Mauritius Visas & Permits.

Mauritius is a popular destination for global workers due to the nation’s beaches, reefs, and robust economy. If your company is planning to expand operations into Mauritius, recruiting a talented team of employees is probably high on your list of priorities. However, global employees will need to obtain the proper working visas and permits before they can legally live and work in the country.

Types of work visas in Mauritius

There are many types of visas available to internationals who wish to work in Mauritius. Any individuals who plan to seek gainful employment in the country will need one of the following:

• Work Permit: The majority of employees will need a work permit. Along with this document, they will also need to obtain a residence permit.
• Occupation Permit: An occupation permit is a combined work and residence permit that allows citizens from other countries to live and work in Mauritius. However, this permit is only available to applicants who fall under one of the following subcategories: professionals, investors, and self-employed workers.
• Certificate of Exemption: Applicable only to citizens of other nations who are exempted from a work permit based on the Employment Exemption Regulations.
• Young Professional Occupation Permit: This is intended for international students who have completed their undergraduate degree in Mauritius. The employer must submit it to the Economic Development Board and the business activity of the company must be within the AI, biotechnology, fintech, robotics, financial services, or IT field.

Requirements to obtain Mauritius work visas

To be eligible for a work permit in Mauritius, the applicant should be between 20 and 60 years old. Exceptions to this requirement may be made for workers with specific skills or expertise.

In order to obtain a work and residence permit, you’ll need the following documents:

• A completed application form
• 4 passport photos
• Copies of the applicant’s passport data pages
• Copies of the applicant’s professional and academic qualifications
• A description of the job issued by the employer
• Details of the prospective employee’s prior work experience
• A certificate of health issued to the applicant by the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life
• A copy of the employer’s Certificate of Incorporation and business registration card
• The Contract of Employment (COE) that has been approved by the Labour Division with a minimum salary of MUR 30,000
• Proof that the job opening and the number of employees required were posted in 2 or more newspapers in A5 format

Application process

Nationals from other countries will need a Residence Permit as well as a Work Permit to be employed in Mauritius legally. Since both permits are necessary, applicants may fill out a common form for both permits. The form can be found on the website of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment, and Training. Applications must be submitted online through the e-Work Permit Portal.

Upon entering the e-Work Permit Portal, applicants will be prompted to register and proceed with the application process.

While there is a common application for Residence and Work Permits, employees should be aware that these permits are issued through separate entities. Residence Permits are granted by the Passport and Immigration Office, while Work Permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment.

Employers must apply for a Mauritius work permit on behalf of the prospective employee. If this is the first time the company has applied for a work permit, a completed application form must be submitted along with a certified copy of the bylaws of the company.

Other important considerations

There are a few more things to keep in mind regarding employment in Mauritius:

• Non-citizens who are the spouse of a citizen of Mauritius are no longer exempt from the regulations and need to apply for Work and Occupation Permits.
• A holder of an Occupation Permit or Residence Permit may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit after 3 years of living in Mauritius. The Residence Permit is valid for 20 years as long as certain conditions are met.
• A non-citizen who is a member of the Mauritian Diaspora under the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme is eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit with a validity of 10 years.
• Work permit applications from companies outside of Mauritius will only be accepted if they are incorporated in Mauritius. If your company does not have an established presence in Mauritius, you can still meet this requirement by partnering with a global EOR like G-P.

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Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). G-P does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect G-P’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. G-P makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.