Investor Permit (Occupation Permit)
Live and work in Mauritius with a minimum USD 50,000 investment โ up to 10-year permit with a pathway to permanent residency.
The Investor Occupation Permit is one of the most attractive relocation pathways Mauritius offers to international entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors. Issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) under the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act and the Economic Development Board Act, this permit allows a foreign national who invests a qualifying amount in a Mauritius company to live in Mauritius, manage their business as a director, and bring their immediate family as dependents. The minimum investment threshold is USD 50,000 (or equivalent in another freely convertible currency) transferred into the share capital of a qualifying Mauritius company.
The permit is valid for up to 10 years and is renewable, subject to continued compliance with the eligibility criteria โ including maintaining the investment and generating a minimum annual business turnover. After three continuous years of residence on an occupation permit, the holder may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, offering an even more stable long-term base. For families, the permit is especially practical: the spouse and children under 24 may be included as dependents at no additional government fee per dependent, giving the whole family legal status in Mauritius.
Combined with Mauritius's flat 15% personal income tax rate, zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax, and 45+ Double Taxation Agreements, the Investor Permit is a compelling package for internationally mobile entrepreneurs seeking a stable, well-regulated, and tax-efficient domicile. The minimum investment threshold is USD 50,000 which must be transferred to a Mauritius bank account. The permit is initially for up to 10 years and is renewable.
After 3 years of continuous residence, the holder may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). Dependents โ including the spouse, children under 24, and retired parents โ can be included on the application at no additional government fee per dependent.
Key Features of an Investor Occupation Permit in Mauritius
Minimum USD 50,000 Investment
Transfer a minimum of USD 50,000 (or equivalent) into the share capital of a qualifying Mauritius company. The investment must be verifiable and traceable from a legitimate source.
Up to 10-Year Validity
The permit is issued for up to 10 years, significantly longer than most comparable relocation permits in other jurisdictions. Renewal is possible upon continued compliance.
Right to Live and Work
The holder has the right to reside in Mauritius and to work as a director or executive within the company in which the investment was made.
Family Inclusion
Spouse and children under 24 may be included as dependents on the permit application, giving the entire family legal residence in Mauritius.
Permanent Residency Pathway
After 3 years of continuous residence in Mauritius on an occupation permit, holders may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit valid for up to 20 years.
Turnover Requirement
The business must generate a minimum annual turnover of MUR 4 million (approximately USD 90,000) from the second year of operations to maintain permit eligibility.
No Minimum Days Requirement
There is no prescribed minimum number of days the permit holder must spend in Mauritius per year, though physical presence is relevant for tax residency establishment.
Tax-Efficient Environment
Mauritius residents benefit from a 15% flat income tax rate, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and access to 45+ Double Taxation Agreements โ subject to individual circumstances.
Pathway to PRP After 3 Years
After 3 continuous years of residence in Mauritius under an Investor Permit, the holder becomes eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, providing a more stable and indefinite long-term residency option.
Access to Public Services
Investor permit holders and their dependents have access to Mauritius public services including healthcare facilities, public schools, and government administrative services during their period of residence.
Family Reunification
In addition to spouse and children under 24, retired parents of the investor may be included as dependents, allowing for comprehensive family reunification under a single permit application.
No Minimum Salary for Investor
Unlike the Professional Permit, there is no minimum salary requirement for the investor. The qualifying threshold is a capital investment of USD 50,000, not employment income โ giving more flexibility to business owners and entrepreneurs.
Ability to Sponsor Employees
A company incorporated in Mauritius under the Investor Permit framework can itself sponsor Professional Occupation Permits for qualified foreign employees, enabling the investor to build a team in Mauritius.
How to Obtain an Investor Permit in Mauritius
Eligibility Assessment
We assess your eligibility based on the proposed investment amount, source of funds, business plan, and personal circumstances. We advise on the optimal company structure to support the permit application.
Company Incorporation
If not already incorporated, we establish the qualifying Mauritius company (typically a domestic company or GBC) and ensure it is properly structured for the permit application.
Investment Transfer
We assist with transferring the minimum USD 50,000 investment into the company's bank account and obtaining the necessary bank documentation to evidence the transfer.
Application Preparation
We prepare the complete permit application package including the business plan, financial projections, KYC documents, police clearance, medical certificate, and all supporting documentation.
EDB Submission
We submit the application to the Economic Development Board and manage all queries, requests for additional information, and correspondence throughout the review process.
Permit Issuance
Upon EDB approval, we coordinate collection of the permit and the issuance of residence documents. We guide you through the arrival and registration procedures.
Settlement Support
We provide comprehensive relocation support โ housing search, school enrolment, banking, healthcare registration, driving licence conversion, and introduction to the expatriate community.
Ongoing Compliance
We monitor annual turnover requirements, permit renewal timelines, and advise on any changes in eligibility criteria or legislation that may affect your permit status.
Requirements for an Investor Permit in Mauritius
- Valid passport with a minimum of 12 months remaining validity
- Proof of investment of at least USD 50,000 in a qualifying Mauritius company (bank transfer evidence)
- Certificate of incorporation and shareholder register of the Mauritius company
- Detailed business plan outlining activities, target markets, and financial projections
- Police clearance certificate from country of residence or origin (not older than 6 months)
- Medical certificate from a recognised practitioner confirming good health
- Proof of accommodation in Mauritius (lease agreement or property purchase)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Source of funds documentation (bank statements, salary records, sale proceeds)
- Source of wealth declaration for beneficial owners
- Dependent documents (birth and marriage certificates for spouse and children)
Costs Associated with the Investor Occupation Permit
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| EDB Application Fee | USD 500โ1,000 |
| Minimum Investment | USD 50,000 |
| Company Incorporation (if new) | USD 2,500โ5,000 |
| Legal and Immigration Advisory | USD 1,500โ3,000 |
| Annual Permit Renewal and Compliance | Included in company compliance |
Frequently Asked Questions About Investor Permit (Occupation Permit)
What is the minimum investment required for an Investor Permit?
The minimum investment is USD 50,000 (or equivalent in another freely convertible currency) transferred as share capital into a qualifying Mauritius company in which the applicant is a shareholder and director.
Is there an annual turnover requirement?
Yes. From the second year of operations, the company must generate a minimum annual turnover of MUR 4 million (approximately USD 90,000). This requirement must be maintained throughout the permit period to remain eligible for renewal.
Can my family live in Mauritius under my permit?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 24 may be included as dependents. They receive dependent permits valid for the same duration as the main permit, giving them the right to reside in Mauritius and, in the case of the spouse, potentially to work with an additional authorisation.
How long does the application process take?
Processing typically takes 4โ8 weeks from the submission of a complete application. We ensure all documentation is thorough and accurate before submission to minimise queries and delays.
Can I apply for permanent residency?
Yes. After 3 years of continuous residence in Mauritius on an occupation permit, you may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. This is valid for up to 20 years and provides a more stable long-term base.
Can the investment be in a GBC?
Generally, the qualifying company for an Investor Permit is a domestic Mauritius company conducting business in Mauritius. Investing in a GBC may be possible in certain circumstances, but specific eligibility should be confirmed with the EDB. We advise on the optimal structure.
What happens if my business does not meet the turnover threshold?
If the annual turnover requirement is not met, permit renewal may be at risk. We monitor your compliance position and advise proactively if there is a risk of falling below the threshold, allowing time to address the issue before renewal.