Mauritius Immigration O
Mauritius now offers foreign nationals of all ages the opportunity to settle under its skies without entering the labour market. The island, which has not recorded a single COVID-19 case by local transmission for several months, wishes to welcome professionals, investors or retirees, alone or with family, wishing to take advantage of the mild climate, the quality of life and idyllic beaches.
The Premium Visa is intended for foreigners who wish to stay in Mauritius for at least one year, alone or with their family. It is ideal for foreign professionals, investors as well as retirees. While it allows you to live in Mauritius, you are not allowed to enter the local labour market. So you have to be a remote worker and earn income from foreign sources.
For how long is it valid?
The Premium Visa is valid for one year and is renewable. To obtain this visa, you must prove that you intend to stay for more than 180 days in a year.
How do you qualify for the Premium Visa?
Depending on your nationality, you can find out whether you are eligible for the Premium Visa. There's a complete list on the Economic Development Board (EDB) website.
Also, as stated above, you must prove that you don't intend to work in Mauritius and that you earn income from foreign sources. In other words, your employer, or your professional activity if you are self-employed, must be based outside the country. You must also prove that you intend to stay long term, that you have health insurance and that you have booked accommodation. Keep in mind that you will have to comply with local immigration regulations at all times.
How to apply for a Premium Visa?
The procedure is simple and can be done on the EDB website for free. Premium Visa applications will be accepted from November 16, 2020.
To apply, you have to produce the following:
a valid passport
a copy of your return plane tickets
a passport-sized ID photo
travel and health insurance covering your entire stay
proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your stay, such as a bank statement
a valid email address
quarantine and post-quarantine accommodation booking.
If your request is accepted, you will receive a response within 48 hours on working days. For applications made over the weekend, it can take a little longer. You're therefore advised to submit your applications in advance.
Quarantine in Mauritius
All travellers to Mauritius are quarantined for 14 days upon their arrival. According to the protocol defined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, anyone arriving in Mauritius until the end of November 2020, including children and infants, must undergo a PCR test 7 days prior to their arrival. Once in Mauritius, they are directly taken to quarantine. Proof that you have booked quarantine accommodation on a full-board basis on My Mauritius website is mandatory. On the 7th and 14th days of quarantine, you will undergo another PCR test. Those with positive tests will be transferred to a designated public health facility for treatment.
Benefits of having a Premium Visa
Tourist visa holders in Mauritius are also allowed to apply for a Premium Visa. As a Premium Visa holder, all your payments with foreign debit or credit cards will be tax-exempt.
Premium Visa holders can also apply for an Occupation Permit if they intend to stay long term in Mauritius, to work, invest or retire.
Besides, the Premium Visa allows you to purchase real estate under special schemes, namely, the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), the Real Estate Scheme (RES) the Property Development Scheme (PDS) and the Smart City Scheme (SCS). You can also own an apartment located in a building of at least two floors.
However, when spending a minimum of 183 days in Mauritius, you become a tax resident, which means that you will have to pay income tax.