Hiring with the Occupation Permit: Requirements & Process in Mauritius

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Occupation Permit

The Occupation Permit is issued to non-citizens who will work in Mauritius as employees, self-employed professionals, or investors. For employers, the most relevant category is the Professional Occupation Permit, which applies to foreign nationals hired under an employment contract with a Mauritian company. Approval is generally based on salary thresholds, qualifications, and the genuineness of the role.

Employee Requirements

 
• A confirmed job offer from a Mauritian-registered employer
 
• Qualifications and professional experience relevant to the role
 
• Meeting the minimum salary threshold set by Mauritian authorities
 
• Agreement to work only for the sponsoring employer in the approved position
 
• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity

Required Documents for Employees

 
• Valid passport
 
• CV/resume and proof of professional experience
 
• Academic and professional certificates
 
• Signed employment contract stating role, salary, and duration
 
• Passport-style photographs
 
• Medical certificate and police clearance (where required)

Required Documents for Employers

 
• Company incorporation and business registration documents
 
• Tax registration and compliance certificates
 
• Employment contract meeting Mauritian labour law standards
 
• Job description and justification for hiring a foreign professional
 
• Confirmation that salary thresholds and conditions are met

Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring an Occupation Permit in Mauritius

 
1. The employer confirms the role, salary, and eligibility under the Occupation Permit rules.
 
2. The employer issues a binding job offer or employment contract to the foreign candidate.
 
3. The employee submits the Occupation Permit application (often while abroad or on entry).
 
4. Authorities review the application and may request additional documents or clarification.
 
5. Once approved, the Occupation Permit is issued, granting both residence and work rights.
 
6. The employee can legally live and work in Mauritius under the approved conditions.

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Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For to Sponsor an Occupation Permit

Mauritius has relatively transparent government fees for Occupation Permits. Employers should still budget for administrative effort and compliance-related costs.

Government Fees & Who Pays What

 
• Occupation Permit application fee: Paid at submission.
 
• Permit issuance fee: Paid upon approval (often covering multiple years).
 
• Renewal fees: Apply when extending the permit.

Employer Costs vs. Employee Costs

Costs Born By the Employer

 
• Permit application and renewal fees (often employer-paid)
 
• Internal HR and compliance resources
 
• Optional legal or immigration advisor fees
 
• Relocation or onboarding support (if offered)

Costs Born by the Employee

 
• Personal document preparation costs

Costs Covered by Both

 
• Medical checks and onboarding formalities

Renewal/Extension Fee

Occupation Permits are typically issued for up to three years and can be renewed if employment continues. Employers should start renewal preparations early to avoid gaps in work authorisation.

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Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance

Mauritius places ongoing compliance obligations on sponsoring employers:

 
• Ensure the employee works only in the approved role and for the sponsoring employer.
 
• Maintain compliant employment terms, including salary and benefits.
 
• Report termination or significant changes to employment conditions.
 
• Track permit expiry dates and manage renewals on time.
 
• Keep accurate employment, payroll, and immigration records.
 
• Understand penalties for non-compliance, including fines or permit cancellation.

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Hire Global Talent Your Way with Playroll

Borders shouldn’t slow your hiring plans. Playroll gives you two flexible ways to hire globally. If relocation to Mauritius is required, our visa sponsorship services support you through the Occupation Permit process – from application to compliance.

If relocation isn’t required, Playroll’s Employer of Record solution lets you hire talent in their home country. We handle employment, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can onboard quickly without setting up a local entity. Wherever your next hire is based, we make global employment simple.