RESIDENCY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IF I HAVE A RESIDENCY PERMIT (“RP”) AND LIVE AND WORK IN MAURITIUS, CAN I CHANGE TO WORKING PERMIT AT A LATER STAGE?
If it is a RP under acquisition of property – there will be no need to do so. If it is a RP as a Retired Non-Citizen, yes, you may change to an Occupation Permit later.
WHY IS CITIZENSHIP IS NOT AN OPTION, HOWEVER, GOVERNMENT STATES THAT AFTER 5YRS ONE CAN APPLY FOR IT?
Citizenship is not an option in the sense that although you may be eligible to apply, the probability of the application being successful has been seen to be quite low.
IF I HAVE A RESIDENCY PERMIT (“RP”) AND LIVE AND WORK IN MAURITIUS, CAN I CHANGE TO WORKING PERMIT AT A LATER STAGE?
WHY IS CITIZENSHIP IS NOT AN OPTION, HOWEVER, GOVERNMENT STATES THAT AFTER 5YRS ONE CAN APPLY FOR IT?
If it is a RP under acquisition of property – there will be no need to do so. If it is a RP as a Retired Non-Citizen, yes, you may change to an Occupation Permit later.
Citizenship is not an option in the sense that although you may be eligible to apply, the probability of the application being successful has been seen to be quite low.
ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS WHEN IT COMES TO OBTAINING THE NEW $50 000 OCCUPATIONAL PERMIT? DOES ONE NEED TO HAVE AN OPERATING BUSINESS THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF INCOME AND EMPLOY A CERTAIN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES?
I believe you are referring to the Occupation Permit as an Investor – and that requires an initial capital investment of USD 50K into a company for which the applicant will be the main shareholder and involved in the operations of that business
CAN I HOLD RESIDENCY IN UK, SA, AND MAURITIUS?
From a Mauritius perspective – yes. However, you may be required to justify this when applying for residency in MRU.
ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS WHEN IT COMES TO OBTAINING THE NEW $50 000 OCCUPATIONAL PERMIT? DOES ONE NEED TO HAVE AN OPERATING BUSINESS THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF INCOME AND EMPLOY A CERTAIN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES?
CAN I HOLD RESIDENCY IN UK, SA, AND MAURITIUS?
I believe you are referring to the Occupation Permit as an Investor – and that requires an initial capital investment of USD 50K into a company for which the applicant will be the main shareholder and involved in the operations of that business
From a Mauritius perspective – yes. However, you may be required to justify this when applying for residency in MRU.
DO YOU OFFER BESPOKE CONSULTATIONS FOR FAMILIES TO EVALUATE THEIR OPTIONS PROPERLY & FULLY REGARDING MAURITIUS?
Yes, we do.
IF CITIZENSHIP IS NOT AN OPTION HOW LONG IS THE RESIDENCY PERMIT?
You can get a permanent residence permit for 20 years and if you buy property under one of the approved schemes, you may get residency for as long as you remain owner of that property.
DO YOU OFFER BESPOKE CONSULTATIONS FOR FAMILIES TO EVALUATE THEIR OPTIONS PROPERLY & FULLY REGARDING MAURITIUS?
IF CITIZENSHIP IS NOT AN OPTION HOW LONG IS THE RESIDENCY PERMIT?
Yes, we do.
You can get a permanent residence permit for 20 years and if you buy property under one of the approved schemes, you may get residency for as long as you remain owner of that property.
WERE THERE ANY CHANGES TO THE RETIREMENT RESIDENCY VISA?
The validity of the residence permit as a retired non-citizen will also be increased to 10 years. Those on a permit may also now freely invest in other local businesses as long as they do not get employment benefits (monetary gains other than dividends)
WHEN WILL THE NEW OCCUPATION/RESIDENCE PERMITS LAWS BE FINALISED?
We are expecting to see these changes come into effect with the advent of the new Finance Bill 2020 which is going through parliament at the moment. There may also be additional regulations issued further to that.
WERE THERE ANY CHANGES TO THE RETIREMENT RESIDENCY VISA?
WHEN WILL THE NEW OCCUPATION/RESIDENCE PERMITS LAWS BE FINALISED?
The validity of the residence permit as a retired non-citizen will also be increased to 10 years. Those on a permit may also now freely invest in other local businesses as long as they do not get employment benefits (monetary gains other than dividends)
We are expecting to see these changes come into effect with the advent of the new Finance Bill 2020 which is going through parliament at the moment. There may also be additional regulations issued further to that.
HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO CONVERT FROM RESIDENCY TO CITIZENSHIP?
As a commonwealth citizen, you are required to have made Mauritius your permanent place of residence for at least 5 years before being eligible to make an application. However, do bear in mind that there are several additional factors over and above residency that need to be addressed or considered prior to making a citizenship application.
WHEN WILL THE BILL WHICH STATES THAT SPOUSES ON A DEPENDENCY VISA CAN WORK WITHOUT REQUIRING AN OP BE EFFECTIVE FROM? DOES IT HAVE TO BE REPORTED ANYWHERE AND ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING INCOME EARNED?
This was not passed into law. As such, the previous regulations apply whereby Dependents must obtain an Occupation Permit when securing work or receiving an offer of employment in Mauritius.
HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO CONVERT FROM RESIDENCY TO CITIZENSHIP?
WHEN WILL THE BILL WHICH STATES THAT SPOUSES ON A DEPENDENCY VISA CAN WORK WITHOUT REQUIRING AN OP BE EFFECTIVE FROM? DOES IT HAVE TO BE REPORTED ANYWHERE AND ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING INCOME EARNED?
As a commonwealth citizen, you are required to have made Mauritius your permanent place of residence for at least 5 years before being eligible to make an application. However, do bear in mind that there are several additional factors over and above residency that need to be addressed or considered prior to making a citizenship application.
This was not passed into law. As such, the previous regulations apply whereby Dependents must obtain an Occupation Permit when securing work or receiving an offer of employment in Mauritius.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BRING PARENTS OVER UNDER A RESIDENCE PERMIT?
No, only Occupation Permit holders can bring parents as dependents.
HOW ARE PARENTS OF AN OCCUPATIONAL PERMIT HOLDER INCLUDED? CAN BOTH SETS OR MULTIPLE SETS (PARENTS ARE REMARRIED) OF PARENTS BE COVERED?
Yes – parents of both sets can be covered as dependents but you will also need to undertake that they will be financially and socially under your responsibility. If you are looking to bring in both sets of parents, we would suggest looking in the personal circumstances and coming up with a right plan to ensure everyone is allowed entry to Mauritius.
The regulation does mention how this applies to mother and father in laws. As such, special motivation may be required when bringing in your in laws as dependents in Mauritius.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BRING PARENTS OVER UNDER A RESIDENCE PERMIT?
HOW ARE PARENTS OF AN OCCUPATIONAL PERMIT HOLDER INCLUDED? CAN BOTH SETS OR MULTIPLE SETS (PARENTS ARE REMARRIED) OF PARENTS BE COVERED?
No, only Occupation Permit holders can bring parents as dependents.
Yes – parents of both sets can be covered as dependents but you will also need to undertake that they will be financially and socially under your responsibility. If you are looking to bring in both sets of parents, we would suggest looking in the personal circumstances and coming up with a right plan to ensure everyone is allowed entry to Mauritius.
The regulation does mention how this applies to mother and father in laws. As such, special motivation may be required when bringing in your in laws as dependents in Mauritius.
PREVIOUSLY, PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMITS WERE ONLY VALID FOR DEPENDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 24, HAS THIS NOW CHANGED? IF NOT, HOW DO THE DEPENDENTS OLDER THAN 24 GO ABOUT OBTAINING A PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT TO JOIN THE REST OF THE FAMILY IN MAURITIUS.
This has not changed. Children can only be dependents up to the age of 24. They should look at obtaining their own Occupation Permits to be able to live and work in Mauritius. Depending on your own set up in Mauritius, there can be a straightforward answer to this.
MY HUSBAND HOLDS A 10-YEAR PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT BASED ON HIS WORK CONTRACT, AND I HAVE MY OWN OP AS A SELF-EMPLOYED WHICH IS RENEWABLE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR. DO I STILL HAVE TO REAPPLY FOR A NEW OP IN OCTOBER, OR DOES THIS PROCEDURE NOW FALL AWAY?
You will need to renew your OP as a self-employed. However, under the Finance Bill, the OP’s which are valid on 01 September 2020 will automatically be renewed for 10 years as from their date of expiry. We will confirm if this will be law once the Bill is enacted.
PREVIOUSLY, PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMITS WERE ONLY VALID FOR DEPENDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 24, HAS THIS NOW CHANGED? IF NOT, HOW DO THE DEPENDENTS OLDER THAN 24 GO ABOUT OBTAINING A PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT TO JOIN THE REST OF THE FAMILY IN MAURITIUS.
MY HUSBAND HOLDS A 10-YEAR PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT BASED ON HIS WORK CONTRACT, AND I HAVE MY OWN OP AS A SELF-EMPLOYED WHICH IS RENEWABLE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR. DO I STILL HAVE TO REAPPLY FOR A NEW OP IN OCTOBER, OR DOES THIS PROCEDURE NOW FALL AWAY?
This has not changed. Children can only be dependents up to the age of 24. They should look at obtaining their own Occupation Permits to be able to live and work in Mauritius. Depending on your own set up in Mauritius, there can be a straightforward answer to this.
You will need to renew your OP as a self-employed. However, under the Finance Bill, the OP’s which are valid on 01 September 2020 will automatically be renewed for 10 years as from their date of expiry. We will confirm if this will be law once the Bill is enacted.
CAN PARENTS WORK?
Unfortunately not as dependents. Where they would like to work, they would need to apply for an Occupation Permit in one of the provided categories.
HOW DO DEPENDENTS OBTAIN A PERMIT/VISA TO WORK IN MAURITIUS? DOES MAURITIUS HAVE A LIST OF REQUIRED PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS ACCOUNTANTS, ENGINEERS, ETC?
They will have to go through the process as any new applicant. There is no list of required professionals but if they are looking for employment, the employer would have to be able to confirm whey a Mauritian candidate was not appropriate.
CAN PARENTS WORK?
HOW DO DEPENDENTS OBTAIN A PERMIT/VISA TO WORK IN MAURITIUS? DOES MAURITIUS HAVE A LIST OF REQUIRED PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS ACCOUNTANTS, ENGINEERS, ETC?
Unfortunately not as dependents. Where they would like to work, they would need to apply for an Occupation Permit in one of the provided categories.
They will have to go through the process as any new applicant. There is no list of required professionals but if they are looking for employment, the employer would have to be able to confirm whey a Mauritian candidate was not appropriate.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF THE RESPECTIVE PERMITS, OCCUPATION AND RESIDENCE ETC?
Government fees are roughly RUP20,000 for the principle applicant and RUP5,000 for dependents.
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA TO CONVERT AN OP TO A PRP?
This will depend on what type of OP you seek to convert to a PRP.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF THE RESPECTIVE PERMITS, OCCUPATION AND RESIDENCE ETC?
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA TO CONVERT AN OP TO A PRP?
Government fees are roughly RUP20,000 for the principle applicant and RUP5,000 for dependents.
This will depend on what type of OP you seek to convert to a PRP.
DO YOU NEED A JOB OFFER TO APPLY AND OBTAIN FOR AN OCCUPATION PERMIT?
If you are looking for an Occupation Permit as a Professional – yes. Otherwise, no.
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR A DEPENDENT PARENT? MUST THE PARENT BE FINANCIALLY DEPENDENT?
Yes – that would be one of the criteria.
DO YOU NEED A JOB OFFER TO APPLY AND OBTAIN FOR AN OCCUPATION PERMIT?
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR A DEPENDENT PARENT? MUST THE PARENT BE FINANCIALLY DEPENDENT?
If you are looking for an Occupation Permit as a Professional – yes. Otherwise, no.
Yes – that would be one of the criteria.
IN TERMS OF AN OP, IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT OR POINTS SYSTEM?
No age limits and no point systems.
WHAT HAPPENS TO AN EXISTING 10 YEAR PRP (DUE TO EXPIRE IN 2028) - WILL IT JUST RUN ITS COURSE AND WILL THEN GET RENEWED TO A POSSIBLE 20 YEAR PERMIT?
The renewal requirements for Permanent Residency are yet to be officially announced and/or passed into law.
IN TERMS OF AN OP, IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT OR POINTS SYSTEM?
WHAT HAPPENS TO AN EXISTING 10 YEAR PRP (DUE TO EXPIRE IN 2028) - WILL IT JUST RUN ITS COURSE AND WILL THEN GET RENEWED TO A POSSIBLE 20 YEAR PERMIT?
No age limits and no point systems.
The renewal requirements for Permanent Residency are yet to be officially announced and/or passed into law.
WHAT HAPPENS TO SPOUSES? DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A NEW PERMIT AS A SELF-EMPLOYED, OR CAN I JUST CARRY ON WITH MY ACTIVITY?
This is dependent on whether you intend on working in Mauritius. Dependent Permit holders are not permitted to work and an Occupation Permit that is applicable must be applied for instead.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS OR REGULATIONS ON THE EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS FOR AN OP?
Additional costs and/or regulations regarding the applications for an Occupation Permit for 10 years is yet to be officially announced and/or passed into law.
WHAT HAPPENS TO SPOUSES? DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A NEW PERMIT AS A SELF-EMPLOYED, OR CAN I JUST CARRY ON WITH MY ACTIVITY?
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS OR REGULATIONS ON THE EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS FOR AN OP?
This is dependent on whether you intend on working in Mauritius. Dependent Permit holders are not permitted to work and an Occupation Permit that is applicable must be applied for instead.
Additional costs and/or regulations regarding the applications for an Occupation Permit for 10 years is yet to be officially announced and/or passed into law.
REDUCING THE INVESTMENT NEEDED TO OBTAIN AN OP FROM USD 100,000 TO USD 50,000; WHEN WILL THIS COME INTO EFFECT? ARE THERE ANY OTHER REGULATIONS/SMALL PRINT AROUND THIS?
This will come into effect once the Finance Bill is officially passed inclusive of any accompanying regulations associated.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NOW REDUCED $375 000 PROPERTY INVESTMENT SCHEME IN ORDER TO RECEIVE PERMANENT RESIDENCE (PR)?
Acquiring residence on the basis of property allows you to reside in Mauritius as long as you are the holder of the deed of the property.
REDUCING THE INVESTMENT NEEDED TO OBTAIN AN OP FROM USD 100,000 TO USD 50,000; WHEN WILL THIS COME INTO EFFECT? ARE THERE ANY OTHER REGULATIONS/SMALL PRINT AROUND THIS?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NOW REDUCED $375 000 PROPERTY INVESTMENT SCHEME IN ORDER TO RECEIVE PERMANENT RESIDENCE (PR)?
This will come into effect once the Finance Bill is officially passed inclusive of any accompanying regulations associated.
Acquiring residence on the basis of property allows you to reside in Mauritius as long as you are the holder of the deed of the property.
DO YOU RECEIVE PR STATUS IMMEDIATELY?
No, you must apply for Permanent Residence and meet the qualifying criteria for the specific permit category you are currently under in Mauritius.
IS THE PR STATUS VALIDITY NOW EXTENDED FROM 10 TO 20 YEARS?
Yes, this is correct.
DO YOU RECEIVE PR STATUS IMMEDIATELY?
IS THE PR STATUS VALIDITY NOW EXTENDED FROM 10 TO 20 YEARS?
No, you must apply for Permanent Residence and meet the qualifying criteria for the specific permit category you are currently under in Mauritius.
Yes, this is correct.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 20 YEARS? CAN IT BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS?
You would be able to apply to renew your Permanent Residence provided you meet the qualifying criteria.
I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL PEOPLE IN MAURITIUS THAT GETTING CITIZENSHIP AS OPPOSED TO PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS IS VERY DIFFICULT IN MAURITIUS, AS IT IS THE PRIME MINISTER WHO APPROVES ALL CITIZENSHIP AND IT’S A CASE OF NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT WHO YOU KNOW?
There are no clear guidelines on how to apply for Mauritian citizenship.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 20 YEARS? CAN IT BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS?
I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL PEOPLE IN MAURITIUS THAT GETTING CITIZENSHIP AS OPPOSED TO PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS IS VERY DIFFICULT IN MAURITIUS, AS IT IS THE PRIME MINISTER WHO APPROVES ALL CITIZENSHIP AND IT’S A CASE OF NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT WHO YOU KNOW?
You would be able to apply to renew your Permanent Residence provided you meet the qualifying criteria.
There are no clear guidelines on how to apply for Mauritian citizenship.