Mauritius business visa

The business category is for non-citizens travelling to Mauritius to establish or conduct a business or investment. A business person may spend a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year in Mauritius, as long as no single trip exceeds 90 days and they are not remunerated in Mauritius. Business travellers whose nationality is on the PIO list as needing no visa do not apply in advance; the immigration officer applies the same 120 and 90-day limits on arrival.

Foreign business persons with business interests in Mauritius who need a visa before travelling may be granted a multiple-entry visa for business facilitation, again within 120 days a year and 90 days per trip. Nationals who receive a visa on arrival or need no visa do not need it.

Applicants who need a visa submit the signed visa application form, two recent passport photos, copies of the passport data pages, a residence permit for their country of residence if it is not their country of origin (valid at least three months beyond departure from Mauritius), a return ticket reservation, the latest bank statement, hotel details with telephone and email, and a letter from the local sponsor or company. Workshops, events and conferences also need a covering letter from the ministry or institution concerned. Documents must be translated into English or French. All entrants, with or without a visa, must meet the general travel requirements: a valid passport, return ticket, adequate funds and accommodation or sponsorship.

Visa applications go to a Mauritian diplomatic or consular mission; where there is none, to an Air Mauritius office; and otherwise by email to the PIO visa section. The PIO advises applying at least one month before travel and issues visas, as far as practicable, within twelve working days of a complete application. Applicants should wait for the outcome before travelling, and a visa does not guarantee admission. Visas are free of charge.

Business visitors who need more time can request a free extension at the PIO with a letter from the local sponsor or company, but they still may not be paid in Mauritius. Anyone who enters on a tourist or business visa is not entitled to take up employment. People who want to run a business in Mauritius on a longer basis apply through the Economic Development Board for an Occupation Permit as Investor, Self-Employed or Professional, or an Innovator Occupation Permit, using the National Electronic Licensing System.