Residence in MauritiusOverview
Mauritius has long used residence policy as an instrument of economic development. Foreign nationals may live in the country as property owners, as investors, professionals or self-employed persons under an Occupation Permit, as retirees, or, since 2026, as Golden Visa holders. Most applications are made through the Economic Development Board, which acts as the single window, with permits issued under the Immigration Act and related legislation.
The most significant recent change is the Golden Visa announced in the 2026–2027 Budget. According to the EDB's August 2026 guidelines, it is granted initially as a renewable e-visa valid for up to two years, with multiple-entry rights, and extends to the investor's spouse and dependent children. The holder must invest at least USD 1 million in a qualifying business activity within 12 months of issue, in sectors such as financial services and fintech, ICT, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare and wellness, education, renewable energy, the blue economy and the creative industries. Once the investment is made, the holder may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. Residential property bought under the EDB property schemes does not count towards the Golden Visa investment.
The Occupation Permit framework was also tightened. The former USD 50,000 investor category has been replaced by an Investor Occupation Permit requiring a single initial investment of USD 100,000, with annual turnover of at least MUR 5 million from the third year and MUR 8 million for renewal from the fifth year. Self-employed permits require USD 50,000 and business income of MUR 2 million from year three and MUR 3 million from year five. The Professional and Expert categories have been merged with a uniform minimum basic salary of MUR 50,000 per month, and the separate Family Occupation Permit has been repealed.
The property route remains a straightforward option for those who wish to own a home on the island. Buying residential property of at least USD 375,000 under an approved scheme entitles the purchaser and qualifying dependants to a residence permit for as long as the property is held. Following the Finance Act 2026, registration duty on non-citizen purchases under the EDB schemes reverted to 5% from 13 August 2026, while new restrictions and an additional seller duty apply to G+2 transfers on State land and Pas Géométriques.
Key benefits
- Several distinct routes, allowing the permit to match how the family intends to live, invest or work
- Golden Visa decisions targeted within five working days for complete files, with no EDB processing fee
- Property-linked residence that lasts as long as the qualifying home is owned
- Clear pathway to a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit for eligible investors and permit holders
- Spouse and dependent children can be included as dependants
- A well-established international financial centre with a bilingual legal system and broad double tax treaty network
- Time-zone position bridging Africa, the Gulf, Asia and Europe
Requirements
- Golden Visa: written undertaking to invest at least USD 1 million in a qualifying sector within 12 months of issue
- Investor Occupation Permit: USD 100,000 initial investment and a business plan capable of meeting MUR 5 million turnover from year 3 and MUR 8 million from year 5
- Self-employed Occupation Permit: USD 50,000 investment and business income of MUR 2 million from year 3, MUR 3 million from year 5
- Property route: acquisition of residential property of at least USD 375,000 under IRS, RES, PDS or Smart City schemes
- Retiree route: minimum age of 50 and evidence of regular income transferred to Mauritius at the level set by the EDB
- Clean criminal record and satisfactory health
- Documented source of funds for all capital transferred to Mauritius, consistent with Mauritian AML/CFT rules
- Ongoing compliance with permit conditions, including turnover tests and property retention
Investment options
Golden Visa
USD 1,000,000
Renewable e-visa of up to two years for investors committing to a qualifying business investment within 12 months; leads to eligibility for a Permanent Residence Permit once the investment is made.
Property residence permit
USD 375,000
Residence for the purchaser and qualifying dependants on acquiring residential property under an approved EDB scheme, valid while the property is owned.
Investor Occupation Permit
USD 100,000
Combined work and residence permit for business owners, with turnover thresholds of MUR 5 million from year 3 and MUR 8 million for renewal from year 5.
Self-employed Occupation Permit
USD 50,000
For individuals operating their own service business, with business income of MUR 2 million from year 3 and MUR 3 million from year 5.
Retired non-citizen residence permit
For applicants aged 50 or over who transfer a minimum regular income to Mauritius; current thresholds are set by the EDB and should be confirmed at the time of application.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Route selection
We compare the Golden Visa, property, Occupation Permit and retiree routes against the family's objectives, timeline and liquidity.
- 2
Structuring and source of wealth
We document the origin of funds and, where relevant, structure the investment vehicle or property acquisition.
- 3
Transaction or company set-up
We coordinate the property purchase under an approved scheme, or company incorporation, bank account opening and capital injection for business routes.
- 4
EDB application
The application and dependants' files are submitted through the EDB's online system with all supporting evidence.
- 5
Approval and arrival formalities
Once approved, we assist with permit issuance, registration formalities and practical arrival steps.
- 6
Compliance monitoring
We track investment deadlines, turnover tests, renewals and eligibility for the Permanent Residence Permit.
Typical documents
- Valid passport and recent photographs for each applicant
- Police clearance certificates from the countries of nationality and residence
- Medical certificate where required
- Signed investment undertaking or business plan (Golden Visa and Occupation Permit routes)
- Reservation agreement or deed of sale for the property (property route)
- Bank statements and proof of funds transferred to Mauritius
- Source-of-wealth evidence such as company accounts, sale agreements or tax returns
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependants, legalised or apostilled
- Consent letter where only one parent accompanies a child
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth approaches Mauritius as part of a wider family strategy rather than a single permit. We help clients choose the route that fits how they intend to live and invest, prepare a source-of-wealth file that stands up to bank and EDB review, coordinate with licensed local practitioners for company and property work, and monitor the investment deadlines and turnover tests that keep a permit in good standing. Where Mauritius also serves as a holding or licensing jurisdiction, we align residence with corporate and succession planning. Contact us confidentially at info@legalwealthglobal.com.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for the Mauritius Golden Visa?
USD 1 million in a qualifying business sector, to be invested within 12 months of the visa's issue. Residential property under the EDB schemes does not qualify towards this amount.
Does buying property give residence in Mauritius?
Yes. A purchase of at least USD 375,000 under an approved scheme such as IRS, RES, PDS or Smart City entitles the buyer and qualifying dependants to a residence permit for as long as the property is owned.
Is the USD 50,000 investor Occupation Permit still available?
No. Following the 2026–2027 Budget reforms, the Investor Occupation Permit requires an initial investment of USD 100,000, with turnover of MUR 5 million from year 3 and MUR 8 million for renewal from year 5.
Can my family join me?
Spouses and dependent children can generally be included as dependants. The separate Family Occupation Permit has been repealed, so family members are now covered through the principal's permit route.
How do I obtain permanent residence?
The Permanent Residence Permit is valid for 20 years. Golden Visa holders may apply once their USD 1 million investment is made; other permit holders qualify after meeting their category's time and financial conditions.
What changed for property purchases in 2026?
Under the Finance Act 2026, registration duty on non-citizen purchases under the EDB schemes reverted to 5% from 13 August 2026. Separately, an additional seller duty now applies to G+2 transfers on State land and Pas Géométriques, and new G+2 leases for sales to foreigners on such land are no longer being granted.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
