I am eligible for an Occupation Permit. How long does it take to process my application?

A complete application submitted to the Work and Live Department of the Board of Investment is processed in three working days. The outcome is known on the fourth working day.

I have obtained my Occupation Permit. Are my accompanying spouse and children eligible for a residence permit?

The spouse and children under 18 of an Occupation Permit holder may obtain a residence permit. A marriage certificate should be produced. An unmarried partner may obtain a residence permit for 6 months only, renewable every 6 months. In that case, evidence of cohabitation should be produced (certificate of civil partnership, concubinage, common law partner, etc). Same sex couples are not considered for residence permits as dependents.

Can I switch from one category to another, for example from professional to investor?

You cannot switch automatically from one category to another. You should first request for the cancellation of one permit and then apply for the other. Upon cancellation, you will be deregistered, and registered again for the other permit.

I want to apply as retired. Do I need to transfer 40,000 USD before making the application for residence permit?

You should transfer your funds after obtained your permit. You are not obliged to transfer all your funds at one go. The total funds transferred to Mauritius over a 12-month period from the date of obtaining the residence permit should be at least 40,000 USD or its equivalent in any other convertible currency.

I want to apply as a professional. Does an Occupation Permit alone allow me to work in Mauritius?

A professional employed by a company can start work as soon as he obtains an Occupation Permit, except in the case of regulated activities. For such professions (e.g doctor, civil engineer, pharmacist, etc) the professional should register with the appropriate council or body after he obtains his occupation permit. The employer should know about the registration requirements and should inform the professional accordingly. The onus lies on the employer to ensure he complies with all rules and regulations.

Is there any restricted activity for foreign nationals?

Any activity that contravenes any existing legislation is prohibited. There are also certain tourism related activities that are restricted to Mauritian nationals only (e.g diving centres). Any investor or professional wishing to operate a tourism related activity should first consult the Tourism Authority to check whether he will be allowed to carry out his intended activity.

I hold an Occupation Permit. Can my daughter who is above 18 obtain a residence permit as my dependent?

Children over 18 years old are not be eligible for a residence permit as your dependent. They may however obtain a residence permit if they intend to pursue full time education in Mauritius.

I hold an Occupation Permit as investor. Can my parents who depend on me accompany me to Mauritius?

Your parents can accompany you on a tourist visa. If they intend to stay short term in Mauritius, they may stay as tourists for a maximum period of six months per calendar year. They will not be eligible for a residence permit as your dependents. However, if they can bring at least 40,000 USD annually to Mauritius, they may be eligible for residence permit as retired.

I hold a residence permit as retired non-citizen. Am I allowed to work or invest in a business?

As a retired non-citizen, you are not allowed to undertake any paid work in Mauritius. However, if you want to invest your funds in a business activity, you are free to do so but you cannot work or hold office as a full time company director.

Is there any minimum period one is legally obliged to stay in Mauritius under an Occupation Permit or Residence Permit?

The law does not provide for a minimum number of days per year to stay in Mauritius under an Occupation Permit or Residence Permit. However, to be considered as a “resident” for tax purposes, you should stay in Mauritius for a minimum of 183 days per calendar year.