Moving to Mauritius: Which permits or visas should you choose from in 2023?

If you are on the verge of coming and live in Mauritius in 2023, you should learn the differences between the permits and visas available. Which visas and permits to choose from if you are an entrepreneur? Let us answer your questions.

The different visas to come to Mauritius

Depending on the nature of your trip. Mauritius is accessible to foreigners who can choose between 6 types of visas, Here they are:

Tourist visa

The tourist visa is intended for non-citizen travelers to enter Mauritius for the purpose of visiting the country on holiday. It is valid for up to 3 months with the possibility of renewal for a further 3 months. This allows for a maximum stay of 6 months in the calendar year. However, expect each application for renewal to be examined by the immigration officers.

The social visa

This visa is issued prior to travel to foreigners sponsored by socio-cultural organisations. It is valid for a maximum period of 45 days and for any stay in the context of social and religious activities As the name suggests, this is a very short term visa, granted to passengers who have to pass through Mauritius on their way to a third country within 24 hours.

Medical visa

The medical visa is granted on arrival to foreign nationals who come to Mauritius to receive medical treatment not exceeding 6 months in private health institutions registered with the Ministry of Health of Mauritius

Premium visa

This visa is intended for foreigners wishing to live in Mauritius for 6 months to 1 year with their family. It also allows you to work remotely from Mauritius.

Visas available for entrepreneurs in Mauritius?

For this category of travellers, there are two visas available to choose from.

The business visa

The business visa allows foreign investors, businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals who are not Mauritians to come to Mauritius and set up a business or an investment. The maximum validity of this visa is 120 days per calendar year, provided that during each trip the maximum stay does not exceed 90 days and that the beneficiary does not receive any remuneration in Mauritius.

Multiple entry visa

The multiple entry visa is issued prior to travel and only to genuine foreign businessmen and women with business interests in Mauritius. This visa is valid for a maximum of 120 days per calendar year and provided that the stay on each trip does not exceed 90 days similarly like the business visa above.

The different permits to live in Mauritius

Four permits have been created by the Mauritian government for foreigners who wish to live in Mauritius: the Occupation Permit, the Retired Non-Citizen Residence, the Young Professional Permit and the Permanent Residence Permit.

The Retired Non-Citizen Residence

This permit is valid for 10 years at the time of issue, but is renewable for a further 10 years or 20 years in the case of permanent residence. IHowever it is intended only for non-citizens over 50 years of age who do not intend to work in Mauritius.

The Young Professional Permit

Foreign students with an undergraduate degree from a Mauritian institution of higher learning who have been offered a job in Mauritius can apply for the YPOP. Valid for 3 years, it allows one to work and live in Mauritius. After this period of validity, the company can apply for an Occupation Permit (Professional) for the holder.

Which permit should you apply for as an entrepreneur?

Again, there are two possibilities.

The Permanent Resident Permit

Investors who have held an Occupation Permit for at least 3 years or a residence permit can apply for a Permanent Resident Permit valid for up to 20 years. The following additional conditions apply:

• Have a minimum annual turnover of at least 15 million rupees

Or

• A total turnover of 45 million rupees over a period of 3 years.

Occupation Permit

Available to investors, it allows them to live and work in Mauritius for 10 years, renewable for a further 10 years. Note that it is renewable for 20 years for permanent residence.