How to work in Mauritius as a foreigner?

Working in Mauritius: What are the visa options for foreigners?

To legally work in Mauritius, foreigners must obtain an Occupation Permit or opt for a Premium Visa under certain conditions. Here is an overview of the main possibilities:

Occupation Permit - Professional: working as an employee

This visa is intended for foreigners wishing to be employed by a Mauritian company. It is the most common option for executives and qualified profiles.

Requirements:

• Be employed by a local company;
• Have a contract with a minimum duration of one year;
• Receive a gross monthly salary of at least MUR 45,000 (approx. €840); (MUR 30,000 in specific sectors such as ICT, artificial intelligence, or emerging technologies).

The visa is linked to the employer, who is responsible for the application process with the Economic Development Board (EDB), the competent authority. Once obtained, the Occupation Permit is valid for the duration set by the employer and is renewable.

Good to know:
This type of permit also allows your spouse and children to live in Mauritius with a Dependant Permit. Under certain conditions, your spouse can also work.

Occupation Permit – Self-Employed: working independently in Mauritius

Are you a real estate agent, consultant, coach, designer, or practicing a liberal profession? You can settle in Mauritius as a self-employed worker.

Requirements:

• Carry out a service-based activity;
• Deposit an initial capital of MUR 100,000 (approx. €2,000) into a Mauritian bank account;
• Generate an annual turnover of at least MUR 800,000 starting from the 3rd year of activity.

You can offer your services to both local and international clients, but you cannot hire staff under this permit. This visa is valid for up to 10 years as it is renewable—provided all criteria are met.

Benefits:

• Freedom to work independently;
• No need for a local employment contract;
• Compatible with many service-based and paramedical professions.

Occupation Permit – Investor : Starting a business in Mauritius

If you want to set up a company in Mauritius, this permit allows you to invest in, manage, and work for your own business.

Requirements:

• Create a legal entity in Mauritius (e.g. a limited liability company);
• Inject an initial capital of MUR 1 million (approximately €20,000);
• Generate an annual turnover of at least MUR 4 million from the 3rd year onward.

This permit authorizes hiring employees, forming local partnerships, and bringing in foreign collaborators. It is issued for 10 years and is renewable.

Premium Visa : Working remotely from Mauritius

Since 2020, the Mauritian government has been offering a Premium Visa to attract remote workers who wish to spend an extended period in Mauritius without settling permanently.

Who is it for?

• Digital nomads
• Freelancers running an online business
• Employees working remotely for a foreign company

Requirements:

• Provide proof of stable income from outside Mauritius
• Not engage in any paid activity locally
• Have valid health insurance
• Provide proof of accommodation and a detailed stay plan

This visa is free of charge and valid for up to 12 months, renewable. It does not grant a work permit but allows you to live in Mauritius while working for international clients or employers.

Vous pouvez venir en famille avec ce visa. En effet, vos enfants sont autorisés à être scolarisés à Maurice.

Investing in real estate in Mauritius to live and work

In addition to the Occupation Permits, foreigners can also obtain a residence permit through real estate investment.

Since 2002, several schemes have allowed non-Mauritian citizens to purchase property in Mauritius, including:

• IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme)
• RES (Real Estate Scheme)
• PDS (Property Development Scheme)

How does it work?

By investing a minimum of USD 375,000 in a property under one of these schemes, you can obtain a permanent residence permit, valid as long as you remain the owner of the property.

Can you work with this permit?

Yes, in certain cases. The residence permit linked to a real estate investment does not automatically grant the right to work, but it can make it easier to apply for an Occupation Permit or to invest locally.

Many real estate developments offer properties eligible under these schemes, allowing you to combine investment, residency, and potentially professional activity.

A few practical tips before moving to Mauritius

• Plan ahead for administrative delays: depending on the type of visa, the application process can take several weeks.
• Seek professional guidance: a notary, real estate agency or relocation consultant can help simplify the process.
• Prepare a solid application: income proof, diplomas, business plan, CV, etc. — several documents are required by the EDB.

With its breathtaking landscapes, mild climate, attractive tax system, and commitment to welcoming foreign talent, Mauritius ticks all the boxes for those looking to embrace a different way of life.