By Beacon Services
Updated: August 2025
For all permit and visa queries:
Email: samina@beaconofservices.com
WhatsApp/Mobile: +230 5 988 0110
Permit & Immigration Changes for Expatriates (August 2025)
- Reduced Validity for Permits
- Residence permits for retirees, investors, and self-employed now valid for 5 years (down from 10), renewable.
- Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit
- Transfer USD 2,000 monthly (USD 24,000 annually) to local bank.
- Reside at least 180 days per year in Mauritius.
- Occupation Permits (Professionals, Young Professionals, Self-Employed)
- Young Professional OP reduced from 3 to 2 years; then apply for standard OP if eligible.
- Professional minimum monthly basic salary: MUR 30,000.
- Self-Employed minimum investment: USD 50,000.
- Permanent Residence (20 Years): Stricter Criteria
| Category | Previous Criteria | New Criteria (August 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Investor | USD 375,000 + MUR 15M/year for 3 yrs | Hold OP for 5 years + MUR 15M/year for 5 years or MUR 75M total |
| Professional | 3 years experience + salary ≥ MUR 150,000 | 5 years experience + salary ≥ MUR 400,000/month |
| Self-Employed | MUR 3M/year for 3 years | MUR 3M/year for 5 years or MUR 15M cumulative |
| Retirees | USD 54,000 over 3 years | USD 200,000 over 5 years |
Summary of Key Changes from August 2025
- Permits shortened to 5 years (renewable) for retirees, investors, self-employed.
- Retirees: Mandatory transfers and 180-day residency.
- Young Professionals: Shortened permit (min salary MUR 25,000), progression to standard OP.
- Professionals: Min salary MUR 30,000.
- Permanent residency: Longer stays, higher thresholds.
- Self-Employed: Investment from USD 35,000 to USD 50,000.
What is an Occupation Permit in Mauritius?
The Occupation Permit (OP) combines work and residence for foreign nationals in three categories:
- Investor
- Professional
- Self-Employed
Cannot hold OP in multiple categories simultaneously.
Foreign nationals over 50 may retire under Residence Permit (RP), allowing residence without work.
- Investor/Self-Employed OP and Retired RP: Max 5 years, renewable.
- Professional OP: Max 10 years or contract duration, renewable.
What is Approval in Principle?
OP/RP applications submitted online first. Upon approval, 90 days to travel to Mauritius for medical tests and interview with EDB/PIO. If approved, permit issued same day or soon after.
Before travel: Valid passport (6+ months), visa if needed, return ticket.
Main Criteria Under Each Permit Route
A. Investor Permit
Option 1: USD 50,000
- Initial transfer: USD 50,000 to company bank.
- Submit: Certified home bank statement, undertaking to transfer within 60 days of issuance.
- Performance: Year 1 MUR 1.5M turnover; cumulative MUR 20M by Year 5. Renewal: MUR 5M annual from Year 6.
Option 2: USD 100,000
- Initial transfer: USD 100,000 to company bank.
- Submit: As above.
- Performance: Year 1 MUR 1M; cumulative MUR 15M by Year 5. Renewal: MUR 5M annual from Year 6.
(Note: Lower thresholds than Option 1.)
B. Professional Permit
Option 1: ProPass
- Min monthly basic salary: MUR 30,000.
- Duration: Contract length or up to 10 years.
Option 2: Expert Pass
- Min monthly basic salary: MUR 250,000.
- Duration: Contract length or up to 10 years.
C. Self-Employed Permit
- Initial investment: USD 50,000 transferred to Mauritian bank.
- Restricted to services sector.
- Submit: 3 letters of intent (2 from local clients).
- Can employ 1 local admin staff.
- Performance: Year 1 MUR 750,000 income; cumulative MUR 6M by Year 5. Renewal: MUR 1.5M annual from Year 6.
D. Retired Permit
- For non-citizens 50+.
- Initial: 5 years.
- Reside 180+ days/year.
- Initial transfer: USD 2,000 from personal foreign account.
- Ongoing: USD 2,000 monthly or USD 24,000 annually.
- Can hold local investments if non-executive, no salary/fees.
Restricted Activities for OP
Require ministry clearance:
- Tourism: Check http://www.tourism.govmu.org.
- Trading: Imports for local sale may not be allowed.
- Medical: Practitioners submit qualifications for review; only professional/investor categories.
- Allied Health: Register with http://ahpcmauritius.org; only if scarce; professional/investor only.
Other Ways to Obtain Residence Permit
Buy property ≥ USD 375,000 in approved scheme: Residence Permit while owning; includes dependents. Allows professional activity without additional OP.
Dependents Definition for OP/RP
- Spouse (opposite sex common law; same-sex not recognized), children/stepchildren/adopted under 24.
- Dependent parents of OP holders (Investor/Professional/Self-Employed) allowed; apply at PIO.
- Duration ≤ main holder’s.
Tourist Visa for Mauritius
- Exempt passports: On arrival, up to 60 days; extend 30 days max.
- Restricted: Apply at Mauritian Embassy.
- Requirements: https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=605
Business Visa for Mauritius
- Exempt passports: On arrival with local sponsor letter.
- Restricted: Apply at Embassy.
- No remunerated work; conferences/meetings only. Max 120 days/year.
Important Notes on Tourist/Business Visas
- Passport 6+ months valid, return ticket, sufficient funds.
- Max 180 days/year combined tourist/business.
- Cannot convert tourist to business or vice versa.
- Combined days count toward 180-day limit.
JJ Accounting & Immigration Services Mauritius 