Mauritius Self-Employed Occupation Permit

Applicants invest at least USD 50,000 in a professional activity and provide three letters of intent or contracts, including two from potential local clients. Under the criteria confirmed in the EDB’s 2026 newsletter, the activity must generate business income of at least MUR 2 million a year from the third year of registration and MUR 3 million a year from the fifth year for renewal. The holder may employ one local administrative staff member.

For approval in principle, upload the birth certificate (certified translation if not in English or French), a detailed business plan on the EDB template, at least three contracts or letters of intent including two from local clients, a CV, original or certified academic and professional qualifications, the passport bio page, a recent digital photo, the signed undertaking and any earlier permit. After approval in principle, add the business registration card, evidence of the transfer of funds from abroad, clearances for regulated activities, the marriage or divorce certificate, a medical certificate and reports under six months old and the last entry visa pages. Originals are shown at the appointment.

Register and apply on business.edbmauritius.org; the process can start without travelling to Mauritius and runs online until the approval-in-principle letter. The activity is registered through the Corporate and Business Registration Department. After approval in principle you can open a bank account, and the initial USD 50,000 must reach it within 60 days of the permit being issued. Regulated activities need a licence or clearance, which the EDB requests after submission. The National Electronic Licensing System announces a non-refundable USD 50 application fee for every Occupation Permit and Residence Permit application from 1 December 2025. The EDB itself charges no processing fee, and the statutory permit fee is paid only by successful applicants after approval.

Dependants of Occupation Permit holders and retired non-citizens can obtain residence permits for the same duration as the main holder. The EDB defines dependants as the spouse (including an opposite-sex common-law partner), parents and children, including stepchildren and lawfully adopted children, who are unmarried and not in gainful activity. Their applications are made to and decided by the Passport and Immigration Office, and dependants may not work without their own work permit. After at least five years on the self-employed permit, with annual business income of at least MUR 3 million for five consecutive years or an aggregate of MUR 15 million over five consecutive years, you can apply for the 20-year Permanent Residence Permit within six months of meeting the criteria.

The permit lasts ten years. From the fifth year of registration, renewal requires a minimum annual turnover of MUR 3 million. The renewal file contains the incorporation certificate, business registration card, shareholder register, any clearances, the passport bio page, a photo, the current permit and a new undertaking. Businesses file a return of income with the Mauritius Revenue Authority every year.