Starting a new life in Mauritius
Moving to Mauritius is an exciting adventure, but before you can enjoy the sunshine, lagoons, and vibrant lifestyle, you need to secure the right permit. With the Finance Bill 2025 Mauritius now in effect, the rules have changed for professionals, retirees, investors, and families. The updates bring higher thresholds, longer permits, and a sharper focus on attracting people who can truly contribute to the island’s economy.
The main permit categories
Mauritius still offers three main frameworks: Work Permit, Occupation Permit (OP), and Residence Permit. But the Finance Bill 2025 Mauritius has reshaped the details. Let’s explore what has changed and which path might suit you.
Employment Permit – Professionals
Found a job in Mauritius? Then the Employment Permit is your route. But there’s a major update: the minimum monthly salary requirement has jumped from 30,000 MUR to 50,000 MUR. For elite professionals under the Expert Pass, the threshold is now a staggering 250,000 MUR per month.
The good news? Permits can now last up to ten years instead of three, giving you more stability. The catch? You can invest in local companies but cannot hold a majority share in the company that employs you.
Mauritius Trip Planner
Self-Employed Permit – Services only
If you are a freelancer or plan to operate as a one-person service business in Mauritius, the Finance Bill 2025 Mauritius sets stricter but clear entry conditions. You do not need to invest the capital into the business upfront; instead, you must prove savings of USD 50,000 held in a Mauritian bank account at the time of application.
Performance thresholds remain: at least 750,000 MUR turnover in year one and 6 million MUR cumulatively over five years. From year six onward, you need 1.5 million MUR annually to renew.
To demonstrate viability, applicants must also submit three letters of intent, at least two from potential local clients.
Sometimes applying for Mauritius visas can be difficult, if you need help, ask us here: info@wow-mauritius.com
Investor Permits – Two clear paths
Investors now choose between two structured options:
- Option 1: Minimum 50,000 USD investment. You must hit 1.5 million MUR turnover in the first year and reach 20 million MUR over five years.
- Option 2: Higher entry of 100,000 USD, but easier targets – 1 million MUR turnover in year one and 15 million MUR across five years.
Both require at least 5 million MUR annually from year six onwards, and both offer a 10-year permit.
Premium Visa – Digital Nomads
The Premium Visa remains a fantastic option if you plan to stay at least a year without local employment. Perfect for digital nomads, remote workers, or families, it allows you to live in Mauritius while working for clients abroad.
Retired Residence Permit
Still a favourite among expats, but with clear financial rules: within 60 days of approval, retirees must transfer 2,000 USD, followed by a commitment of 24,000 USD annually (or 2,000 monthly). Retirees cannot work, but they may invest in companies as long as they do not receive a salary.
Sometimes applying for Mauritius visas can be difficult, if you need help, ask us here: info@wow-mauritius.com
Family Residence and Dependents
Dependents are now covered until age 24 instead of 18, reflecting longer education periods. For a family residence permit, however, new applicants must contribute 250,000 USD to the COVID-19 Projects Development Fund.
Permanent Residency – Higher rewards, stricter tests
The Finance Bill 2025 Mauritius introduces a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit for those who meet high financial standards:
- Investors: 15 million MUR annually or 75 million MUR over five years.
- Professionals: 400,000 MUR monthly salary for five consecutive years.
- Self-employed: 3 million MUR per year or 15 million cumulatively.
- Retirees: 200,000 USD transferred over five years.
The Mauritian Diaspora enjoys a shorter qualifying period of ten years.
Real Estate and Tax Changes
From July 2026, property taxes for foreigners will double: the Land Transfer Tax and Registration Duty will both rise to 10%. Purchases made before that date will not be affected, making timing crucial for investors.
Student Visas
Still available for anyone enrolling in a Mauritian institution or internship. Schools typically assist with the application process.
The Finance Bill 2025 Mauritius reshapes the visa and residence landscape. Permits are now longer, but also more demanding. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, retiree, or digital nomad, careful preparation is key. Mauritius is still an attractive choice, but entering the island’s resident community now requires more commitment—and those ready to rise to the challenge will find it truly rewarding.
Sometimes applying for Mauritius visas can be difficult, if you need help, ask us here: info@wow-mauritius.com
