Self Employed Entrepreneurs

A minimum investment of USD 35,000 in a professional activity and the provision of two letters of intent from potential clients.

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 you will be required to register on the following link https://companies.govmu.org/ for the procedures to register your activity.

Once you obtain the approval in principle, you will be eligible to obtain a bank account in Mauritius. The initial transfer of USD 35,000, or its equivalent in freely convertible currency, should be transferred to your bank account. 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.

Businesses registered in Mauritius are required to file a return of income with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) annually and effect payment of tax where applicable.

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 can apply for a renewal, subject to a business income of 800,000 rupees per year as from the third year of registration.

You are also eligible to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit provided you have held the residency for at least 3 years, with an annual business income of at least MUR 3 million for 3 consecutive years, immediately preceding the application for the Permanent Residence Permit.

You are also eligible to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit provided you have held the residency for at least 3 years, with an annual business income of at least MUR 3 million for 3 consecutive years, immediately preceding the application for the Permanent Residence Permit.

The Self-Employed Occupation Permit is intended for professionals operating a one-person business activity. However, the recruitment of non-administrative staffs is allowed.

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. Contracts or letters of intent from potential clients (min. of 2)
4. Curriculum Vitae
5. Original Academic and Professional qualifications or true certified copies by competent
6. Passport – Biodata page
7. 1 recent colour passport size digital photograph – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels) (less than six months old)
8. Signed undertaking – to be filled and signed by the applicant.
9. Copy of any other permit – Occupation Permit/Work/Residence Permit

Documents to be uploaded after Approval-In-Principle

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