The updated immigration policy of Mauritius in 2025 increases the requirements for investors and workers. Find out about the current rules for obtaining work and residence permits in Mauritius in 2025: what changes have been introduced for investors and specialists, what documents are required and what mistakes most often lead to refusals

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Mauritius has updated its immigration policy, making the conditions for foreign investors, workers and specialists more stringent. The new requirements are aimed at increasing transparency and ensuring a real economic contribution of foreigners to the country's development. The rules will affect all expats, including citizens of Nepal, Nigeria and Kenya.

We will tell you about the current changes and types of permits in Mauritius in this article.

Types of work permits in Mauritius

An important step in the employment process is obtaining a work permit. There are several different types of permits, and you will need to determine which one suits your reasons:

- Investor permit: an investor is entitled to apply for an investor work permit under four options: contributions, investment in high-tech machinery and equipment, purchase of assets, investment in innovative startups.

- Professional permit: a specialist working in Mauritius through an employment contract. Professionals 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).

- Self-employed Permit: Non-citizens who are engaged in professional activities only in the service sector and are registered with the Companies Registry in accordance with the Business Registration Act. This type of permit requires a payment of $35,000. To renew the permit, the business activity must generate MUR 800,000 per year, starting from the third year of registration of the company.

What changes has Mauritius introduced to the procedure for obtaining residence and work permits in 2025?

In 2025, Mauritius introduced new immigration rules that make it more difficult to obtain work and residence permits. The changes apply to investors, young professionals and permanent residence applicants.

- Investor Permits

Professional permits are now issued for a period of up to 10 years, but with the introduction of interim reviews. In the fifth year, the Economic Development Board (EDB) will assess whether the investor has met the required financial indicators. If the criteria are not met, the permit may be revoked. If the requirements are met, the investor can remain in Mauritius until the end of the 10-year period.

- Conditions for young professionals

A minimum salary has been introduced for the first time for permit holders in this category. Young professionals must earn at least MUR 25,000 (US$550) per month. Previously, there was no salary requirement.

- Permanent Residency

To apply for permanent residency, foreign investors, professionals, self-employed individuals and retirees must have resided in Mauritius for at least five years with a valid residence permit (previously three years). In addition, financial requirements for income and investment have been increased for all categories.

How will the updated rules affect foreign workers?

The updated rules more clearly link the stay of foreigners to their economic contribution. This approach demonstrates the authorities’ desire to ensure control and stability in the long term.

In what sectors do expats work in Mauritius?

Mauritian employers are looking for specialists in a variety of fields, but the following sectors attract the most foreigners:

- Sales and Marketing.

- Banking.

- Accounting.

- Computing and IT.

- Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction.

- Healthcare and Social Security.

- Finance (including FinTech).

- Architecture.

Documents and Procedure for Applying for a Mauritius Work Permit

To obtain a work permit and/or residence permit in Mauritius, you will usually need to prepare:

- Passport (copy of the personal data page) with a validity period exceeding the period of stay.

- Several recent passport-sized photographs.

- Academic/professional qualifications (originals or certified copies) as appropriate for the position.

- Candidate’s resume/CV.

- Employment contract with detailed job description.

- Proof of residence – proof of residence, address in Mauritius.

- Business/company documents, if employment is through a company: Business Registration, Certificate of Incorporation, ownership structure, company activities, etc.

- Medical certificate/medical examination – often required for new applications.

Where to apply for a Mauritius work permit?

- Work permit applications via the E-Work Permit Portal (online).

- For Residence Permit / residence permit - through Passport & Immigration Office.

Processing time: Work permit - usually 4-6 weeks, if all documents are in order.

But sometimes there can be delays, depending on the complexity of the checks, sponsoring company, medical certificates, etc.

Common reasons for refusals and how to avoid them

Here are the most common reasons for refusals:

- Incomplete documents / incorrect registration

- Insufficient copies, not certified or without translation, if necessary.

- Missing documents confirming qualifications or experience.

- Insufficient information about the sponsoring company.

- No evidence of business registration, company history, turnover, employees.

- Inconsistency of salary / financial criteria - especially now, when minimum thresholds (salary, income, investments) are introduced for young professionals and investors.

- If the salary or financial contribution does not meet the requirements.

- Medical reasons or lack of medical certificate

- No medical examination or certificate submitted; if health problems are found that contradict immigration standards.

- Problems with residence or address.

- No confirmed address, no residence permit or documents confirming residence.

- Insufficient justification of the purpose or conditions of work.

- If the role is not clearly described, the contract is unclear, or there is no evidence of a risk that there are no suitable candidates in the local market.

- If the information declared in the questionnaire does not match other data submitted.

- Late submission or violation of deadlines.

- Fees not paid on time.

- Missed deadlines for response or submission of additional documents.

Therefore, the new rules of Mauritius make the permit system more demanding and structured. For successful employment or investment, it is important to prepare all documents in advance, meet financial criteria and clearly prove the economic value of your activity. Thorough preparation and compliance with the updated requirements significantly increase the chances of obtaining a permit and a long-term stay on the island.

If you are planning to work or invest in Mauritius, it is worth consulting with migration lawyers in advance. They will help you assess your chances of obtaining a permit, prepare documents correctly and avoid refusals.

Photo – Freepik

As a reminder! Mauritius is a country with a stable economy that attracts a significant number of expats, including those looking for employment. We have already talked about the conditions for moving to Mauritius, available jobs, types of work permits and the taxation system, as well as where and how foreigners can look for work in the country.