How To Get a Work Permit In Mauritius

Ready to take the great leap and come work in Mauritius? Due to its dreamy setting, its scope of opportunities and tax benefits, the island is one of the prime destinations for foreign nationals who wish to find a job. Whether you are an investor, a self-employed of a professional entering Mauritius, you will be able to apply for permits that will allow you to both live and work on the territory. Here's what you need to know on the different types of permits, the recent updates and how to apply to get your work permit in Mauritius.

The Occupation Permit

The Occupation Permit combines both work and residence permits and is available to foreigners who wish to come to work and live in Mauritius. A Professional Occupation Permit is now valid for up to 10 years and is renewable if needed. The eligible individuals should fall under three categories:

• Investors
• Self-Employed
• Professionals

• Spouses of Occupation Permit who also wish to come work in Mauritius will not have to apply for an Occupation Permit for themselves.
• The maximum age of 24 years for the dependent children is waived.
• A 10-year Family Occupation Permit is now available for foreign nationals who wish to contribute USD 250,000 in regard to the Covid-19 Projects Development Fund.
• Non-citizens individuals holding an Occupation Permit as a professional are allowed to switch jobs with no need to apply for a new permit.
• Self-employed non-citizens with an Occupation Permit can incorporate a one-man company as well as hire administrative staff.
• A professional in financial services holding an Occupation Permit will have a monthly salary of Rs 30,000. This limit with be applicable for fund accounting and compliance services by a company that has a license from the FSC. The same professional should also have a 3-year work experience at the least.

Permanent Residence Permit

A Permanent Residence Permit allows foreign nationals to work and live on the island for a period of 20 years. The permit can be renewed and the holder can change their status from investor, professional or retiree. The following individuals are eligible for the Permanent Residence Permit:

• An investor in possession of an Occupation Permit for at least 3 years
• An investor that invested Rs 375,000 at least in an activity in Mauritius
• A self-employed professional holding an Occupation Permit
• A salaried professional holding an Occupation Permit
• An individual holding an Occupation Permit or Residence Permit which will then be eligible for a Permanent Residence Permit

Young Professional Occupation Permit

Are you a foreign student that completed a degree (or an undergraduate degree) in a tertiary institution in Mauritius? You might be eligible for the Young Professional Occupation Permit. The permit is valid for up to 3 years, depending on the duration of the contract of employment. Your employer should be the one submitting your application to the Economic Development Board. In the case where your employer wants to extend your contract after three years, he might apply for a Professional Occupation Permit on your behalf.

Below are the criteria to respect in order to obtain a Young Professional Occupation Permit:

• The foreign student must have completed their degree or an undergraduate degree at least in one of the tertiary institutions of Mauritius which should then be recognised by the Tertiary Education Commission.
• The application should be submitted no later than 6 months after the results have been published.
• In the case where a Young Professional Occupation Permit holder wants to change their employment before the end of its permit, the condition stipulated above does not apply.

The business in which the Young Professional Occupation Permit holder will be employed must fall under the following sectors:

Biotechnology, Robotics, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Financial Services.

• International students will then be eligible for 20 hours per week work permit as well as a 10-year renewable Young Professional Occupation Permit once they will graduate.

Once you made sure to fit into the requirements, submit your application for an Occupation or Residence Permit online on the National E-Licensing System HERE. To apply for a Young Professional Occupation Permit, the employer must submit the application of the employee by email at op@edbmauritius.org.

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