Mauritius is indeed unique in one single most powerful way: nowhere else on earth will you find such a thriving place to work and invest blended with a quality of life as exquisite.The success and rapid expansion of Mauritius as an attractive business centre coupled with its idyllic touristic touch has seen the demand for skilled expatriates and investors soared. The government has accordingly responded by relaxing the law and introducing the ‘Occupation Permit’ and ‘Permanent Residence’ allowing eligible non-citizen to reside and work in the island.
As Resident Director of a Global Business entity or an investor looking for profitable ventures, or a professional attracted to our shores by our growing international business sector, or as a person looking for a safe and hospitable place to retire, living here simply means you can have it all a full year round: a lush and pristine landscape, stunning views of our mountains and gorges, a translucent turquoise lagoon ringed by its coral reef, white sandy beaches stretching several kilometers…Enjoyable and beautiful though, Mauritius is also a safe place to live either as a national or an expatriate single professional, family or retiree. Crime prevalence is very low making Mauritius one of the safest law-abiding countries of the world. On the health front, the country is free from many of the diseases affecting the sub-tropical countries of the world.
Several public and private hospitals, clinics and specialised health centres can be found locally, offering world-class service. While health services are free-of-charge in government hospitals and dispensaries around the country, health insurance policies are currently available from a number of local and international service providers.
The education sector boasts several schools of international standard, both public and private, delivering the Cambridge University A’ levels, the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate. Several tertiary education providers can also be found, offering internationally recognized degrees and post-degree qualifications.
Over the island, several competitively priced luxury apartments, fully furnished villas and beach front residences are available for rent. A few international property agents have appointed representative agencies locally.
An occupation permit allows a non-national to work in Mauritius. It is both a work and a residence permit. A complete application is made through the Board of Investment to the Passport and Immigration Office. Applicants must register with the Board of Investment and registration is done at the same time that an application is submitted.
An investor, a professional or a self-employed person may be eligible under the following conditions:
- Investor: The proposed business activity should generate an annual turnover in excess of Rs 3 million.
- Professional: The basic monthly salary of a professional under a contract of employment should exceed Rs 70,000.
- Self-employed: The annual income from the proposed activity should be in excess of Rs 600,000.
Mauritius offers an exceptionally safe, hospitable and pleasant environment for people from over the world to come and retire on the island. There are ample accommodation facilities, from fullyserviced apartments to luxurious villas and beachfront residences. While the cost of living is affordable, medical and health services are of a world-class standard.
A residence permit for retired non-citizens allows an eligible person to reside in Mauritius for three years.
To be eligible, the retired non-citizen, irrespective of age and nationality, must undertake to transfer to his/her local bank account in Mauritius at least USD 40,000 annually, or its equivalent in any convertible foreign currency so as to meet his/her own living expenses in Mauritius.
Immigration laws in Mauritius allow foreign nationals who have been resident in Mauritius for at least three years to become eligible for a Permanent Residence Permit. A Permanent Residence Permit is valid for a period of ten years.
To qualify, the investor must have generated an annual turnover exceeding Rs 15 million, the self-employed an annual income in excess of Rs 3 million and the professional a basic monthly salary of a least Rs 150,000.
The retired non-citizen must have transferred at least USD 40,000 every year for three years before becoming eligible for a Permanent Residence Permit.
Who can apply for an ‘Occupational Permit’ and ‘Permanent Residence’?
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OP eligibility
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Validity of OP
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PR eligibility
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Validity
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Documents req. (OP/PR)
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Investors
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Annual turnover from business to exceed Rs 3 million
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3 years max.
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Business generating annual t/o of Rs 15 million during first 3 years
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10 years as from date of expiry of OP
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Passport copy, birth certificate, medical certificate,
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Self-employed
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annual income from business must be over MUR 600,000
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3 years max.
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Business generating gross annual income exceeding Rs 3 million during first 3 years
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10 years as from date of expiry of OP
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bank guarantee, 4 passport sized photographs
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Professionals
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the minimum basic monthly salary exceeding MUR 30,000
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3 years max.
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Not eligible
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N/A
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Employment contract, undertaking from employer
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An foreign investor or self-employed shall first apply for an Occupational Permit (OP) and thereafter may apply for a Residence Permit (PR) if the criteria below are met. (Any non-citizen not meeting the criteria below can alternatively apply for a ‘Work Permit’)
Processing time for OP by the authorities: within 3 working days of filing
Dependents can apply for ‘Residence Permit’ or ‘Permit for Retired Non-Citizen’
Spouse of holder of an OP can work in Mauritius (must apply separately for a Work Permit)
How can RealtyMauritius help?
o Provide advice and guidance
o Fill the OP/PR application form and submit application to authorities
o Liaise with Board of Investment and Passport Office and make representations
o Set-up your business (company formation, consultancy, audit, tax & secretarial services)
o Application for naturalisation
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Rs 42.03
Rs 30.79
Rs 48.68