Occupation Permit

What Is a Mauritius Occupation Permit?

An Occupation Permit (OP) is a combined work and residence permit issued by the Mauritian government that allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in Mauritius under a single document. It replaces the need to hold a separate work permit and residence permit, and it is the primary legal pathway for non-citizens who want to be economically active on the island for more than 90 days.

The permit is issued under the Economic Development Board (EDB) Act and is administered by the EDB in coordination with the Passport and Immigration Office. Understanding which category applies to you, and what thresholds you must meet, determines whether your application is straightforward or requires additional groundwork.

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Who Qualifies for an Occupation Permit?

The Occupation Permit is available under four distinct categories. Each has its own eligibility criteria, minimum income or investment requirements, and documentation standards.

1. Investor

The Investor category is designed for foreign nationals who intend to set up or acquire a business in Mauritius. To qualify, you must:

• Make an initial transfer of at least USD 50,000 into a Mauritian bank account before submitting your application.
• Demonstrate a viable business plan with projected turnover of MUR 4 million (approximately USD 90,000) in the first two years, and MUR 10 million annually from the third year onward.

The permit is initially granted for three years and is renewable. Holders can include their spouse and dependants on the same permit.

2. Professional

The Professional category applies to foreign nationals employed by a company registered and operating in Mauritius. The key requirements are:

• A basic monthly salary of at least MUR 60,000 (approximately USD 1,350).
• A valid employment contract with a Mauritian employer.
• Relevant qualifications or professional experience appropriate to the role.

For professionals in the ICT sector, the salary threshold is MUR 30,000 per month, reflecting the government's active effort to attract tech talent. The permit is tied to the specific employer; changing jobs requires a new application or an amendment.

3. Self-Employed

This category suits foreign nationals who want to operate as sole traders or freelancers in Mauritius rather than through a registered company. Requirements include:

• Annual income of at least MUR 600,000 (approximately USD 13,500) from clients in Mauritius.
• Registration of a business activity with the Registrar of Businesses.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or a track record in the relevant field.

The Self-Employed permit is initially valid for three years.

4. Retired Non-Citizen

Foreign nationals aged 50 and above who do not intend to work can apply for a Retired Non-Citizen permit. The requirement is a minimum monthly transfer of USD 1,500 into a Mauritian bank account, sustained throughout the permit's validity. This permit is valid for three years and is renewable indefinitely provided the income transfer condition continues to be met.

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Documents Required for an Occupation Permit Application

The exact documents vary by category, but the following are required across all four:

• Valid passport with at least six months' remaining validity.
• Completed application form (available through the EDB online portal).
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of accommodation in Mauritius (lease agreement or property deed).
• Medical certificate issued by a recognized practitioner.
• Certificate of character (police clearance) from your country of residence and any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past five years.
• Evidence of health insurance coverage valid in Mauritius.

For Investors and Self-Employed applicants, you will also need:

• Business registration documents.
• Bank statements showing the required initial transfer.
• A business plan (Investor category).
• Evidence of professional qualifications or previous business activity.

For Professionals, add:

• Signed employment contract.
• Academic certificates or professional credentials.
• Employer's business registration certificate and latest audited accounts.

For Retired Non-Citizens:

• Proof of pension, investment income, or other passive income.
• Bank statements confirming the USD 1,500 monthly transfer.

All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

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How to Apply: The Process Step by Step

1. Register on the EDB portal. Applications are submitted online through the Economic Development Board's dedicated platform. Create an account and select the appropriate permit category.

2. Upload your documents. Scan and upload all required documents in the specified formats. Incomplete submissions are a common reason for delays.

3. Pay the application fee. Fees vary by category and permit duration. As of the most recent schedule, fees range from MUR 5,000 to MUR 10,000 for initial applications.

4. Await the in-principle approval. The EDB reviews the application and, if satisfied, issues an in-principle approval letter. This typically takes two to four weeks for straightforward cases.

5. Travel to Mauritius and complete biometrics. Once in-principle approval is granted, you travel to Mauritius (or if already on the island, attend the Passport and Immigration Office) to complete biometric enrollment and collect your permit card.

6. Receive your Occupation Permit card. The physical card confirms your legal right to reside and work in Mauritius for the duration stated.

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Processing Times and Validity

Standard processing time from submission to in-principle approval is two to four weeks, assuming the application is complete and no additional information is requested. Complex cases, particularly those involving businesses in regulated sectors, can take longer.

Validity periods by category:

Category	Initial Validity	Renewable?
Investor	3 years	Yes
Professional	Up to 3 years (tied to contract)	Yes
Self-Employed	3 years	Yes
Retired Non-Citizen	3 years	Yes

After holding an Occupation Permit for a cumulative period of three years, holders may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, which grants a 20-year residence right.

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Bringing Your Family: Dependant Passes

Occupation Permit holders can apply for Dependant Occupation Permits for their spouse and children under 24 years of age. A spouse holding a Dependant Permit is permitted to work in Mauritius without needing a separate Occupation Permit, a significant practical advantage compared to many other jurisdictions.

Dependant applications are submitted alongside or after the primary application and require proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) in addition to the standard personal documents.

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Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Refused

• Incomplete documentation. Missing a police clearance or failing to provide certified translations are the most frequent causes of delay.
• Salary below the threshold. Employment contracts that do not clearly state a basic monthly salary meeting the minimum figure will be queried.
• Insufficient business activity evidence. Investor and Self-Employed applicants who cannot demonstrate a credible business plan or prior trading history face a higher risk of refusal.
• Health insurance gaps. Policies that exclude Mauritius or have insufficient coverage limits are not accepted.
• Previous immigration violations. Overstaying a prior visa or permit in Mauritius or another jurisdiction is a disqualifying factor.

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Renewing Your Occupation Permit

Renewal applications should be submitted at least two months before the permit's expiry date. The renewal process mirrors the initial application in terms of documentation, with the addition of evidence that you have met the conditions of your permit during its validity, tax compliance certificates, audited accounts for business holders, or bank statements for retired non-citizens.

Failure to renew on time results in an illegal stay, which carries fines and can affect future applications.

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Key Takeaways

• The Mauritius Occupation Permit combines work and residence rights in a single document.
• Four categories exist: Investor, Professional, Self-Employed, and Retired Non-Citizen, each with distinct income or investment thresholds.
• Applications are submitted online through the EDB portal; processing typically takes two to four weeks.
• Permit holders can include their spouse and children, and a spouse may work without a separate permit.
• After three years of cumulative holding, you may be eligible for Permanent Residence.