The Occupation Permit (OP) under the Self‑Employed is a combined work and residence permit for non‑citizens who operate solo businesses in the service sector in Mauritius. It applies to non-citizens registered under the Business Registration Act or operating as a one‑person company.
This permit is valid for ten years, with renewals subject to meeting defined income criteria. The route offers a clear path to a 20‑year Permanent Residence Permit when higher income thresholds are met.
Applicants must invest USD 50,000 or equivalent in a freely convertible currency and engage only in service activities. Applicants must provide a certified foreign bank statement and commit to transfer the funds to a Mauritian bank within 60 days of permit issuance. Applicants must also submit at least three letters of intent, including two from potential local clients.
Business income must reach at least MUR 750,000 from year one and grow to a cumulative MUR 6,000,000 by year five. From year six onward, renewal requires at least MUR 1,500,000 in annual business income. These targets drive both compliance and long‑term renewals.
The Self‑Employed Occupation Permit is issued for up to ten years and is renewable if criteria remain satisfied. Self‑employed holders may employ one local administrative staff member to assist the business. Rights remain tied to the approved business scope and compliance.
Activities in regulated sectors require prior approvals or professional registrations before starting operations. Examples include banking, global business, tourism, engineering, and health professions under their respective councils and regulators. Evidence of registration or licensing may be required at application or within set timelines.
Spouses, common‑law partners of the opposite sex, parents, and unmarried dependent children qualify for a residence permit as dependents. Dependent permits cannot exceed the main holder’s validity, and dependents cannot work unless they secure their own permit.
Switching from other categories requires a cancellation letter and compliance with any non‑compete obligations when applicable. If the holder cancels or deregisters, the authorities must be informed immediately and original permits returned. After cancellation, the individual must depart within the period set by the immigration authority.
Authorities may conduct site visits and seek information to verify adherence to income and operational criteria. Non‑compliant permit holders may be deregistered and have permits cancelled by the immigration office. Timely tax filings and adherence to licensing conditions are essential elements of compliance.
A Self‑Employed Occupation Permit holder in Mauritius may qualify for a 20‑year Permanent Residence Permit after at least five years. Eligibility requires annual business income of MUR 3,000,000 for five consecutive years or an aggregate MUR 15,000,000 over five consecutive years. Applications must be filed within six months of meeting the criteria.
Applicants must enter Mauritius with an appropriate visa and complete medicals locally before permit issuance. All required originals must be produced at the appointment for registration and permit printing. Keep visa status valid while any appeal or finalization is pending.
Use the following at‑a‑glance summary to plan compliance and renewals.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Initial investment | USD 50,000 in services sector only, transferred within 60 days. |
| Client pipeline | Three letters of intent, including two local. |
| Year 1 income | Minimum MUR 750,000. |
| Years 1–5 cumulative | Minimum MUR 6,000,000. |
| Renewal from year 6 | Minimum MUR 1,500,000 per year. |
| Permit duration | Up to 10 years, renewable. |
| Staff | One local administrative staff allowed. |
| Permit fee | USD 1,000. |
| Dependent fee | USD 400 per dependent. |
Renesis is a privately owned, independent Management Company licensed by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius since 2013.
The team delivers end‑to‑end guidance for Self‑Employed Occupation Permits, from eligibility to renewal.
Applications align with current EDB requirements and recent Occupation Permit policy updates for full compliance.
Renesis has served entrepreneurs, funds, and corporates across regulated and non‑regulated sectors since 2013.
The team tracks OP reforms and budget changes to keep files current and approval‑ready.
Clients can add company formation, trusts, fund administration, accounting, and secretarial support with one partner.
This integrated model speeds banking, governance, and cross‑border structuring for sustainable growth.
Book a meeting by clicking here, or request a tailored Self‑Employed OP consultation.
Email contact@renesis.mu or WhatsApp us.
A Professional Occupation Permit is a combined work and residence permit for non-citizens employed in Mauritius under a contract of employment and registered with the Economic Development Board EDB.
A Professional must hold a signed employment contract with a Mauritian employer and meet minimum salary criteria.
The Professional category includes two subtypes based on monthly basic salary thresholds.
Two salary bands apply: ProPass at least MUR 30,000 monthly and Expert Pass at least MUR 250,000 monthly.
Authorities grant the Professional OP for the contract period or up to 10 years, whichever is lesser.
A Short-term OP is available for up to 9 months, with a single extension up to 3 months if requested at least 15 days before expiry.
The employer must file the application on the National E‑Licensing System NELS and accompany the professional on the appointment day.
Authorities review and issue an Approval in Principle AIP, then complete in-person verification before the PIO issues the OP and UID.
Where the role is regulated, the employer must obtain pre-registration or clearances, and the professional must register with the relevant council within three months.
Failure to provide proof of registration can lead to deregistration and permit cancellation.
Employers must file emoluments with the Mauritius Revenue Authority annually, and seconded professionals may provide foreign tax certificates at renewal.
Managers in banking may require clearance from the Bank of Mauritius before filing an OP application.
Applicants must complete a medical exam and required tests, with HIV, Hepatitis B surface antigen, and chest X‑ray conducted in Mauritius.
Medical tests must be recent within six months and the permit is not recommended if infectious or communicable diseases are detected.
A Professional may invest in any business but cannot be employed in that business or derive salary or employment benefits from it.
A Professional may hold shares in the employer’s business but must not be a majority shareholder.
Dependents include spouse including opposite-sex common-law partner, parents, and unmarried dependent children including step or adopted children.
Dependents receive residence permits up to the main holder’s permit duration and cannot engage in gainful activity.
To change employer, submit a fresh OP application that meets all criteria for the new role.
For termination, the employer must notify EDB immediately, after which PIO cancels the OP and the non-citizen must leave within one month unless searching.
Submit the Self‑Undertaking form within two weeks of termination to remain while seeking a new role.
With that filing, there is up to six months to secure new employment or apply under another category.
File renewals at least one month before expiry on NELS and follow updated criteria under the law.
For renewals, an Approval in Principle is valid for 30 days to complete formalities, while new applications receive 90 days to complete all formalities.
The AIP is not a visa, and applicants must enter Mauritius on an appropriate visa and keep it valid.
If the visa will expire before completion, request an extension with PIO in time.
The local authorities may monitor compliance, including site visits and coordination with Mauritius Revenue Authority.
A Professional can qualify for a 20‑year PRP after five consecutive years with a basic monthly salary of at least MUR 400,000.
Submit the PRP application no later than six months after meeting the criterion.
| Item | ProPass | Expert Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum monthly basic salary | MUR 30,000 | MUR 250,000 |
| Permit duration | Contract period or up to 10 years | Contract period or up to 10 years |
| Application filed by | Employer on NELS | Employer on NELS |
| PRP salary benchmark | PRP needs MUR 400,000 for 5 years, separate from ProPass threshold | PRP needs MUR 400,000 for 5 years, separate from Expert threshold |
Q: Who submits the Professional Occupation Permit application?
A: The employer submits on NELS and must attend the appointment with the professional.
Q: How long is the Approval in Principle valid?
A: New applications get 90 days, while renewals get 30 days to complete formalities.
Q: Can a Professional invest in a business?
A: Yes, but without being employed in it or receiving salary; shareholding is allowed if not majority.
Q: What happens after termination?
A: The employer notifies EDB, PIO cancels the Occupation Permit, and the non-citizen must depart within one month unless searching and filing the Self‑Undertaking.
Q: Which medical tests must be done in Mauritius?
A: HIV, Hepatitis B surface antigen, and chest X‑ray must be done locally.
Q: What fees apply to Short-term OPs?
A: USD 300 for the first issuance and USD 150 for the single extension.
Q: Can a Professional switch employers?
A: Yes, but a fresh Occupation Permit application is required and must meet all criteria.
Q: When should renewals be filed?
A: At least one month before permit expiry, via NELS.
Key instruments include the Immigration Act 2022, the Economic Development Board Act 2017, and relevant sectoral laws.
Guidelines may change without notice, and authorities advise direct confirmation if uncertainty arises.
Renesis Financial Services Ltd is an FSC‑licensed management company offering integrated immigration, corporate, and compliance delivery for Professional Occupation Permits, from first eligibility checks to renewals and PRP planning. The team aligns employer obligations, contract details, and sector registrations to de‑risk timelines and accelerate permit issuance.
Ready to proceed with a Professional OP strategy? Book a meeting now by clicking here or email contact@renesis.mu discuss further.
Under the Immigration Act 2022, an Investor is defined as a non-citizen registered with the Economic Development Board (EDB) or an association/body of persons where control or management is vested in non-citizens of Mauritius and registered with the EDB.
The Investor Permit operates under the Occupation Permit framework, which is a combined work and residence permit allowing foreign nationals to work and reside in Mauritius. The permit is governed by the Immigration Act 2022 and the Economic Development Board Act 2017.
The current criteria reflect the 19 August 2025 guidelines, incorporating updated investment thresholds, turnover requirements, and performance monitoring systems including mid-term reviews.
Initial Investment: USD 50,000 or equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency
Initial Investment: USD 100,000 or equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency
Requirements: Submission of innovative project to the Economic Development Board OR registration with an incubator accredited with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council
For corporate investors, the required criteria apply to each shareholder who is also a director of the company. Evidence of fund transfer from abroad to a local bank account or certified bank statement from country of origin must be provided as proof of funds.
The Economic Development Board now conducts compliance reviews at Year 5 to determine whether investors are achieving required income levels. Permits may be revoked if thresholds are not met, while successful applicants retain permits until Year 10 when another review occurs.
Mandatory tests that must be done in Mauritius:
Additional tests may be done in home country or Mauritius, and all test results must be less than six months old.
USD 400 per dependent for spouse, common law partner, parents, and unmarried children.
The Investor Permit provides combined work and residence rights for up to 10 years, allowing holders to live and work in Mauritius while maintaining international business operations.
Dependents eligible for residence permits include:
Permit holders can:
Investors can apply for 20-year Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) after holding an Occupation Permit for at least 5 years.
Minimum Requirements:
Applications must be submitted within 6 months after satisfying the criteria.
British Entrepreneur:
"I recently had the pleasure of using Renesis Financial Services in Mauritius to secure my occupation permit... Their deep understanding of the local system and established connections within the local authorities turned what was a tedious process into a smooth and expedited journey."
Professional consultation testimonial:
"We found professional consultation to be very helpful in our process to Mauritius. Through initial conversations, we received detailed advice on all the different steps from relocation, enterprise founding, to financial structures from a single source."
French Entrepreneur:
"The Investor Permit offered many flexible opportunities to develop my business. In just few years, I evolved from a local brand to now being present in Africa and Middle East. The island's beautiful setting, combined with multitude added value, made this a real success."
| Aspect | Investor Permit | Professional Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Requirement | USD 50K/100K investment | MUR 30K+ monthly salary |
| Duration | Up to 10 years | Contract term or ≤10 years |
| Employer Dependency | Independent | Employer-sponsored |
| Business Rights | Full business operations | Limited investment rights |
| Renewal Criteria | Turnover-based | Employment-based |
| Aspect | Investor Permit | Self-Employed Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | USD 50K/100K | USD 50K + 3 LOIs |
| Business Scope | All sectors | Services only |
| Staff Hiring | Unlimited | 1 local admin staff |
| Year 1 Target | MUR 1.0M-1.5M | MUR 750K |
| 5-Year Target | MUR 15M-20M | MUR 6M |
What capital do I need for an Investor Permit?
USD 50,000 or USD 100,000 transferred within 60 days of permit issuance.
Can I use existing business assets?
The investment must be fresh capital transferred from abroad into a Mauritian corporate bank account.
What happens if I don't meet turnover requirements?
Mid-term reviews at Year 5 may result in permit revocation if required income levels are not achieved.
Are turnover requirements cumulative or annual?
Both - specific annual targets in early years, then cumulative targets over 5 years for PRP eligibility.
Can dependents work in Mauritius?
Dependents cannot engage in gainful activity under their dependent permits. They must obtain separate Work Permits or Occupation Permits to work.
What family members qualify as dependents?
Spouse (including common law partner), parents, and unmarried dependent children.
Renesis Financial Services Ltd is a privately owned, independent Management Company licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius since 2013. We provide comprehensive guidance through the entire Investor Permit process, leveraging deep knowledge of Mauritius immigration and business regulations. As most investors require corporate structuring to benefit from all the advantages of the Mauritian jurisdiction, Renesis has been helping investors in global business company formation, setting up Trusts structures, Alternative Investment Vehicles, and Business Outsourcing to name a few.
From business plan development to permit renewal, Renesis offers end-to-end support including:
With extensive experience in Mauritian immigration law and established relationships with the local authorities, Renesis ensures smooth and efficient permit processing.
Ready to start your Mauritius investment journey? Book a meeting by clicking here, or send us an email on: contact@renesis.mu for a comprehensive consultation on your Investor Permit application and business establishment strategy.
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