Explore Residency Opportunities in Mauritius with Premium Visa in the Idyllic Indian Ocean

Table of Contents

Introduction

Have you ever dreamt of spending an extended period of time on a tropical island paradise? Of waking up each morning to sunny skies, palm trees and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore? Well, the recently introduced Mauritius Premium Visa offers exactly that – a chance to immerse yourself in island life for up to a year at a time in one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth.

In this blog, we will give you an in-depth look at everything you need to know about the Mauritius Premium Visa. We’ll cover who’s eligible, how to apply, requirements you need to meet and what life on the island is like with this long-term visa. We will also provide tips for finding accommodation, budgeting, healthcare and more. And by the end, you’ll have all the resources you need to make your dream of an extended tropical getaway a reality!

So grab your sunscreen and let’s get right into all the details on this tropical visa!

Premium Visa In-Depth

What is the Premium Visa?

The Mauritius Premium Visa is a long stay visa created by the Mauritian government to encourage more remote workers, frequent travellers, retirees and investors to experience island life for longer periods of time.

Instead of limiting people to short tourist stays of a few weeks, the premium visa allows you to remain in Mauritius for up to one full year. Even better, the initial year is renewable if you fall in love with island living!

The goal is to attract people who will integrate into the community and economy during their extended stays. Rather than brief resort vacations, the government wants to shift the tourism landscape towards more meaningful, sustainable and locally-impactful visits. Note that this is not a visa that can be granted on arrival to Mauritius.

Who Can Apply?

Citizens from the following countries are eligible to apply for the Mauritius Premium Visa initially:

Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Comoros, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Eswatini, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

However, citizens from other nations not on this list can still visit Mauritius under regular tourist visas. Once in the country, they can then apply for a Premium Visa by submitting an online application. This provides more flexibility for digital nomads from a wide range of countries looking to make Mauritius their remote work hub!

Application Requirements

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are the key requirements you’ll need to submit an application:

Valid passport & ID photos: Your passport must be valid for at least another year upon entry. You’ll also need one recent digital passport-sized photo.
Proof of travel insurance: Submit documentation showing you have adequate travel and health insurance to cover your intended initial length of stay (up to 1 year). This ensures you can pay for medical expenses if you get sick or injured.
Flight bookings: Provide flight tickets showing your arrival date to Mauritius and a departure at least 181 days later (up to 365 days). This confirms you plan to stay for an extended period.
Accommodation: Show proof of lodging arrangements for your intended length of stay such as a rental agreement or hotel bookings. More on finding the right place to stay later!
Proof of sufficient funds: Submit bank account statements or records showing you have at least US$1,500 in monthly income (or equivalent in your home currency). This can come from investments, a pension or remote work.
Additional documents if applicable: If you have a dependent spouse or children traveling with you, you’ll need to provide their birth certificates/marriage certificates and other ID documents.

Seem straightforward enough? The full requirements list is available here if you want to see additional details.

Online Application Process

Visit the Economic Development Board Mauritius site and create an account
Select “Work & Live” then “Premium Visa” and fill out the application form
Upload clear scans or photos of all your supporting documents
Double check that every required section shows “Complete”
Submit your application (No payment is required)
Wait for processing (up to 23 working days)
Your e-visa will be issued via email! The premium visa is valid for more than 6 months and up to a year, renewable.
There is no visa processing fee.

After getting approved, you can start planning the extended tropical adventure of your dreams!

Life in Mauritius on the Premium Visa

Once you arrive in Mauritius on a premium visa, you’re allowed to essentially live as a resident while maintaining flexibility. This means you can:

Work remotely: Conduct any kind of digital work or remote employment as long as clients aren’t based locally. Perfect for digital nomads!
Attend school: Enroll in Mauritian educational institutions or academic programs.
Volunteer: Contribute to local communities and causes through volunteerism.
Travel freely: Exit and re-enter Mauritius as needed on the multiple-entry visa.
Extend your stay: Apply to renew your premium visa for a second year in Mauritius.
Switch status: Transition from the premium visa to other long-term immigration routes like investment certificates without leaving the country.

You can also arrive in Mauritius on a tourist visa and apply for the premium visa in-country by following the same steps as above.

So in summary – you’ll have tons of freedom and can make Mauritius your temporary home while on premium visa!

Living in Mauritius Long-Term

Decided you want to spend an extended period of time living the island life in Mauritius? Here are some things you should consider when planning long-term stays under the premium visa programme.

Accommodation Options

One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is finding the right place to stay in Mauritius. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Short Term Rentals

Fully furnished 1-3 month holiday lets are a flexible way to get your bearings when you first arrive. These short term rentals allow you to learn the different areas before committing. Many come with amenities like housekeeping, WiFi and access to pools.

Great areas to look at holiday rentals include the northern village of Grand Baie for its lively resort town vibe, Flic en Flac on the west coast or the peaceful south coast beaches.

Long Term Rentals

If you know you want to really settle in, longer 6 or 12 month property rentals might be ideal. These give you stability and often work out cheaper per month than holiday lets.

When researching long term rentals, look for ones with strong internet connectivity to support remote work. Useful amenities include backup generators in case of tropical storms causing power cuts!

Buying Property

Thanks to recent regulation changes, premium visa holders can also purchase property in Mauritius under certain programmes like Smart City, IRS or RES schemes.

This allows the flexibility to invest in real estate you’ll eventually call home without needing permanent residency yet. Just be aware that minimum purchase prices under these programs start around $350k.

So explore both renting and buying when considering your long term accommodation needs! Pro tip: Join Facebook groups like “Land/House for sale/rent in Mauritius” to stay on top of listings.

Cost of Living Considerations

Mauritius has historically been an expensive destination given high taxes on imports driving up costs of goods. But it remains very affordable compared to most tropical islands and has decent infrastructure.

Here are a few things to factor into your monthly budget:

Housing – Renting a very basic 1 bedroom apartment starts around 15,000 MUR ($340) per month, ranging higher in tourist areas.

Food – Groceries at supermarket chains like Winner’s are comparable to US/UK prices. But eating out at some local restaurants/street food stalls is very cheap – a meal often under 200 MUR ($5).

Utilities – Unlimited prepaid data packages start around 900 MUR ($20) monthly for home broadband. While a postpaid mobile plan with data is around 400 MUR ($10). Note that the word ‘unlimited’ here is a bit of a misnomer: ‘unlimited’ means ‘unlimited up to data package limit’ which can be 200/400 GB per month. At times, some data plans also have a daily cap.

Transportation – An extensive public bus system connects most parts of the island for cheap rates (around 44 MUR or $1 per trip). Though renting a car for costs around 2,000 MUR ($50) per day. Mauritius also has a new metro system, but runs only through the cities (and not coastal areas).

So in general, you can comfortably live on a monthly budget starting around $1,500 per person is needed to qualify. And you can trim costs further by renting in less central areas, shopping locally and taking buses and the metro.

Setting Up a Bank Account

While your foreign income won’t be taxed in Mauritius, you may still want to open a local bank account during your long term stay for convenience paying rent or other expenses.

Major banks like the State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) and the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) both have streamlined processes for foreigners to open Mauritian bank accounts. Usually you just need to present your passport, proof of address (like a rental agreement) and initial deposit funds. They may ask for a bank reference and original/certified statements from your bank in the country you were normally resident.

Absa Bank (Mauritius) is also another worthwhile contender – application and account opening seem to be much faster and less strenuous.

We recommend comparing monthly fees and minimum balances to find the best banking option.

State Bank of Mauritius (SBM): https://banking.sbmgroup.mu/individual/accounts

Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB): https://mcb.mu

Absa Bank (Mauritius): https://www.absabank.mu/en/personal

Taxes in Mauritius

One common question is – will your foreign income get taxed while in Mauritius on a premium visa?

The simple answer is no. The Mauritian Revenue Authority has explicitly stated:

“Income derived from outside Mauritius by a holder of a Premium Visa will not be subject to tax in Mauritius.”

However, they continue:

“The holder of a Premium Visa will be liable to pay income tax on money brought and deposited in a bank account in Mauritius…”

So in essence, you only pay taxes on funds you bring into local Mauritian bank accounts.

There’s also an exemption that the first 325,000 MUR ($7,400) deposited into Mauritian bank accounts per year is tax free. And even funds above that threshold get a reduced income tax rate between 2-20%.

The bottom line – it takes some intentional effort to trigger actual Mauritian income tax exposure!

You can find more information on the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) website.

Healthcare & Emergencies

Mauritius has a good network of public and private medical providers to care for any health issues that pop up during your long term stay.

For minor illnesses, we recommend visiting one of the many private doctor clinics across the island which charge around 800 MUR ($20) per appointment. They can prescribe medication and order scans or tests as General Practitioners.

However, for more advanced treatment you’ll want to go to a major public hospital like Victoria Hospital or private facility like C-Care Wellkin (formerly Apollo Bramwell). Our own preference would be to stick to private healthcare in Mauritius. International health insurance plans are widely accepted if anything serious happens.

When it comes to medical emergencies, Mauritius has modern ambulance services that you can call for free at 114. Or the police emergency hotline is 999 if safety issues arise.

Service	Number(s)	Additional Notes
Police	999 or 112	Use 999 for immediate emergencies; 112 for non-urgent calls.
Fire Services	995 or 115	Use 995 for fire emergencies; 115 for non-urgent calls.
SAMU Ambulances	114	For medical emergencies and ambulance dispatch.
National Directory	150	Reach businesses and services across Mauritius.
Tourist Info	152	Get help and advice during your trip to Mauritius.
Weather	171 and 96 for cyclone reports	Check current weather conditions and stay informed about cyclones.
Flight Information	6033030	Get flight information and updates from Mauritius Airport.

We highly advise getting travel insurance that includes medical evacuation given the island’s remote Indian Ocean location. Some policies also include emergency dental care which can come in handy!

Final Thoughts and Our Own Personal Experience (Including Some Handy Tips!)

We hope this guide gave you an in-depth look at the incredible opportunities now available under the (relatively) new Mauritius Premium Visa programme.

Spending up to a year living and working remotely against the backdrop of this tropical island paradise sounds pretty tempting doesn’t it?

Now that you know all the requirements, costs and logistics involved, you can decide if applying for premium visa makes sense for your location independent lifestyle.

Maybe you’re a digital nomad looking for a change of pace from the standard Chiang Mai or Bali routes. Or a retiree seeking an exotic home base with unspoiled natural beauty. Perhaps an investor interested in diving into Mauritian real estate.

Whatever your situation, the Mauritius Premium Visa provides the launch pad to experience this remote island nation for an extended duration any of these groups will appreciate.

So if white sand beaches, vibrant reefs and swaying palms sound like the perfect office view, go ahead and apply for your chance to call Mauritius home for the next year!

You may also want to read our blog about our own experience on the ground here (including some handy tips)!
Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions. And we hope to see you posting future travel photos enjoying coastal hikes and street food adventures in Mauritius soon!

Mauritius Premium Visa FAQs

What is the Premium Visa for residency in Mauritius?

The Premium Visa is a long-stay visa offered by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, allowing foreign nationals to live and work remotely from Mauritius for a period of one year.

Is the government of Mauritius actively promoting the Premium Visa?

Yes, the government has actively promoted the Premium Visa with the announcement that “Mauritius is open” to attract foreign nationals interested in living and working in this stunning island nation while enjoying its cultural and natural attractions.

Who is eligible to apply for the Premium Visa in Mauritius?

Foreign nationals who intend to stay in Mauritius for a period exceeding 180 days in a calendar year can apply for the Premium Visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set by the government of Mauritius.

What are the benefits of the Premium Visa in Mauritius?

The Premium Visa allows holders to work remotely from Mauritius, open a bank account in Mauritius and enjoy the idyllic lifestyle of the Indian Ocean while complying with the required tax regulations.

Can I apply for the Premium Visa if I want to explore residency opportunities in Mauritius?

Absolutely! The Premium Visa is designed for individuals who wish to explore residency opportunities in Mauritius, offering them the flexibility to live and work remotely from this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean.

What is the application process for the Premium Visa in Mauritius?

Applicants need to submit their application to the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, providing all the necessary documents and information to qualify for the Premium Visa. Everything is done online and is free of charge.

Can I qualify for the Premium Visa if I have already been living in Mauritius?

Foreign nationals already residing in Mauritius or elsewhere can still apply for the Premium Visa, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and intend to stay in Mauritius for a period exceeding 180 days in a calendar year.

How long does it take to get approved?

Processing times vary, but when applying they mention up to 23 working days to receive your approval letter and official visa docs.

Can I enter and exit multiple times on the visa?

Yes, the premium visa allows unlimited entries and exits. You can leave Mauritius and return anytime within the 1 year validity without issues.

Will my foreign income get taxed?

No, only funds deposited directly into Mauritian bank accounts face potential income tax after an initial exemption threshold.

What documents do I need for dependents?

Any spouse or children under 18 years old require additional documents like marriage and birth certificates as well a letter of consent for children when accompanied by one parent only. Passports and insurance coverage are also required. You will need to show monthly income of $1,500 per adult and $500 per child to meet the eligibility requirements.

How far in advance should I apply for renewal?

Submit your renewal application and documents before your current visa expiration to ensure enough processing time. There is no official guideline as to how far in advance but we would suggest around 1-2 weeks before your current visa expires.

What if I intend to stay in Mauritius for a period exceeding 180 days in a calendar year?

The premium visa allows you to stay up to one year, which exceeds the 180 days limit. Therefore, if you intend to stay in Mauritius for a period exceeding 180 days in a calendar year, the premium visa is the right choice.

Can I extend my stay in Mauritius beyond the initial one-year period with the Premium Visa?

Yes, holders of the Premium Visa can apply for an extension if they wish to continue their residency in Mauritius beyond the initial one-year period, subject to meeting the government’s regulations and requirements.

Can I transition to Mauritian permanent residency?

Yes! Spending 1-2 years in Mauritius on premium visas can qualify you for permanent residence routes under the country’s skilled professional and investor programs.

Who should I contact if I need more information about the premium visa?

If you need more details about the premium visa, you can get in touch with the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius. They will guide you through the process and provide you with all the necessary information.

What happens if my application gets denied?

Don’t panic! The authorities will provide an explanation why and allow you to apply again with any missing or incorrect documents fixed.