Visa & Residency

Apply online through the Passport and Immigration Office portal (passport.govmu.org). You'll need: a valid passport, proof of remote income ($1,500/month minimum), travel insurance, and proof of accommodation in Mauritius. The application is completely free - no processing fee from the Mauritian government. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You can apply from abroad or convert from tourist status while in Mauritius. The visa is valid for 1 year and renewable annually.

No - the Premium Visa specifically prohibits entering the local Mauritian labour market. Your income must come from sources outside Mauritius (remote employment, freelancing, or business). If you want to work for a Mauritian company or take local clients, you need an Occupation Permit. However, Premium Visa holders can apply for an Occupation Permit while in Mauritius without leaving the country.

The Professional category requires a minimum basic salary of MUR 30,000/month (~$665) from a Mauritian employer. The Young Professional category (under 30) has a lower threshold of MUR 20,000/month (~$445). The Self-Employed category requires minimum annual income of MUR 600,000 (~$13,300). The Investor category requires a minimum $50,000 investment. Application fee is $50 (non-refundable) as of December 2025.

Yes - permanent residence is available through the Permanent Residence Programme after holding an Occupation Permit for 3 years, combined with an investment of $375,000 in approved real estate or business. Alternatively, purchasing property under the PDS/IRS scheme worth $375,000+ grants a 10-year renewable residence permit. Long-term continuous residence can also lead to citizenship after 7+ years, though dual citizenship restrictions apply for some nationalities.

For the Premium Visa, travel/health insurance is required as part of the application. For Occupation Permits and Residence Permits, insurance is strongly recommended but not always mandatory. All residents have access to Mauritius's free public healthcare system, but most expats purchase private health insurance (MUR 2,000–4,000/month) for access to better-equipped private hospitals like C-Care Darné and Wellkin.