Mauritius Premium Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Mauritius Permium Visa: An Overview

The Mauritius Premium Visa is an innovative long-stay visa introduced by the Mauritian government to encourage foreign nationals to reside on the island for an extended period, allowing them to experience the country’s unique blend of professional opportunity, a balanced lifestyle, and tropical beauty. Launched in late 2020, the visa is a strategic initiative aimed at stimulating tourism demand and attracting professionals, retirees, and visitors seeking a safe and exotic environment for a long-term retreat or remote work.

It is primarily targeted at three key demographics:

1. Tourists who wish to enjoy an extended holiday.

2. Retirees seeking a secure and peaceful lifestyle to spend their golden years.

3. Professionals (often referred to as digital nomads) willing to come with their families and work remotely from Mauritius.

The Premium Visa is required for anyone intending to stay in the country for a cumulative period exceeding 180 days in a calendar year, as a standard tourist visa generally limits the stay to 180 days. A significant feature is that the visa is issued free of charge, with no processing fee applicable.

Eligilibity Criteria:

To qualify for the Premium Visa, applicants must demonstrate proof of their long-stay plans and meet several fundamental criteria, ensuring they do not impact the local labour market:

• Non-Employment in Mauritius: The applicant is strictly prohibited from entering the Mauritius labour market. This means the individual cannot take up employment with a Mauritian-registered company.

• External Source of Income: The main place of business and/or source of income and profits must be outside of Mauritius. This is a crucial requirement for remote workers and professionals.

• Sufficient Funds: Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay in Mauritius. A common guideline specifies a minimum of USD $1,500 per month for each adult applicant and USD $500 per month for each dependent child.

• Insurance: Applicants must possess sufficient travel and health insurance for the entire intended initial period of stay.

• Long Stay Plans and Accommodation: Documentary evidence supporting the purpose of the visit and plans for accommodation is mandatory (e.g., hotel booking, rental agreement, or letter of invitation from a host).

• Other Basic Immigration Requirements: The applicant must also fulfil other standard immigration requirements.

Benefits:

The Premium Visa offers a host of benefits that make Mauritius an attractive option for a long-term stay:

• Extended Stay: The primary advantage is the one-year duration, renewable, providing stability for remote work or a long retirement.

• Work-Life Balance: The island is famed for its high quality of life, political stability, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination to achieve a work-life balance.

• Taxation: A favorable tax regime applies to Premium Visa holders. Income earned outside of Mauritius is generally not subject to Mauritian income tax, provided it is not remitted or deposited into a bank account in Mauritius. Money spent via foreign credit or debit cards is not considered remitted. A person only becomes a tax resident if they spend 183 days or more in the country in an income year.

• Path to Residency: Premium Visa holders can use their time on the island to explore long-term residence options. They can apply for an Occupation Permit if they later decide to work or invest in Mauritius, or a Residence Permit as a retired non-citizen.

• Property Acquisition: Visa holders are permitted to acquire residential property under various government-approved real estate schemes (such as IRS, RES, PDS, or SCS), or an apartment in a building of at least ground plus two floors.