Mauritius welcomes thousands of international professionals and investors each year. Expatriates are considered to be valuable contributors to the Mauritian economy both in terms of investment and expertise, hence the Government has provided many incentives to non-citizens looking to live and thrive within the Mauritian economy. You can therefore apply for an Occupation Permit (OP) which is a combined permit that will allow you to both work and live in Mauritius.
Under different eligibility criteria, you can apply for four main types of OP:
1) Professional OP
Professionals who are employed by locally incorporated companies may work and live by applying for an OP as a Professional. You may apply for an OP Professional for a minimum duration of 9 months or for a validity of up to a maximum of 10 years, renewable thereafter.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 30,000 in Information and Communication Technologies, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Food Processing.
- Fund Accounting and Compliance Services. Applicant should have at least 3 years of relevant experience and be employed by a company licensed by the Financial Services Commission.
Or
- Minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 60,000 in any other sector of activity
2) OP Young Professionals Occupation Permit (YPOP)
International students who have completed their education in a tertiary institution in Mauritius also have the option to work and live for 3 years under a Young Professional OP (YPOP), depending on their field of study. There is no minimum basic salary requirement for holders of YPOP.
3) OP Investor
You can also apply for a 10-year OP Investor if you are looking to invest or expand your business in Mauritius.
Eligibility Criteria for new business
- For a new business, the main criterion is an initial transfer of USD 50,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible currency
Eligibility Criteria for existing businesses
For an existing business, the main criterion is to show a net asset value of at least USD 50,000 and cumulative turnover of at least MUR 12 Million during the 3 years preceding the application
- Eligibility Criteria for investment in High Technology Machines & Equipment
For investment in High Technology Machines & Equipment, the eligibility criteria is an initial investment of USD 50,000, comprising of the following:
- At least USD 25,000 from abroad to the local bank account of the Company in Mauritius;
- The remaining value is to be invested in High Technology Machines & Equipment.
4) OP Self-Employed
An OP as Self-Employed is suitable for freelancers/business owners wishing to work and live in Mauritius. The application can be filed by a non-citizen registered with the Registrar of Businesses under the Business Registration Act or through a one-person operated company.
Eligibility Criteria
- Initial transfer of USD 35,000 in your local bank account in Mauritius as proof of funds;
- An annual business income of MUR 800,000 as from 3rd year of registration after approval of OP for renewal.
Renewal of Occupation Permits is possible subject to certain criteria being met. There is also, a possibility for OP holders to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit, subject to certain conditions.
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