Mauritius is a country with a stable economy that attracts a significant number of expats, including those looking for employment. Find out more about the conditions for moving to Mauritius, available jobs, types of work permits and taxation system, as well as where and how foreigners can find work in the country

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, which is located off the east coast of Africa and is part of the Mascarene Islands. Today, it is one of the most successful countries in the region with a stable economy that has consistently demonstrated good results in recent years. That is why Mauritius attracts expats looking for a place to work.

How to move to the island of Mauritius for work? Mauritius is much more affordable than you think. A detailed guide for foreigners follows.

The labor market on the island of Mauritius

Mauritius, with its strong economy, offers numerous opportunities for foreign workers. The main sector in the country's economy is agriculture, in particular the production of sugar cane. Product exports make up 25% of the country's total income. Also important economic sectors on the island of Mauritius are:

- Tourism – the island's natural beauty attracts a large number of tourists, therefore tourism plays an important role in the country's economy.

- Technology – Mauritius has established itself as an offshore tax haven, attracting many foreign companies, especially in the technology sector.

- Finance - the country is rapidly developing financial services, which are mainly focused on such markets as India and some parts of Africa.

- Luxury real estate - private investments in real estate are growing, foreigners are increasingly buying housing on the island.

Types of work permits in Mauritius

Obtaining a work permit is an important stage in the employment process. There are several different types of permissions, and you'll need to determine which one is right for your needs:

- Investor's permit: an investor has the right to apply for an investor's permit to work in four options: contributions, investment in high-tech machines and equipment, purchase of assets, investment in innovative startups.

- Professional permit: a professional working in Mauritius through an employment contract. Specialists can also apply for a short-term professional permit for a period not exceeding nine months. The work permit can be extended only once, for a period not exceeding three months

- Young Professionals Permit: International students who have obtained a bachelor's degree from a Mauritian university are eligible to apply for a YPOP (a work permit valid for a maximum of three years, depending on the duration of the employment contract).

- Permit for self-employed persons: non-citizens who are engaged in professional activities only in the service sector and are registered in the Register of Enterprises in accordance with the Law on Business Registration. For this type of permit, it is necessary to pay $35,000. To renew the permit, the business activity must bring in 800,000 MUR per year starting from the third year of company registration.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, take the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

In what areas do expats work on the island of Mauritius?

Mauritian employers are looking for specialists in various fields, but most foreigners are recruited in the following fields:

- Sales and marketing.

- Banking.

-  Accounting.

- Computing and IT.

- Engineering, production and construction.

- Health care and social security.

- Finance (including FinTech).

- Architecture.

How to find a job in Mauritius? Step-by-step guide.

Step 1 – create a resume taking into account the needs of the labor market of the island of Mauritius

The first step in finding a job in Mauritius is to create a CV that meets the expectations of local employers. It is important to highlight your skills and experience while adhering to local standards.

Be sure to include a professional photo, work experience at local firms (if applicable) and emphasize your language skills, as knowledge of English and French is often a major advantage.

In addition, we advise you to personalize your resume separately for each vacancy.

Step 2 – use local job search platforms

There are several online platforms where you can find a job in Mauritius. In particular, many vacancies are posted on the MyJob.mu portal. You can also find certain offers on the Ministry of Labor website. These platforms offer various opportunities in different sectors and are regularly updated with new job announcements.

Joining professional associations, participating in networking groups, and being active on professional online platforms like LinkedIn can make your job search much easier.

In addition to online platforms, it's also helpful to check local newspaper ads and contact companies you're interested in directly.

Step 3 – participate in forums and professional events

Job forums and professional events are a great opportunity to meet potential employers, make contacts, and stay up-to-date on the latest market trends.

Mauritius regularly hosts job fairs and professional conferences that can be useful for job seekers.

Advantages and disadvantages of moving to Mauritius

Living on a tropical island like Mauritius offers many advantages: beautiful beaches, lush nature and pleasant weather all year round.

However, life on the island also has its challenges. Geographical isolation can sometimes seem "limited" because the number of fast international trips is decreasing.

Also, while cultural diversity is an asset, it may also require an adjustment period to understand and respect different customs and traditions

Salaries may be lower than in Western countries, but it is important to compare them with the local cost of living. Although some imported products are more expensive, many other costs, such as housing, food and services, can cost significantly less.

Tax system on the island of Mauritius

While Mauritius is a duty-free haven for tourists, residents of the island pay 15% VAT on relevant goods. The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.

Residents of Mauritius must pay income tax starting at 10% and reaching a maximum of 30%. For tax purposes, you will be classified as a resident if you spend 183 days or more in the country in a tax year. It should be noted that those who are fiscally resident in Mauritius will be taxed on their total global income, while non-residents will be taxed in Mauritius only on their local income.

Mauritius is an attractive place for professionals looking for work in a remote region with a wonderful climate, nature and a highly developed economy.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

To ensure a safe move to Mauritius, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.

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