Moving abroad: Your moving abroad checklist
Moving overseas is a new beginning that gives you the chance to follow your dream and live an exciting and life-changing adventure. Thousands of peopl
Mauritius citizenship, visas, and residency.
Immigration to Mauritius is rising every year. This increase is not surprising as living and working in Mauritius is an appealing package. Mauritius citizenship and a passport give you excellent opportunities on the island and beyond. There are several visas and residency permits for those looking to immigrate to Mauritius. These options include a superb Citizenship by Investment and Residency by Investment program. Many of the visas and residency permits are pathways to citizenship.
Why is immigration to Mauritius popular?
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 1800 kilometres from the African mainland. The green mountains of the island and its white beaches arise from clear blue waters. Setting foot on the shore is like stepping into a dream.
Living in Mauritius will provide you with tropical beaches and great weather year-round. Mauritius offers a safe environment that is perfect for an active, outdoor lifestyle. The island offers excellent education, and there is a range of private, international schools.
Salaries for immigrants are higher than in other African countries. And with over 20.000 immigrants on the island, there is a large international community.
Forty per cent of the population lives in the capital city Port Louis on the island Mauritius. Though the island is relatively small, its population isn’t. With about 1,3 million inhabitants, Mauritius is the most densely populated country in Africa.
Mauritius Economy and Infrastructure
Mauritius is doing great in many ways. Employment is rising, and with its open economy, the country aims to continue the increase of the economy. The government’s policies have born fruit – this small nation punches above its weight.
The Legatum Prosperity Index ranks Mauritius 44th in the world! Investors and high- skilled professionals are encouraged to do business on the island. Indeed, the OECD rates Mauritius as the 13th best country in the world to do business.
The island’s location in the Indian Ocean means it is an excellent air travel hub. There are more than 300 direct flights per week to Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Mauritius also has a 15% income tax and no capital gains tax. These regulations make it an attractive prospect.
Mauritius has an excellent private health care system, as well as a range of private schooling options.
Be aware that the cost of goods can be expensive. Mauritius is an island which means it is costly to import anything. You’ll need to do some research to understand the actual cost of living here.
Find out what it’s like to immigrate to Mauritius with this Expat Story from the beautiful island with its fantastic wildlife.
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Mauritius Visas and Residence Permits
The Mauritius government recognised that attracting talent and wealth from abroad would be a boost to the island’s economy. To this end, the government created several innovative visa and residence programs. And, these opportunities are available to many people who want to live and work in Mauritius.
There is a wide range of visas and residence permits available for immigration to Mauritius. Generally, after three years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence in Mauritius. In reality, this is a ten-year renewable visa, but the government calls it “permanent residence”.
Tourist Visa
Most countries are eligible for a 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Others must apply for a visa beforehand. Check your countries visa status with the VisaHQ tool below.
Retirement Visa
Retirement is a popular time to immigrate to Mauritius. The Mauritius Retirement Visa is for people over 50 years old. You need to transfer at least USD 1,500 per month to a local bank account for the duration of the three-year visa. You’ll also need to show the Mauritius Economic Development Board proof of the annual transfers at the end of each year. This process will ensure the Retirement Visa remains valid.
Family Visa
If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Mauritius, you are probably eligible for residency. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after living together in Mauritius for a period of four years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.
Occupation Work Permits
Mauritius issues occupation permits in these categories. These permits allow you to live and work in Mauritius
Investor occupation permit
A director and shareholder of a company can apply for this permit. You need to meet the following requirements:
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- The company must generate a turnover of more than 12 million Mauritius Rupees (MUR) over three years (about US$300,000).
- Annual turnover should be more than MUR 2 million (about US$50,000).
- An investment of at least USD$110,000 needs to be made for each investor applying for the permit.
- There are allowances made for investors who purchase high technology machines and equipment.
- There is a lower investment threshold for the founders of innovative Start-Ups. (See our article here for other global Start-Up Visa options for founders)
Professional Occupation Permit
There are two requirements for this permit.
- Your profession needs to be on the approved list.
- You need to have a minimum monthly salary of MUR 60,000 (approx US$1,500). This limit is only MUR 30,000 for ICT professionals.
Self-Employed Occupation Permit
For self-employed people, there are again two criteria.
- You must transfer USD$ 35,000 to your local bank account in Mauritius.
- In the three years before your application, your business should have generated a minimum of MUR 2,400,000 income (approx US$60,000).
- The annual income of the company must be at least MUR 600,000 (approx US$15,000).
The spouse of the permit holder can automatically apply for residence permits for immigration to Mauritius. The same applies to children under 24 years.
You can see the full details of these visas here.
Sponsored Work Permit
Another option is applying for a work permit, which goes through the Board of Investment and Immigration Office of Mauritius. Conditions apply. Immigrants must be between 20 and 60 years old. Additionally, they must have qualifications, skills and experience to fill the position in which they want to work. Finally, you’ll need to get a health check.
An employer must submit the application. For this reason, finding a job before going to the country is essential.
Work permits are generally valid for four years. After the permit expires, you and your employer can renew it.
Young Professional Occupation Permit
Any international student who has completed a tertiary degree in Mauritius is eligible for this visa. They need to find a sponsored job in designated fields. These include Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Fintech, Robotics, Financial Services, and Information Technology.
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Advantages of Mauritius Citizenship
Mauritius nationality is well regarded globally. The country has a strong global reputation and a relatively neutral stance on most global geopolitical positions.
Many respected surveys rank Mauritius’ powerful passport highly. It has visa-free access to more than 140 countries and territories around the globe. A Mauritius passport is a significant drawcard for Mauritius immigration.
Mauritius has no laws which forbid dual citizenship. This principle is crucial as it means you can take on multiple citizenship and passports. You’ll need to ensure that your original country also allows the acquisition of dual citizenship.
Mauritius Citizenship Through Family Decent
Mauritius nationality is heritable in most cases. The country follows some of the principles of Jus Soli (law of the soil) and some of Jus Sanguinis (law of blood). This principle means most people born in Mauritius are citizens. The exception is children born where neither of the parents is a Mauritius citizen.
Additionally, you can become a citizen by descent. Those born to at least one parent who is a citizen of Mauritius will be eligible to acquire citizenship. So, most people born to a Mauritian citizen can acquire Mauritian citizenship, regardless of where they were born. This law means you may be able to pass your Mauritius nationality to your children.
Mauritius Citizenship by marriage
If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Mauritius, you are probably eligible for Mauritius Citizenship. If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after living together in Mauritius for four years. Please note that Mauritius must legally recognise the status of your spouse. Mauritius does not recognise gay marriage at this time.
Mauritius Citizenship by Naturalisation
If you live legally in Mauritius for a period, you may be eligible for citizenship and a passport. There is a range of time frames required for Mauritius citizenship by naturalisation.
Standard: Five out of the last seven years. Also, 12-months continuously prior to the application.
Investors: If you have invested more than USD500,000 two years of legal residence, qualify you for citizenship and a passport.
Mauritius Residency by Investment
Mauritius has a residency by investment program designed to encourage inward investment into the economy. The investment needs to be into a Mauritius based business to access a residency permit.
Approved Investment Visa
If you invest a minimum of USD 500,000 into a qualifying activity, you are eligible for this scheme. The visa is a ten-year residence permit. Approved investment activities include:
Agro-based industry, Audio-visual, Cinema and Communication, Banking, Construction, Education, Environment-friendly and green energy products, Financial Services, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Freeport, Information Technology, Infrastructure, Insurance, Leisure, Manufacturing, Marina development, Tourism and Warehousing, and Initial Public Offerings.
Income Generating Business Investment Visa
The Business Investment Visa allows you to apply for an Occupation Permit and Mauritius residency. You must invest more than USD 100,000 in business activity that will generate a turnover exceeding MUR 4 million (approx. USD 115,000) annually.
Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) and Real Estate Scheme (RES)
Purchase USD500,000 minimum residential properties, and you can get a residence permit. You can rent out the property, repatriate any income or sale proceeds. You can also become a resident in Mauritius for tax purposes.
Smart City Scheme and Ground+2 Apartment Scheme (RP)
Both these programs offer Mauritius Residency to property investors.
The Smart City Scheme drives innovative modern developments in Mauritius. The details are available here.
The Ground+2 program is for a condominium development purchase. Your investment in the development must be more than MUR 6 million. This program has a 10-year extended-stay visa option. See all details here.
Mauritius Citizenship by Investment
If you are a part of the Residency by investment program, you can apply for Mauritius citizenship after a defined period. If your investment is over USD500,000, the period is two years. If not, the residency period is five years. You can then apply for Mauritius citizenship and a Mauritius passport.
Have you experienced immigrating to Mauritius? Share your story on living and working in Mauritius, and Mauritius visas, work permits and residency!
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