A clear guide to every residence permit available to foreign nationals in Mauritius: property-linked, occupation, Premium Visa, retirement, and permanent.
Mauritius offers several types of residence permit. The one most commonly used by foreign property buyers is linked to a real estate purchase, but other routes exist depending on your situation. Here is what each permit gives you, who qualifies, and how they compare.
Residence Permit Linked To Property Purchase
This is the most direct route for foreign property buyers. A purchase under PDS, G+2 or SCS above USD 375,000 grants residency to the buyer, the spouse, and dependent children for as long as the property is held. The permit is renewable automatically with ownership and ends when the property is sold.
This is the default route used by foreign buyers at West 35, Botanic Bay, Sunset Beach, and most G+2 or PDS developments managed by The Hub.
Occupation Permit (OP)
The Occupation Permit is for foreign professionals who want to live and work in Mauritius. It is divided into three categories: investor, professional (employee), and self-employed.
The investor route requires a minimum investment in a Mauritian business. The professional route requires a job offer from a Mauritian employer with a salary above a defined threshold. The self-employed route requires registration of a business activity.
The OP is valid for ten years and is renewable.
Premium Visa
Introduced in 2020, the Premium Visa is for foreign nationals who want to spend extended periods in Mauritius without becoming residents in the strict sense. It is valid for one year and renewable.
It suits remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees who want to test life in Mauritius before committing to a property purchase.
Retirement Permit
The Retirement Permit is for non-citizens aged 50 and above who want to retire in Mauritius. It requires a monthly transfer of at least USD 1,500 from a foreign source into a Mauritian bank account.
It does not require a property purchase, but many holders eventually buy a residence under PDS or SCS to consolidate their long-term setup.
Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
After ten years of continuous residence under any of the above permits, foreign nationals can apply for the Permanent Residence Permit, which decouples residency from the original justification (property, work, or retirement). The PRP is valid for twenty years and can be passed to dependents.
Which Permit Is Right For You
If you are buying a property above the qualifying threshold, the property-linked permit is the simplest path. If you are still working and want to operate a business or take a job in Mauritius, the Occupation Permit is the route. If you want to live in Mauritius without committing to a purchase straight away, the Premium Visa or Retirement Permit lets you settle in first.
The Hub guides every foreign buyer through the right permit application alongside the property purchase. Contact us to discuss which permit fits your situation.