Mauritius is not only an attractive investment destination, but it is also a great country to live in. The beautiful landscapes make tourists fall in love with Mauritius who decide to relocate here. The insular state’s economic development also helps in this sense, as there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to have their own businesses or who can find employment in important industries like tourism or finances.
Below, we present the main options you have as a foreigner if you want to immigrate to Mauritius. If you need support, our lawyers are at your service. We can also help with company formation support in Mauritius.
Table of Contents
Types of visas for Mauritius
Mauritius is a very friendly country, which is why many foreign citizens do not need visas if they come for simple visits here. For those who need visas, on the other hand, there are several options they can appeal to. Among these, there are:
- the tourist visa under which a foreign person can stay in Mauritius for up to 6 months in a calendar year;
- the business visa which is often requested by investors as it enables them to stay here for a maximum 120 days in a calendar year;
- the social visa under which a foreigner can stay in Mauritius for up to 45 days in a calendar year;
- the multiple entry visa which is similar to the business visa and allows a foreign citizen to stay in Mauritius for a maximum of 120 days with a maximum duration of each visit of 90 days.
Apart from these, there are also residence permits that are destined for those who want to immigrate to Mauritius in 2024 and stay here for longer periods or who want to relocate here permanently.
Quick Facts | |
---|---|
Entry visa requirement (from EU) (YES/NO) | Yes, for visits of up to 6 months |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (YES/NO) | Yes, non-EU citizens also need tourist visas for Mauritius |
Types of visas available | – Tourist; – business; – social visas; – work permits; – residence permits. |
Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | Approx. 20 days from the payment of the visa fee |
Validity of temporary residence permit | A temporary residence permit has a minimum validity of 3 years |
Temporary residence permit renewal requirements | Temporary residence permits must be renewed a few months before expiry |
Documents for obtaining a residence permit | – Valid passport; – application form; – reason for relocation; – proof of local address. |
Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | Approx. 8 weeks |
Investor Visa availability (YES/NO) | Yes, Mauritius offers an investor visa |
Start-up Visa Scheme availability (YES/NO) | No, Mauritius does not have a specific start-up visa |
Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | No, there are no sponsorship requirements in Mauritius |
Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 5 years of permanent residency |
Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO) | Yes, Mauritius has a citizenship by investment program |
Taxation of foreign citizens | Mauritius non-residents are taxed on the local income, while residents are applied the personal income tax |
Tax benefits for expats | – Low income tax (10% or 15%); – access to double tax treaties; – access to tax allowances. |
Our specialists are at your disposal with detailed information on the visas available for immigration to Mauritius.
If you wish to open a bank account in Mauritius for your business, we are here to help. Please be aware that the process could take some time since different due diligence processes are used by individual banks. You can count on us for representation based on a power of attorney if you wish to begin the procedure as soon as feasible.
How to immigrate to Mauritius based on residence permits
Citizens and investors who want to work or set up offshore companies in Mauritius (this is one of the most popular business forms in this country) can apply for one of the following types of residence permits:
- occupational permits;
- residence permits for internships;
- employment-based residence permits;
- residence permits for spouses of Mauritius citizens.
Each type of permit comes with its requirements which can be explained in detail by our local advisors. Furthermore, we may assist you in requesting a Mauritius Forex license. One of the most sought-after types of investment licenses is this one since it gives access to a variety of marketplaces, including the established local market. In this regard, a shareholder must also incorporate a local business. We can assist you with the licensing and registration processes for businesses.
Our immigration lawyers in Mauritius are at your service if you want to open a company and relocate here through the Mauritius citizenship by investment scheme in 2024 based on business.
Occupational permits for foreign investors in 2024
Foreign entrepreneurs who want to immigrate to Mauritius have three types of occupation permits they can apply for. These are granted depending on the purpose of moving here and they address to:
- investors;
- professionals;
- self-employed individuals.
Immigration to Mauritius as a foreign professional is not complicated and our specialists can guide you. We are also at your service with company registration services in Mauritius.
Here is also an infographic about moving to Mauritius:
How to immigrate to Mauritius based on employment
In the past few years, Mauritius has become a very appealing destination for those interested in working abroad. The financial sector, which is currently one of the most developed, is in search of professionals who can respond to the needs of private and corporate clients requesting financial services.
While those who have experience can get hired by Mauritius companies, it is also possible for other categories of persons to obtain their qualifications here and start working as independent service providers.
No matter the choice, people who want to immigrate to Mauritius based on employment need to meet a few requirements. Among these, they must secure monthly salaries of at least 60,000 MUR (around 1,500 USD) for most industries. However, if they are employed in the IT, pharmaceutical, food processing, or BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), the wage requirement is lower – 30,000 MUR (around 750 USD).
For this, they must first sign their employment contracts and wait for the employers to file the paperwork and obtain the necessary authorization for the foreign workers to enter Mauritius.
If you want to move to Mauritius through employment and are not sure about the procedure, you can obtain more information from our immigration lawyers in Mauritius who are at your disposal with various services.
We can also help foreign investors interested in business registration in Mauritius.
Relocate to Mauritius based on investment in 2024
Mauritius has a scheme dedicated to those interested in acquiring permanent residency faster than the common ways, and that is an investment. However, this option is available for those willing to invest a substantial amount of money in exchange for a permanent residence card.
Immigration by investment comes with various advantages, such as the possibility of owning property here (this is one of the most appealing options). Also, the main applicant can move to Mauritius with a close family – spouse and children, but also parents.
Mauritius is keen on attracting people who want to contribute to the economy, which is why its programs are created in a way that attracts immigrants of various ages, including retirees who earn a minimum of 1,500 USD per month.
If you are considering this option, our lawyers can help you with the preparation of the necessary documents (we will first verify to see if you meet the eligibility criteria) and their filing with the authorities here. Based on your country of origin, we will also let you know if any additional requirements apply.
Residency by investment has one major advantage: acquiring a long-term residence permit with a validity of 20 years.
Investment immigration programs
Here are some of the programs available for investors who want to immigrate to Mauritius:
- the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), through which foreigners can acquire real estate in properties in residential areas with plenty of wellness facilities;
- the Real Estate Scheme (RES), which is another project in which villas, duplexes, apartments, and penthouses are developed for purchase by foreign investors;
- the Property Development Scheme (PDS) through which is it possible to buy luxury real estate without having to apply for a purchase permit, but by obtaining a residency by investment;
- the Invest Hotel Scheme (IHS) which enables foreigners to buy rooms or hotel units in accommodation facilities approved by the government.
The minimum acquisition price is USD 375,000 no matter the type of property.
Permanent residency options for foreign citizens in Mauritius
They enable the applicants to work and live in Mauritius. While the residence permits for investors and self-employed persons have a validity of 10 years, those created for professionals have a maximum validity of 3 years. Both types of visas are renewable.
Apart from these, there is also the possibility to immigrate to Mauritius in 2024 through a retired non-citizen residence visa which was created for citizens above the age of 50.
As Mauritius is keen on attracting young skilled migrants, the government has also enabled the young professional occupation permit under which Mauritius companies can hire foreign citizens based on employment contracts with a maximum validity of 3 years.
People who want to move to Mauritius under occupational permits can become eligible for permanent residency which can be acquired for 20 years.
This option, however, is conditioned by a minimum income or return, as it follows:
- 15 million MUR per year, or 45 million MUR for an aggregate period of 3 years in the case of investors;
- a monthly salary of at least 150,000 MUR for 3 years for a professional;
- at least 3 million MUR for 3 consecutive years for self-employed persons;
- at least 54,000 USD for a 3-year period for retired persons.
There is also the possibility for investors to inject a minimum amount of 375,000 USD into a qualifying company and obtain permanent residency in Mauritius. Here is also our video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oWTChQohDo&ab_channel=bridgewestEU
Those who decide to relocate here must also register with various authorities, among which the Mauritius Tax Department.
What to do before moving to Mauritius?
Relocation to a foreign country implies a thorough preparation, from getting acquainted with the lifestyle here, finding a place to stay, and registering with the local authorities once entered the country.
Persons who decide to immigrate to Mauritius are advised to search for houses or apartments after they have been accepted the visa application. However, there are a few aspects to consider from this point of view. First of all, the choice depends on whether the applicant moves here by employment (which implies no minimum value of the property) or by investment (which implies meeting several conditions under the Property Development Scheme). This is why it is best to use the services of our lawyers in Mauritius who can provide tailored advice on such matters.
Also, if you need guidance in preparing the documents associated with renting or buying a property in Mauritius, you can rely on our lawyers who can draft them, so when you come you can sign and move into your new place.
Another thing one must pay attention to is securing health insurance, however, there are various providers that offer such services.
At last, once the foreign person has moved here, registration with the local authorities must be completed.
You can also rely on us for other services, among which company formation in Mauritius.
Immigration services offered by our Mauritius agents
If you are planning to immigrate to Mauritius or are in the process of obtaining the desired residence permit, our specialists are at your disposal with a wide range of services tailored to your needs. We will advise on the paperwork to draft and the timeframes for filing and obtaining the type of visa you applied for.
We are also at the service of foreign citizens who already live here and who need support in renewing their residence cards or even applying for Mauritius citizenship for those who meet the legal requirements for a Mauritius passport.
If you want to immigrate to Mauritius in 2024 and need guidance, our specialists can offer all the details about the procedure, documents to prepare, and the duration of the paperwork processing. We are at your disposal with various services, so contact us anytime!