Mauritius Premium Visa for remote workers

The EDB publishes a list of countries whose nationals may apply; it includes EU states, the United Kingdom, the United States and others. Nationals of countries not listed can still enter on a tourist visa and apply online during their stay. A Premium Visa is required for anyone intending to stay in Mauritius for more than 180 days in a calendar year; shorter stays are covered by the tourist visa granted on arrival.

The Premium Visa is meant for foreign nationals who want a long stay as a tourist, a retiree or a professional who comes with their family and runs their business or works remotely from Mauritius. Applicants need proof of their long-stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay. They must not enter the Mauritian labour market, their main place of business and their source of income and profits must be outside Mauritius, they support the application with evidence such as the purpose of visit and accommodation, and they meet the other basic immigration requirements.

Applications are submitted online through the EDB’s Premium Visa link; the EDB provides a downloadable checklist of what you need to complete the form. After you send the form, the e-visa is issued by email once validated. There is no processing fee and the visa is free of charge. Tourists already in Mauritius may apply during their stay. Enquiries go to the EDB on +230 203 3800 or premiumvisa@edbmauritius.org. The PIO also lists the Premium Visa as free and refers applicants to the EDB.

The visa is valid for up to one year and is renewable. A holder who decides to work or invest in Mauritius can apply for an Occupation Permit, and one who wants to retire there can apply for a Residence Permit as a retired non-citizen, both through the EDB’s online system. EDB health information states that there is no testing before or on arrival and no isolation requirement.

Mauritian-sourced income of a Premium Visa holder, for example pay for remote work performed in Mauritius, is taxed on a remittance basis, and spending with foreign credit or debit cards is not treated as remitted. Money brought into and deposited in a Mauritian bank account is taxable, unless the holder declares that the tax due on it has already been paid in the country of origin or residence. Holders may buy residential property under the Integrated Resort Scheme, Real Estate Scheme, Property Development Scheme or Smart City Scheme, or an apartment in a building of at least ground plus two floors.