How can foreigners acquire Mauritian nationality?

Mauritius, an ideal destination known for its high quality of life and favorable tax environment, has a growing popularity among expatriates. Those looking to legally acquire Mauritian nationality can pursue several avenues. These processes, although stringent, are governed by specific criteria, allowing foreigners to become Mauritian citizens through marriage, investment, adoption, or descent. Magellan, an expert in expatriation, discusses the available options for acquiring nationality, as well as alternatives for residing in Mauritius.

Conditions and procedures for becoming a Mauritian citizen

Obtaining Mauritian nationality depends on your ability to meet specific criteria and a process governed by the Citizenship Act and the Immigration Act. The Prime Minister has the authority to grant or revoke nationality after reviewing submitted applications. Commonwealth citizens can apply after five years of residence, while nationals from other countries must have resided in the territory for at least seven years.

For spouses of Mauritian citizens, a four-year cohabitation period is required before they can apply for nationality. The process involves several steps, including background checks by the police and the submission of official documents. Concurrently, foreigners can obtain a 20-year permanent residence permit under certain conditions, including a minimum investment of USD 375,000.

The following overview presents the main pathways to acquiring Mauritian nationality and their respective conditions:

Mode of acquisition	Main conditions	Procedure
Naturalization	– Continuous residence of 5 years in Mauritius	– Application submission to the authorities
	– Proficiency in Creole, English, or French	– Examination process that may take several months
	– Proven financial stability	– Granted by presidential decree
Marriage to a Mauritian citizen	– Legally recognized marriage, even if celebrated abroad	– Submission of application with supporting documents
	– 4 consecutive years of residence in Mauritius	– Generally faster process than naturalization
Investment	– Investment of USD 500,000 in the local economy or	– Residence in Mauritius for 2 years before applying for nationality
	– Purchase of real estate worth USD 375,000 for a long-term residence permit
Adoption	– Legally recognized adoption in Mauritius	– Nationality granted after formalization of the adoption
	– Adoptee must be a minor
Descent	– At least one Mauritian parent	– Registration of birth if the child is born abroad
		– Administrative steps to recognize nationality

Five grounds for revocation of Mauritian nationality

According to Mauritian law, several circumstances that can lead to the loss of nationality:

Fraud or false declaration: If a person acquires Mauritian nationality through fraud, by providing false information or using forged documents during their naturalization application, their nationality may be revoked.

Allegiance to another country: Mauritian nationality can be revoked if a person pledges allegiance to another state, creating a conflict with their duty of loyalty to the Mauritian nation, especially if it results in the loss of Mauritian nationality.

Military service in a foreign country: A person who serves in another country’s military may have their nationality revoked, particularly if they are involved in actions contrary to the interests of Mauritius or jeopardize national security.

Threat to public security, defense, or public order: Although more broadly covered by the 2022 amendment to the Immigration Act, this clause allows the state to strip a person of their nationality if they are deemed a danger to Mauritius’s security or public order.

Voluntary renunciation: An individual may voluntarily relinquish their Mauritian nationality, especially if they acquire another nationality in a country that does not accept dual citizenship.

These grounds are governed by strict legal procedures and may involve administrative and judicial actions before a revocation is officially pronounced.

What are the alternatives to obtaining Mauritian nationality?

Although Mauritian nationality is challenging to obtain, several alternatives allow expatriates to live and work in Mauritius long-term.

Residence permit through investment: A foreigner can secure a 20-year residence permit by investing USD 375,000 in a business project. This option allows living in Mauritius without undergoing naturalization.

Residence permit for retirees: Foreigners over 50 can obtain a residence permit if they invest USD 200,000 in luxury real estate. After 3 years, these retirees may apply for a 20-year residence permit.

Work permit and permanent residence permit: A foreigner can obtain a work permit through an occupation permit or a permanent residence permit after 3 years of working with an occupation permit.

Why should you apply for Mauritian nationality?

Why would an expatriate want to acquire Mauritian citizenship? Although not essential for living and working on the island, Mauritian nationality offers several benefits, such as:

• Unlimited right to stay without the need to renew a permit;
• Protection against potential changes in immigration laws;
• No restrictions on starting a business or practicing certain professions;
• Access to public sector jobs, which are inaccessible to foreigners;
• Benefits of social services like education, health, and retirement;
• Ability to enroll children in free public schools.
• Mauritian passport allowing visa-free travel to over 145 countries;
• Strengthened ties with the country and the ability to vote;
• Mauritian nationality automatically passed on to children.

This approach can be a strategic choice for an expatriate with a long-term life plan in Mauritius.

Conclusion

Although acquiring Mauritian nationality is a complex process, several options are available, suitable for different profiles: naturalization, marriage, investment, adoption, or descent. Alternatives, such as residence permits through investment or for retirees, also allow for living in Mauritius without undergoing naturalization. Each pathway has its benefits and requirements. Contact Magellan before deciding so we can provide you with tailored guidance.

Source:

Mauritius Citizenship Requirements – tbimauritius.com