Foreign citizens who move to Mauritius must obtain various types of visas that enable them to enter the country and then they must apply for residence permits that allow them to live here for different periods of time.
Relocating to the insular state is not complicated, however, a foreigner must comply with the laws of this country in order to enjoy the benefits it has to offer. In this article, our specialists explain the conditions for obtaining permanent residency in Mauritius.
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Who is eligible for becoming permanent residents of Mauritius?
Permanent residency in this country is conditioned by living here for a sufficient number of years and by making a contribution to the economy in different forms.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types | Temporary and permanent residence visas are available for foreigners. |
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) | 2 to 6 months, depending on the type of permit sought |
Temporary residence permit validity | 3 years |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – application form, – valid passport, – recent photographs, – details about the reason for relocation, – lease contract as proof of residential address |
| Options for permanent residency | – occupational permit, – retirement permit |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder (Yes/No) | Yes, under the family occupational residence permit |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes | Temporary residency is available with the possibility of securing permanent residency. |
| Type of investments available for residency purposes | – business, – real estate acquisition |
| Minimum investment amount | USD 375,000 |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 6 years |
| Residency for individuals married to a citizen of the country | 6 years divided into a 4-year special spouse visa and 2 years of temporary residency |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence | – valid passport, – valid residence permit, documents indicating the main reason for relocation, – proof of local address |
| Naturalization requirements | – good knowledge of English, – having lived in Mauritius for the next 12 months following the application for citizenship, – having good morals |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | 7 years |
| Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No) | Yes, dual citizenship is allowed in Mauritius. |
People who want to immigrate to Mauritius and apply for residency can first obtain work and temporary residence permits, followed by applying for permanent residency.
Permanent residency in Mauritius in 2024 is also available for the family of immigrants who legally stay here.
If you want to relocate to this country and need guidance, our agents are at your service with tailored guidance.
The main options for permanent residency in Mauritius in 2024
Here are the main options for those who want to become permanent residents of Mauritius:
- occupation;
- profession;
- investment;
- retirement.
Each procedure has its own requirements. Those who want to move here by setting up a company in Mauritius can rely on our company formation specialists for business registration services.
If you wish to open a company in Mauritius, please get in touch with us. Regardless of the entity you select, we are here to provide comprehensive company registration options. In order to decide on the most appropriate legal structure, you can tell us about your plans, which will help us make a correct recommendation.
How to obtain permanent residency by occupation
Most of the times, foreign citizens choose the occupation option to apply for permanent residency in Mauritius in 2024. This is one of the simplest ways of moving and enjoying the personal tax benefits this country offers.
Permanent residency by occupation implies finding employment with a Mauritius company or offering one’s services as a professional or as a self-employed person. What should be noted about this option is that Mauritius is searching for professionals in the financial field, which is one of its most developed industries.
Foreign citizens can enroll in various courses that enable them to render their services to local and foreign companies operating on the local market and then apply for temporary followed by permanent residency.
We are at your service with various immigration solutions, among which also gaining Mauritius citizenship. In order to get there, however, you must first apply for a residence permit, unless you have ancestors or Mauritian parents who lived abroad at the time of your birth.
Permanent residency by profession in Mauritius
The professional occupation permit is available for foreign citizens who have signed employment contracts. Additionally that, they must also meet the following requirements:
- they must have a minimum monthly salary of 60,000 MUR (approximately 1,500 USD);
- if they work in IT, BPO, food processing, or pharma, the minimum salary must be 30,000 MUR (approximately 750 USD).
This is a good choice for persons who are highly skilled persons and who are looking to relocate to Mauritius in 2024. Here is also an infographic on this subject:
Permanent residency by investment in Mauritius
By far, one of the most advantageous ways of immigrating to Mauritius is investment. The main requirement under the Mauritius Property Development Scheme or the Smart City Scheme, as it is called, is that foreign citizens are required to buy real estate in the country in exchange for permanent residence. Moreover, the buyer is not required to live in the property he or she purchased, as the owner can rent it and make it a stable source of income.
Another advantage is that under this program, permanent residency in Mauritius can be acquired for 20 years. Also, the main applicant can also support family members to join them here. Among these:
- the spouse or civil law partner;
- children of ages up to 24;
- parents.
Permanent residence permit holders are also allowed to work in Mauritius without applying for employment permits.
Retirement as a way of moving to Mauritius permanently
Retired persons can also obtain residence permits for Mauritius provided that they meet a few requirements. However, in their case, the permit is issued for a period of one year and can be renewed.
If you are interested in moving to Mauritius in 2024 and need guidance, our lawyers are at your service. Here is also a video on this subject:
What to consider about the various residency schemes?
All applications for permanent residency in Mauritius are processed by the Defense and Home Affairs Department. Each program comes with its own requirements, and the most important to consider are:
- under the Property Development Scheme, the minimum value of the real estate is 375,000 USD;
- the same amount of 375,000 USD is also required for those who are interested in business investment;
- persons who retire to Mauritius must earn at least 1,500 USD per month.
When you move to Mauritius, you will encounter a straightforward yet alluring tax structure with a 15% harmonized rate for both company and personal income taxes. Similarly, a 15% value-added tax (VAT) will entice visitors from other nations: the 15% corporate tax (80% partial exemption system, 3% tax rate for some enterprises, subject to specific standards). There are no fees or restrictions on returning the money that was earned through your participation (profits, dividends, capital). Also,
there is no tax on dividends and interest.
How many foreigners live in Mauritius?
According to statistics:
- there were 28,893 foreigners living in Mauritius as of 2020;
- 44.61% of them were women, and 56.49% of them were men;
- with 30.38% and 29.12% of the total immigrants in the archipelago being Indians, and Bangladeshis, respectively, these 2 groups were the largest foreign populations;
- other important ethnic groups in Mauritius were French (5.26%), Malagasy (7.96%), and Chinese (10.32%).
Only 6,100 immigrant women were employed in 2021, according to labor statistics, compared to 24,000 men in the same year. The United Nations reports that 188,406 Mauritius nationals were registered as emigrants overseas in 2019. France (48,820), the UK (48,766), Australia (31,380), Canada (16,933), and South Africa (14,883) were the primary destination nations.
If you are interested in obtaining permanent residence, please contact our specialists in Mauritius.
