What is an Occupational Permit?

An Occupational Permit is a permit that allows a non-citizen to live and work in Mauritius for three years. The Retiree gets a Residence Permit rather than an Occupation Permit.

The table below sets minimum qualification levels for Occupational Permits and Permanent Residence.

Professional

Applicant should register, and apply for Occupation Permit.
For registration as professional, the following documents are needed:

1. Registration form;
2. Certificate of incorporation of employing company;
3. Contract of employment, specifying salary level and duration of employment (salary must be more than MUR 75,000);
4. Evidence of educational qualifications relating to the profession registered;
5. The applicant should do all required medical tests. Three of the tests, namely HIV, Hepatitis B and Chest X ray should compulsorily be done in Mauritius. There is no need for the applicant to submit his application to the OP Unit in person, however, the following documents should be produced along with a duly filled in application form for OP:

• Passport (original required);
• Birth certificate (certified copy accepted by diplomatic missions, attorneys or notaries) ;
• Four recent passport size photographs;
• Medical certificate from a local doctor, plus test results for HIV, Hepatitis B, (Chest X ray sign by a Radiologist) ;
• Application for occupation permit ;
• Occupation permit fee (MUR 6,000 if for 2 years or less. MUR 10,000 if more than 2 years)

Applicant should register, and apply for Occupation Permit. Note: Registration and application should be done at the same time.

Investor

For registration as Investor, the following documents are needed:

1. Registration form;
2. Certificate of incorporation of company;
3. Shareholding structure showing applicant as BOTH Director and Shareholder (for new transfer of shares, evidence from Companies Division or Registrar General;
4. For new Directorship, evidence from Companies Division or statement signed by Company Secretary or Auditor);
5. The applicant should do all required medical tests. Three of the tests, namely HIV, Hepatitis B, and Chest X ray should compulsorily be done in Mauritius. There is no need for the applicant to submit his application to the OP Unit in person, however, the following documents should be produced along with a duly filled in application form for OP:

• Passport (original required);
• Birth certificate (certified copy accepted by diplomatic missions, attorneys or notaries)
• Four recent passport size photographs;
• Medical certificate from a local doctor, plus test results for HIV, Hepatitis B, (Chest X ray sign by a radiologist);
• Application for occupation permit;
• Occupation permit fee Rs 10,000;
• Bank Guarantee of Rs 50,000;
• Fee to be paid by an office cheque only (drawn to the order of the Government of Mauritius) Note: Cash payment, Personal cheque, Company cheque are not accepted.

Application for Occupation Permit as Investor, the business should generate an annual turnover exceeding MUR 3 million.

Retired non-citizen

Application for Residence Permit as a retired non-citizen, he /she must undertake to transfer to his/her local bank account in Mauritius, at least 40,000 US dollars annually, or its equivalent in convertible foreign currency. This money will be used by the applicant for his/her living purposes.

Applicant should first register, then apply for Residence Permit. Note: Registration and application should be done at same time.

For registration as Retired Non-Citizen, the following documents are needed:

• Registration form as Retired
• Evidence of local bank account
• Any retirement proof

The applicant should do all required medical tests. Three of the tests, namely HIV, Hepatitis B, Chest X ray should compulsorily be done in Mauritius. There is no need for the applicant to submit his application to the OP Unit in person, however, the following documents should be produced along with a duly filled in application form for Residence Permit :

• Passport (original required);
• Birth certificate (certified copy accepted by diplomatic missions, attorneys or notaries);
• Four recent passport size photographs;
• Medical certificate from a local doctor, plus test results for HIV, Hepatitis B, (Chest X ray sign by a radiologist) and other tests mention in the guideline chapter (F);
• Residence permit fee (MUR 10,000 for 3 years);
• A bank guarantee of 50,000 made in favour of the Government of Mauritius;

Fee to be paid by an office cheque only (drawn to the order of the Government of Mauritius) .Note Cash payment, Personal cheque, Company cheque are not accepted.

Applicant should hold a valid business visa and a valid return ticket. (If applicant arrives on a tourist visa, he can convert the visa into a business, once here, and BOI may recommend this to the visa section)

All original documents (except the bank guarantee, where applicable) will be returned immediately.

If the applicant has any accompanying dependent (s), they may apply for a residence permit.

These guidelines do not cover all the requirements.

Contact us before you visit Mauritius and we will plan and coordinate everything for you, and liaising with the necessary government departments including the BOI.  This will save you a lot of time and hassle.