Mauritius Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Mauritius?

In Mauritius, any non-citizen intending to engage in employment, whether for reward or profit, must possess a valid work permit. This requirement applies across all sectors and job roles, ensuring that foreign nationals are authorized to work within the country's legal framework.

Common Types of Work Visas in Mauritius

Mauritius offers several work visa options tailored to different professional needs and qualifications.

Occupation Permit

The Occupation Permit is one of the most popular work permits in Mauritius, designed for foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the country. It is issued for individuals who have secured employment in Mauritius or are self-employed and intend to contribute their expertise to the local economy. The Occupation Permit is available in three different categories: Employee, Self-employed, and Investor.

Employee Category: For foreign nationals who have secured a job in Mauritius and meet specific salary criteria. The salary threshold is typically set at a minimum of MUR 60,000 per month, but it varies depending on the position and industry.

Self-employed Category: For entrepreneurs or professionals wishing to start a business or work independently in Mauritius.

Investor Category: For foreign nationals who are looking to invest in a business or property in Mauritius, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.

The Occupation Permit is valid for a period of three years and can be renewed. After three years of continuous employment under the Employee category, the permit holder can apply for permanent residency in Mauritius. This is an attractive option for skilled professionals or business owners who plan to stay and contribute to the local economy.

💡 Best work permit option if: The Occupation Permit is ideal for individuals with specific professional skills, entrepreneurs, or investors who wish to live and work in Mauritius. It is best suited for those in specialized sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare, or for those seeking to set up or manage a business in Mauritius.

Work Permit

The Work Permit in Mauritius is primarily aimed at foreign nationals who have secured employment with a Mauritius-based employer but do not meet the criteria for the Occupation Permit. This permit is issued to foreign workers who will be employed in lower-skilled jobs or those whose salary does not meet the minimum threshold for the Occupation Permit.

The work permit is typically valid for the duration of the employment contract, and the employer must demonstrate that they could not find a suitable local candidate for the position. The application process for a Work Permit requires the employer to submit the job offer and provide evidence that the position has been advertised locally before hiring a foreign worker.

A key difference between the Work Permit and the Occupation Permit is that Work Permits are generally issued for lower-skilled positions, while the Occupation Permit caters to higher-skilled professionals. Work Permits are subject to annual renewals, and foreign workers must comply with the terms of the employment contract.

💡 Best work permit option if: This permit is ideal for foreign nationals employed in lower-skilled positions, or for those who do not meet the criteria of the Occupation Permit. It is best suited for industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, and agriculture, where foreign workers are required to fill gaps in the local labor market.

Permanent Resident Permit

The Permanent Resident Permit is a long-term visa option for individuals who have lived and worked in Mauritius for a minimum of three years under an Occupation Permit or who have made a significant investment in the country. The Permanent Resident Permit allows individuals to reside and work in Mauritius indefinitely, without the need for regular renewals.

Applicants for the Permanent Resident Permit must meet specific criteria, such as maintaining a stable income and employment in Mauritius for the duration of the initial permit period. For investors, the requirement is to make a substantial investment, typically in real estate or business ventures, contributing to the country’s economic growth. The permit holder is also allowed to bring their immediate family members to Mauritius.

This permit is an attractive option for those who want to establish a permanent life in Mauritius and who have made a significant contribution to the local economy, either through employment or investment.

💡 Best work permit option if: The Permanent Resident Permit is ideal for foreign nationals who have lived in Mauritius for an extended period (usually three years) and are looking for long-term stability. It’s especially suitable for investors and high-skilled workers who want to enjoy the benefits of living and working permanently in Mauritius.

Investor Permit

The Investor Permit is designed for foreign nationals who wish to establish a business or invest in Mauritius. To qualify for this permit, applicants must invest a significant amount of capital in the local economy. This could be through the purchase of real estate, starting a business, or making a direct investment in an existing business.

The Investor Permit is aimed at high-net-worth individuals who can contribute to the economy by creating jobs, boosting industries, or expanding the real estate market. The applicant must invest a minimum of MUR 15 million in a business or property, and the investment must meet the government's guidelines for economic contribution.

Investor Permit holders can also bring their immediate family members to Mauritius. This permit is valid for a period of 10 years, after which it can be renewed, provided the investment remains active and complies with the regulations set by the government.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in Mauritius. It’s perfect for those who want to create jobs or contribute to the local economy through investments in sectors such as technology, real estate, tourism, or manufacturing.

Short-Term Work Permit

The Short-Term Work Permit is designed for foreign nationals who are in Mauritius for temporary work or short-term assignments. This type of visa is commonly used by individuals who are part of a team for a specific project, or by professionals who are brought in for training, consultancy, or short-term contracts.

The Short-Term Work Permit is usually valid for up to one year, but the duration can vary depending on the specifics of the project or assignment. Applicants must show that their work in Mauritius is limited in scope and duration, and that it will not impact the local job market.

This permit is ideal for professionals who need to work in Mauritius for a specific task or project and who do not plan to stay long-term.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for foreign professionals, contractors, or consultants who are coming to Mauritius for a short-term project, training, or specific job assignment. It is well-suited for businesses that need foreign expertise temporarily without the need for a long-term visa.

Work Permit Application Process in Mauritius (Step-by-step)

In Mauritius, most foreign employees work under either a standard Work Permit with a Residence Permit or an Occupation Permit for professionals, investors, and self-employed individuals. The process is collaborative: your company prepares and submits the sponsorship file, while the employee provides personal documents and attends any required appointments.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that hiring a foreign national is necessary. This typically involves preparing a detailed job description, salary offer, and evidence of local recruitment efforts where required by the Ministry of Labour.
• Step 2: The employer determines the correct route (Work Permit plus Residence Permit or Occupation Permit) based on the role, salary level, and seniority. For example, highly skilled professionals above a set salary threshold may qualify for an Occupation Permit through the Economic Development Board.
• Step 3: The employer gathers corporate documentation. This usually includes the company’s Business Registration Card, Certificate of Incorporation, tax registration details, evidence of good standing, and, if applicable, sector-specific licenses or approvals.
• Step 4: The employee compiles personal and professional documents. These often include a valid passport, CV, educational and professional certificates, reference letters, police clearance, medical certificates where required, and passport-sized photos.
• Step 5: The employer (or authorized agent) completes and submits the application to the competent authority. For Work Permits, this is generally the Ministry of Labour, while Occupation Permit applications are submitted to the Economic Development Board, often via an online portal and then validated in person.
• Step 6: Authorities review the application and may request clarifications or additional documents. During this stage, they assess the genuineness of the role, the company’s compliance history, the candidate’s qualifications, and alignment with local labor and immigration policies.
• Step 7: Once the Work Permit or Occupation Permit is approved, the employee completes any remaining immigration formalities. This can include attending an appointment in Mauritius, providing biometrics, collecting the Residence Permit card, and registering with local authorities where applicable.
• Step 8: After arrival and activation of the permit, both employer and employee must comply with permit conditions. This includes working only in the approved role and for the sponsoring employer, respecting validity periods, and initiating renewals or changes (such as role changes) in advance.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Mauritian Work Permit or Occupation Permit depends on the nature of the role, the candidate’s qualifications, and the employer’s compliance record. Authorities aim to balance skills needs with protection of the local labor market.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Appropriate qualifications and experience: The foreign national should have education and professional experience that clearly match the role. This helps demonstrate that the hire is skills-driven rather than simply filling a role that could be performed by a local worker.
• Minimum salary thresholds for certain categories: Occupation Permits for professionals and some Work Permit categories may require a minimum monthly salary. This ensures that foreign hires are genuinely skilled and prevents undercutting of local wage standards.
• Evidence of local recruitment efforts where applicable: For some roles, employers may be expected to show that they attempted to recruit Mauritian nationals first. This can include job advertisements or records of unsuccessful local recruitment.
• Company good standing and financial viability: Authorities typically expect the sponsoring company to be duly registered, tax compliant, and financially sound. This reduces the risk of abuse and ensures the employer can meet salary and statutory obligations.
• Clean criminal record and good character: Applicants are often asked to provide a recent police clearance certificate from their country of residence. This supports public security objectives and is a common immigration requirement globally.
• Health and medical requirements: In some cases, a medical examination or health certificate may be required. This is to ensure the applicant is fit to work and does not pose a public health risk.
• Valid travel document and immigration status: The employee must hold a passport with sufficient validity and comply with entry rules. Overstays or prior immigration breaches can negatively affect eligibility.

Work Permit Processing Time in Mauritius

Processing times in Mauritius can vary depending on the permit type, sector, and how complete the application is when first submitted. Peak periods or complex cases can extend timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Mauritius can vary depending on whether you are applying for a standard Work Permit, an Occupation Permit, or a short-term Business visa, as well as on background checks and any additional queries from authorities. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often processed in about 4 to 8 weeks after all required documents are submitted and any employer-side conditions are met.
• Permanent Residence: Frequently takes around 3 to 6 months or longer, reflecting more detailed eligibility checks, background verifications, and assessment of long-term integration criteria.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Commonly issued within 1 to 3 weeks once a complete application is lodged, particularly for straightforward business meetings or short technical assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is unique, you can map the process over several weeks to plan onboarding and relocation. Below is a typical high-level timeline assuming a relatively smooth process.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, selects the appropriate permit route, and requests initial documents from the candidate.
• Week 2: Employer compiles corporate documents and drafts application forms, while the employee gathers personal documents, police clearance, and certified qualifications.
• Week 3: Employer (or agent) submits the Work Permit or Occupation Permit application to the relevant Mauritian authority and pays any applicable fees.
• Week 4: Authorities conduct initial screening and may request clarifications or additional documents; employer and employee respond promptly to avoid delays.
• Week 5: In many straightforward cases, a decision is issued or the file moves into final review; the employee prepares for travel and relocation logistics.
• Week 6: Employee attends any required in-person appointment in Mauritius, finalizes Residence Permit formalities, and is cleared to commence work once the permit is activated.

Who Does What During Mauritius Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, selecting the correct permit category, preparing and submitting the sponsorship application, paying relevant government fees, and ensuring compliance with labor, tax, and immigration rules throughout the employment. They must also track expiry dates, manage renewals, and notify authorities of any material changes such as role changes or terminations.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate and complete personal documentation, including qualifications, police clearances, and medical certificates where required. They must attend any interviews or appointments, maintain a valid passport and immigration status, and comply with the specific conditions of their permit, such as working only for the sponsoring employer and within the approved role.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Mauritius

Work Permits and Occupation Permits in Mauritius are typically granted for a fixed period, often tied to the employment contract and permit category, such as up to three years for many professional roles. Renewals usually need to be initiated several months before expiry to allow time for updated documentation, internal approvals, and government processing.

For renewals, authorities will look at ongoing compliance, continued need for the foreign worker, and whether salary, role, and company status still meet the relevant criteria. Practice may vary by sector and permit type, so it is prudent to check current guidance from the Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Labour, or local immigration advisers and to set internal reminders well ahead of permit expiry dates.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Mauritius?

The fees for work permits and visas in Mauritius vary based on the industry and duration of employment.

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Mauritius, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Mauritius

Mauritius offers a Premium Visa designed for digital nomads and remote workers who wish to live in the country while working remotely for businesses outside Mauritius. This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional year.

 
• Proof of Remote Work: Applicants must demonstrate that their primary source of income comes from outside Mauritius.
• Minimum Income: A minimum monthly income of $1,500 is required for individuals, $3,000 for couples, and an additional $500 for each dependent under 24 years old.
• Health and Travel Insurance: Applicants must provide evidence of adequate insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.
• Accommodation Proof: Proof of long-term accommodation arrangements in Mauritius is required.

The application process for the Premium Visa is conducted online, and approvals are typically issued within 48 hours. Applicants should ensure compliance with tax regulations if staying in Mauritius for more than 183 days in a calendar year.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
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