Are you planning to move to Mauritius to live, invest or retire? Choosing the right residence permit is a crucial step. Mauritius offers several types of permit, depending on your profile: investor, retiree, professional or property buyer. Each permit meets specific criteria and offers distinct advantages. In this comprehensive guide, we help you understand the options available to choose the Mauritius residency permit best suited to your expatriation or investment project.
Understanding the types of residence permits available
Investor permit
Intended for entrepreneurs wishing to set up or expand a business in Mauritius, this permit requires an initial investment of USD 50,000 in a Mauritian company. It is valid for 10 years and renewable. This type of permit also allows applicants to apply for residency for their spouse and dependent children.
Retirement permit
Open to people over 50, the Retired Residence Permit requires a monthly transfer of USD 1,500 or an annual transfer of USD 18,000 into a Mauritian account.
Valid for 5 years, renewable
Must reside in Mauritius for at least 180 days a year to keep the permit
No commercial or salaried activity may be carried out from the date of issue of the retired residence permit.
Occupation permit (employee or freelancer)
This permit is intended for professionals, whether employees, entrepreneurs or freelancers. The minimum income threshold varies according to status: 1,500 USD/month for an employee, 35,000 USD investment for an entrepreneur, and 1,500 USD/month income for a freelancer. Valid for 10/5/3 years, it can be renewed.
Property Development Scheme (PDS) permits
This permit is linked to the acquisition of a property in an approved PDS, IRS or RES program with a minimum value of 375,000 USD.
It grants residency to the owner, his or her spouse and dependent children under the age of 24 for as long as the property is held.
Compare licenses: conditions, duration, benefits
Conditions of eligibility
Criteria vary according to the type of permit. Investors need to justify a financial contribution, retirees a regular income, and professionals a salaried or self-employed activity. Property acquisition requires a substantial real estate investment.
Duration and renewal
Permits are generally valid for a maximum of 10 years, with the possibility of renewal or permanent residence subject to conditions. Real estate permits are valid for as long as the property is owned.
Benefits and freedoms
All permits entitle the holder to reside in the country, but only investor, occupier and PDS permits authorize economic activities. Retired permits do not entitle the holder to work.
Which license is right for you?
You are an entrepreneur or investor
The investor permit is ideal if you want to set up a company or invest on the island. It allows flexible professional activity within a favorable tax framework.
Preparing for your retirement
Opt for the retired license. It offers a secure solution with tax benefits on transferred income and a much-appreciated quality of life.
You want to work on site
The occupation permit (salaried or freelance) is the most suitable for exercising a professional activity or launching a business in Mauritius.
You want to buy a residence
If you’re planning to buy a luxury property, the PDS permit is ideal. It combines residence and investment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right residence permit for Mauritius depends on your life objectives, your asset profile and your short- or long-term plans. Whether you want to invest in real estate, settle down with your family, set up a business or retire peacefully, each scenario corresponds to a specific type of permit, with its own advantages and requirements.
At Ohana Heritage, we work with you personally to identify the solution best suited to your situation. Thanks to our network of specialized partners – lawyers, tax specialists and mobility experts – you benefit from comprehensive, clear and secure support. From analyzing your profile to compiling your file, we take care of everything for you.
Planning to live or invest in Mauritius? Contact us for tailor-made assistance and obtain the residence permit perfectly aligned with your ambitions.
