Mauritius

Premium Visa

The Premium Visa is Mauritius's long-stay visa programme designed for foreign nationals who wish to reside in the country for extended periods while working remotely, taking a sabbatical, or enjoying retirement. Launched in November 2020 as part of a COVID-19 economic recovery strategy, the programme is administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and governed under the Immigration Act 2022. It targets three categories of non-citizens: tourists seeking extended stays, retirees, and professionals including digital nomads and freelancers wishing to work remotely from Mauritius. The visa is entirely free of charge, and applications are processed within 48 hours.

• Must be a citizen of one of 114 approved countries (citizens of other countries may apply after arriving on a tourist visa)
• Work remotely for an employer, clients, or a business located outside Mauritius
• Minimum monthly income of USD 1,500 (or equivalent), demonstrated through 3 months of bank statements and salary certificates
• Non-employed applicants (retirees, freelancers) must show a bank balance of at least USD 18,000
• Valid passport with at least 1 year of remaining validity
• Travel and health insurance covering the entire period of stay, including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation
• Proof of accommodation in Mauritius (rental agreement, hotel booking, or letter from host)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed online application form via the EDB Business Portal (NELS)
• Bio-data page of valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photograph (taken within the last 3 months)
• Scanned copy of passport entry stamp page
• Return airline ticket or confirmed flexible return flight tickets (valid 6+ months)
• Proof of income (3 most recent months' bank statements and salary certificates/payslips)
• Travel and health insurance policy for the entire stay
• Proof of accommodation in Mauritius
• Marriage certificate in English or French (if bringing a spouse)
• Birth certificates in English or French (if bringing children)
• Letter of consent from the other parent (if a child is accompanied by only one parent)
• Criminal record check issued within 3 months (may be requested)
• Documents in foreign languages must include certified translations in English or French

The Premium Visa is valid for 1 year and is renewable indefinitely, provided the holder continues to meet eligibility requirements. To renew, select the "Renewal" option on the online application form, reference the previous visa number, and resubmit all required documents. Renewal should be submitted before the current visa expires.

Spouses (including common-law partners in heterosexual relationships) and dependent children under 24 may be included. Each family member must submit a separate application with their own supporting documents. The income requirement increases by USD 1,500 per month for an additional adult spouse or partner, and USD 500 per month for each child under 24. For example, a couple with one child would need to demonstrate USD 3,500/month in income. Children of Premium Visa holders may enrol in private and international schools in Mauritius.

Premium Visa holders who spend 183 or more days in Mauritius in an income year become tax residents. However, they are taxed on foreign income on a remittance basis only, meaning only income actually transferred to a Mauritian bank account is potentially taxable. Money spent in Mauritius through foreign credit or debit cards is deemed not to have been remitted and is not subject to income tax. Foreign employers of Premium Visa holders are also protected from creating a tax nexus in Mauritius, provided their core business activities are outside the country.

The entire application is submitted online via the EDB Business Portal (NELS) at business.edbmauritius.org. No in-person appointment is required and no application fee is charged.

1. Create an account on the EDB Business Portal
2. Complete the application form (approximately 10 minutes) and upload required documents
3. Submit the application online
4. The EDB processes the application and passes it to the Passport and Immigration Office
5. Receive the approved e-visa via email, typically within 2 working days (48 hours)

Applicants may apply before travelling to Mauritius or during their stay (for instance, after arriving on a tourist visa). The Premium Visa is a multi-entry visa, allowing holders to exit and re-enter Mauritius freely during its validity period. For enquiries, contact the EDB Premium Visa team at +230 203 3800 or premiumvisa@edbmauritius.org.

Holders must not enter the Mauritian labour market under any circumstances. The main place of business and source of income must be outside Mauritius. Freelancers and self-employed individuals may work remotely for foreign clients. The Premium Visa does not confer permanent residency, but holders may apply to transition to an Occupation Permit or Residence Permit through the EDB.

Links

• https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=595
• https://edbmauritius.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FAQs-Premium-Visa.pdf
• https://edbmauritius.org/work-live

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