Permit Through Purchasing a Property
Getting a residence permit in Mauritius is possible through real estate investment. This permit not only allows you to live in Mauritius but also provides Mauritius job openings. To qualify, you need to invest a minimum of USD 375,000 in an approved property development plan like the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or a Smart City, as authorized by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Permanent Residence Permit
The Permanent Residence Permit in Mauritius is a great option for foreigners looking for stability. After spending 3 years in Mauritius on an occupation permit, you can apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit, giving you an extended period to explore Mauritius job openings. To be eligible, you need to meet certain turnover and income criteria. Here are the permanent residence criteria for investors, professionals, self-employed individuals, and retirees in Mauritius.
Criteria for Permanent Residence Permit
Investor Permit
For permanent residency in Mauritius as an investor, you must show a gross annual income of MUR 15 million or an aggregate turnover of MUR 45 million for the past 3 years. You must hold an occupation permit for the preceding 3 years or invest at least USD 375,000 in specified sectors for residency, enabling work and investment in Mauritius.
Professional Permit
To qualify for permanent residency in Mauritius as a professional, individuals need a valid occupation permit and must maintain a consistent monthly salary of at least MUR 150,000 while employed in the country. Meeting these criteria for 3 consecutive years allows foreign workers to attain permanent residency in this dynamic and hospitable nation.
Self-emloyed Permit
To secure permanent residency in Mauritius through self-employment, individuals must meet crucial criteria. This includes holding a valid Occupation Permit, maintaining an annual business income of at least MUR 3 million while working in Mauritius, and sustaining this income for 3 consecutive years.
Retired Permit
Obtaining a permanent residence permit as a retiree in Mauritius is possible by meeting specific criteria. To qualify for the retiree permit, individuals should have held a residence permit in Mauritius and transferred at least USD 54,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency within the three years leading up to their application.
Existing Permanent Residence Permit
If individuals are retirees with a 10-year Permanent Residence Permit in Mauritius, here’s good news: they can extend it to 20 years. To qualify, individuals should ensure they meet certain criteria. In simple terms, getting a 20-year permit in Mauritius makes your retirement experience better. You can stay longer and enjoy extra benefits.
Dependents
A Dependent in Mauritius is a family member of a permit holder. They can live in Mauritius as long as the permit holder is allowed to work in Mauritius. Dependents include spouses (including unmarried partners of the opposite sex), parents, and unmarried, non-working children, including stepchildren or legally adopted children. To apply for a permit as a dependent, you need to go to the Passport and Immigration Office. They will decide if you can get the permit or not. Dependents cannot work in Mauritius without their own permit.
Types of visas in Mauritius
Premium Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
- The Premium Visa in Mauritius allows a one-year stay with possible renewals.
- To apply, individuals need to complete the form, submit two passport photos, and provide a copy of the main pages of their passport.
- If applicants are not in their home country, they must show a residence permit valid for three months after leaving Mauritius.
- Proof of a return flight, three months of bank statements, and, if sponsored by someone in Mauritius, the sponsor’s ID and address proof are required.
- The Premium Visa is an excellent choice for an extended stay, whether for a vacation, retirement, or to find Mauritius job openings.
Mauritius Job Openings through Business Visa
The Business visa is for non-citizens wanting to do business or invest in Mauritius. It allows a maximum stay of 120 days in a year, but each trip should not exceed 90 days. It’s essential to remember that you cannot receive payment in Mauritius under this visa. While great for business, it doesn’t permit regular employment in Mauritius.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is occupation permit in Mauritius?
The estimated cost for an investor, self-employed person, and retired non-citizen is USD 1,000 for a period of 10 years. The cost of an occupation permit in Mauritius for professionals depends on the length of your employment contract and is covered by your employer, the cost is between USD 400 and USD 1,000. A short-term occupation permit costs USD 300 for the first 9 months. If you need to extend it for up to 3 months (one time only), the cost is USD 150. Dependents cost USD 400 each.
Can I work in Mauritius on a tourist visa?
No, unfortunately, you cannot work in Mauritius on a tourist visa. To work legally in Mauritius, you will need to obtain the appropriate work permit before starting employment.
Can foreigners work in Mauritius?
Yes, foreigners can definitely work in Mauritius! To legally work in Mauritius, foreign nationals can choose between different types of permits, such as an occupation permit, work permit, or residence permit.