Investment in High Tech Machines and Equipment

A minimum investment of USD 25,000 must be coupled with the value of high technology machines and equipment, aggregating to a total minimum value of USD 50,000.

The high technology machines and equipment must be in use in a qualifying activity including, but not limited, to:

• agro-industry, aquaculture, healthcare, ICT-BPO, fin-tech, life sciences, biotechnology, manufacturing, ocean economy and renewable energy.

An invoice issued from the supplier and a report from a recognized Chartered Valuator in the country of origin will be required to certify the value of the high technology machines and equipment.

In case the high technology machines and equipment is yet to be shipped to Mauritius, a bill of lading will then be required.

If the valuation by the Custom Department in Mauritius differs from the value stated in the invoice or the Bill of lading, you will be required to transfer the remaining balance in terms of freely convertible foreign currency.

For more information, you may access the following link https://www.edbmauritius.org/info-centre

The high technology machines and equipment must be used for the proposed business activity.

You can start the application process online without having to travel to Mauritius. The National Electronic Licensing System is a dedicated online platform that caters for the whole process: from submission of application until issue of the approval in principle letter.

For security and identification purposes, you will be required to register prior to the use of the online platform, accessible on the following link https://business.edbmauritius.org/.

The Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) is a one-stop shop for starting a business and it offers a variety of options in terms of category, nature and type of company. You will be required to register on the following link https://companies.govmu.org/ to start the procedures to set up a company.

Once you obtain the approval in principle email, you will be eligible to open a bank account in Mauritius. The initial transfer of USD 25,000, or its equivalent in freely convertible currency, should be transferred in the bank account of the company under which the application will be made. The transfer of funds is a pre-requisite for the issue of the Occupation Permit.

A non-regulated activity does not require any licence or clearance to start operations. A regulated activity as opposed with require a clearance/licence from the relevant public sector agency prior to the start of operations or within a defined timeframe, after operations have started.

You will be informed of the need to apply for a clearance/licence following the submission of your application for an Occupation Permit. The clearance/licence is requirement to obtain an Occupation Permit.

Companies incorporated in Mauritius are required to file a return of income with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) annually and effect payment of tax where applicable. An annual return must also be filed with the Corporate and Business Registration Department.

As a foreign national, you may acquire a residential property developed under the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). The foreign national is also allowed to acquire an apartment located in a building of at least ground plus two floors.

In addition, a non-citizen who has a residence permit under IRS/RES/PDS is exempted from the requirement to hold an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.

Immigration policies in Mauritius strongly promote family reunion/reunification. Dependents of Occupation Permit holders and/or Retired non-citizens are eligible to apply for a residence permit, allowing them to live in Mauritius for the same duration as the main holder.

Dependents are referred to as spouse (including Common Law Partner of the opposite sex), parents and children (including stepchildren or lawfully adopted children) who are unmarried and not engage in any gainful activity.

Application for a Residence Permit as dependent is made to and determined by the Passport and Immigration Office.

You are eligible to renew your Occupation Permit at its expiry, subject to your company having achieved a gross income of at least MUR 4 million annually, as from the third year of registration.

You are also eligible to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit, after at least 3 years of residency, provided that the following criteria have been satisfied:

• achieving an annual gross income of at least MUR 15 million for 3 consecutive years preceding the application for the Permanent Residence Permit application

or

• achieving an aggregate turnover of MUR 45 million for any consecutive period of 3 years preceding the Permanent Residence Permit application.

NEW APPLICATION

Preliminary documents to be uploaded online for Approval-In-Principle

1. Birth Certificate – original (either in English or French) If not, a certified/sworn translated copy by a competent authority should be submitted.
2. Detailed Business Plan – as per template provided.
3. Invoice issued by the supplier and a report from a recognized Chartered Valuator in the country of origin or a bill of lading in case the high technology machines and equipment is yet to be shipped.
4. Passport – Biodata page
5. 1 recent colour passport size digital photograph – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels) (less than six months old)
6. Signed undertaking – to be filled and signed by the applicant.
7. Copy of any other permit, if applicable– Occupation Permit/Work/Residence Permit 

Documents to be uploaded and presented in originals after Approval-In-Principle

1. Business Registration Card
2. Certificate of Incorporation
3. Register of Shareholders and Directors
4. Investment (evidence of transfer of funds from abroad in a local bank account of the company)
5. Clearances/licenses/letter of intent for regulated activities (GBL, TEL, etc)
6. Marriage Certificate / Divorce Certificate– original (either in English or French) If not, a certified/sworn translated copy by a competent authority should be submitted.
7. Medical Certificate and reports – less than six months old
8. Last entry visa pages
9. Processing fee
10. Any other document as may be required.

RENEWAL

Preliminary documents to be uploaded online for Approval-In-Principle

1. Certificate of Incorporation
2. Business Registration Card
3. Register of Shareholders and Directors
4. Clearances/licenses/letter of intent for regulated activities (GBL, TEL, etc)
5. Passport – Biodata page
6. 1 recent colour passport size digital photograph – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels) (less than six months old)
7. Copy of Occupation Permit
8. Signed undertaking – to be filled and signed by the applicant

 Documents to be uploaded after Approval-In-Principle

1. Processing fee
2. Any other document as may be required.

Note to applicants

All documents uploaded prior and after the Approval-In-Principle must be presented in originals on the appointment date.