Working in Mauritius: What jobs are available for Belgian professionals?

A growing number of Belgians are considering Mauritius not only as a place to settle down but also as the ideal place for a career change, entrepreneurial venture, or building an international career.

Thanks to its bilingual environment, commercial ties with Europe, and advantageous tax system, Mauritius is an attractive destination for a wide range of Belgian profiles, from executives, self-employed professionals and freelancers to investors, and active retirees.

Magellan supports such individuals in structuring their professional journey in Mauritius. But what kinds of careers can Belgian professionals actually pursue on the island? Here’s an overview of sectors that are accessible to them, legal statuses, and key administrative steps they have to prepare for.

Legal framework: Obtaining a Work Permit is essential

All foreign nationals are required to obtain a Professional Occupation Permit (OP) to work in Mauritius. This combined work and residence permit is issued for an initial period of three years (or the duration of the employment contract) and is renewable. The process begins with signing a contract with a Mauritian employer, who must justify the hiring of a foreign employee, as the government prioritizes protecting local employment.

While most of the administrative procedures are handled by the employer, the applicant must provide required medical documents, including tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, and a chest X-ray. These tests have to be conducted exclusively at authorized centers in Mauritius. A medical examination is mandatory, and anyone suffering from an infectious disease is automatically denied an OP.

Meanwhile, young professionals can apply for a Young Professional Occupation Permit, which is similar to the standard OP but tailored for early careers.

Working conditions and expat taxes

An employee holding an OP becomes a tax resident in Mauritius and is subject to the local tax system, known for its simplicity and favorable rates. The legal minimum salary for OP holders is approximately 30,000 Mauritian rupees (around €630) per month, although this threshold may vary from one section to another.

The standard workweek is 40 hours, with two days off, 15 paid public holidays, and 14 days of annual leave. It’s worth noting that Mauritian law prohibits any salary deductions beyond mandatory withholdings.

Sectors and jobs accessible to Belgian professionals

1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Mauritius has a booming IT sector as the island aims to become a regional tech hub. In-demand roles include:

• Developers (Java, PHP, mobile applications)
• UX/UI specialists
• SEO analysts
• IT project managers
• Cybersecurity managers
• Cloud and infrastructure experts

The relatively low minimum salary threshold (30,000 MUR) in this sector encourages companies to hire internationally, creating genuine opportunities for qualified Belgians.

2. Finance, Accounting, and Legal Services

Mauritius positions itself as an international financial center, especially in wealth management, banking, cross-border taxation, and corporate domiciliation. Professionals in accounting, auditing, risk management, and legal advisory are in high demand. Proficiency in French, English, and often other European languages is a key advantage.

3. Engineering, Architecture, and Real Estate Development

Mauritius’ growing real estate sector has created a real demand for architects, civil engineers, urban planners, and construction specialists. High-value public and private projects offer strong prospects for experienced and skilled Belgians, particularly in the Smart Cities and hospitality sectors.

4. Renewable Energy and Marine Industries

With the country’s energy transition and development of the blue economy, recruitment needs are significant in solar, wind, and biomass energy sectors, as well as seafood processing and aquaculture.

5. Marketing, Communication, and Human Resources

Mauritian companies value international expertise in digital communication, marketing, project management, and human resources. In today’s globalized world, European professionals bring a strategic perspective that is highly appreciated locally.

6. Education and Training

Belgian professionals in education, vocational training, or coaching can find opportunities in private schools, language centers, or as independent contractors.

Jobs that are restricted to Mauritians

All that being said, foreigners looking to build a career in Mauritius have to keep in mind that certain professions are regulated and restricted to Mauritian nationals. These include:

• Car rental services
• Commercial water sports
• Sugarcane-related production and sales
• Neighborhood retail sales

Remote work in Mauritius: An opportunity for Belgian freelancers

Mauritius offers a Premium Visa that allows self-employed professionals or remote workers to live on the island for up to one year (renewable) while conducting activities with income exclusively sourced from outside Mauritius. This is particularly appealing to Belgian professionals in digital services, writing, consulting, and online training.

Our five tips for landing a job in Mauritius

1. Start administrative procedures at least two months before arrival.
2. Prepare a complete application file with original documents (diplomas, medical certificates, contract).
3. Use Mauritian job boards (MyJob.mu, CareerHub.mu, MeetYourJob) and LinkedIn.
4. Build a local network via expat groups, professional social media and recruitment agencies.
5. Be patient and responsive—the market is small but full of potential.

Why Mauritius’s financial positioning is a major asset for Belgian professionals

Beyond accessible sectors and job types, it’s important to understand that Mauritius is not just a career building destination. The island is rapidly positioning itself as a pan-African international financial hub. This momentum represents several considerable benefits for Belgian professionals.

The country is strengthening its position globally through its stable regulatory environment, its skilled and bilingual workforce, as well as an economic diversification strategy that includes sustainable finance, digitalization, and innovation. These strengths support the development of an ecosystem conducive to entrepreneurship, investment, and professional advancement in high-value-added industries.

Mauritius also serves as a strategic gateway to the African continent, facilitating business and financial opportunities for Europeans. For Belgians, this means not only easier access to African markets but also a unique opportunity to operate in a setting where international standards are respected and regional integration is a government priority.

Overall, Mauritius allows individuals, whether they are professionals or investors, to establish themselves in a dynamic environment combining quality of life, robust economic prospects, and a unique strategic position. This holistic approach is a key differentiator that Magellan leverages to guide its clients toward successful future-focused projects.

Magellan: Your trusted advisor for a successful relocation to Mauritius

Considering the complexity of administrative procedures and the strict regulatory framework, securing personalized support is a significant advantage. Magellan advises and assists Belgians on every step:

• Feasibility study of the professional project
• Selection of the appropriate visa and legal status
• Preparation and submission of the application to the authorities
• On-site settlement and integration

Our expertise guarantees a strong and lasting relocation to the island.

Conclusion

Mauritius presents Belgian professionals with a wealth of opportunities, particularly in technology, finance, engineering, and sustainable development. By navigating the local regulatory framework, focusing on high-growth sectors, and leveraging targeted support, ambitious Belgians can thrive in this dynamic environment. Today, the country stands as a strategic gateway to Africa, where European expertise is in demand within a multicultural setting and a favorable tax regime.