This guide covers the main points: how the process works, how the options compare and how to prepare your plan with the full picture.<\/p>\n\n
What is permanent residence in Mauritius?<\/h2>\n\n
The Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) is a long-term residence permit. It is open to foreign investors, professionals, self-employed people and retirees.<\/p>\n\n
Unlike a temporary permit, the PRP lets you live and work in Mauritius without the renewal conditions of your original permit. It is valid for 20 years and can be renewed for a further 20 years, as long as you meet the conditions.<\/p>\n\n
The PRP is not automatic, even after several years on the island. You must meet specific criteria. These vary depending on your activity, your income and your previous residence status. \n<\/p>\n\n
Permanent residence is also different from Mauritian citizenship. A PRP does not give you citizenship automatically. \n<\/p>\n\n
To plan your move, start by identifying the category that fits your situation. Then check the requirements in force when you submit your application.<\/p>\n\n
Who can get permanent residence in Mauritius in 2026?<\/h2>\n\n
The PRP criteria depend mainly on four profiles:<\/p>\n\n
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\n \t
- Investors<\/strong><\/li>
\n \t
- Salaried professionals<\/strong><\/li> \n \t
- Self-employed people<\/strong><\/li> \n \t
- Retirees<\/strong><\/li> \n<\/ul><\/p>\n\n
Another scheme, the Golden Visa,<\/a>\u00a0has opened a new route since 2026. It is linked to a major investment in certain economic sectors.<\/p>\n\n
For the standard routes, showing your income on the day you apply is not enough. You must have held the relevant permit for a minimum period. You must also meet the financial criteria over the required period.<\/p>\n\n
Permanent residence (PRP): criteria by category<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\n
Category<\/th> Permit you must hold<\/th> Required period<\/th> Financial criterion<\/th> Documents to keep<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Investor<\/td> Investor Occupation Permit<\/td> 5 years<\/td> Turnover of at least MUR 15 million per year for five consecutive years, or aggregate turnover of at least MUR 75 million over a consecutive five-year period<\/td> Company financial records<\/td><\/tr> Professional<\/td> Professional Occupation Permit or valid work permit<\/td> 5 years<\/td> Basic salary of at least MUR 400,000 per month for 5 consecutive years<\/td> Employment contracts, payslips<\/td><\/tr> Self-employed<\/td> Self-employed Occupation Permit <\/td> 5 years<\/td> Annual business income of at least MUR 3 million for five consecutive years, or aggregate turnover of at least MUR 15 million over a consecutive five-year period<\/td> Tax returns, accounts<\/td><\/tr> Retiree<\/td> Residence Permit as a Retired Non-Citizen<\/td> 5 years<\/td> At least USD 200,000 transferred over the five consecutive years preceding the application<\/td> Bank statements showing the transfers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n The PRP is valid for 20 years and renewable. MUR: Mauritian rupees. Criteria published by the Economic Development Board (EDB). Confirm them when you apply.<\/em><\/p><\/p>\n\n
For investors<\/h3>\n\n
Foreign investors can apply for a permanent residence permit after holding an Occupation Permit as an Investor for at least five years.<\/p>\n\n
The criteria published by the Economic Development Board (EDB) give two options:<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- Annual turnover of at least 15 million Mauritian rupees (MUR) in each of the five years before you apply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Or total turnover of at least MUR 75 million over a consecutive five-year period before you apply.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
These thresholds apply to the company\u2019s activity. You must back them up with the right financial documents. \n<\/p>\n\n
If you plan to set up a business in Mauritius, take this requirement into account from the planning stage. The choice of activity, your turnover forecasts and the company structure can all affect whether you can apply for the PRP later.<\/p>\n\n
For salaried professionals<\/h3>\n\n
Foreign professionals may also be eligible after five years under a Professional Occupation Permit or a valid work permit.<\/p>\n\n
The published financial criterion for this category is a monthly basic salary of at least MUR 400,000 for five consecutive years<\/strong> immediately preceding the application.<\/p>\n\n
The requirement therefore relates to basic salary and its continuity over time. It should not be confused with the salary thresholds applicable to an initial work or residence permit.<\/p>\n\n
The application deadline also requires particular attention. According to the published criteria, the application must be submitted within six months of meeting the eligibility requirements. It is advisable to verify the applicable rules with the relevant authorities before this deadline expires.<\/p>\n\n
For self-employed professionals<\/h3>\n\n
Self-employed professionals have a specific route to permanent residency. They must have held an Occupation Permit in this category for at least five years and meet one of the following financial criteria:<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- Have generated an annual business income of at least MUR 3 million in each of the five years preceding the application.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Or have achieved a cumulative turnover of at least MUR 15 million over a consecutive five-year period immediately preceding the application.
\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
As with investors, keeping clear records of business activities and income is essential. It is advisable to retain tax returns, proof of income and the relevant accounting documents from the outset.<\/p>\n\n
The application must be submitted within the prescribed timeframe once the eligibility requirements have been met. Self-employed professionals planning a long-term move to Mauritius should therefore anticipate this step in consultation with their accountant and the professionals handling their residency application.<\/p>\n\n
For foreign retirees<\/h3>\n\n
Foreign retirees may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) after holding a Residence Permit under the Retired Non-Citizen category for at least five years.<\/p>\n\n
The financial requirement is based on funds transferred to Mauritius. The total amount must reach at least USD 200,000 over the five consecutive years immediately preceding the application,<\/strong> or the equivalent in another freely convertible currency.<\/p>\n\n
This route is intended for individuals who wish to make Mauritius their long-term place of residence without necessarily pursuing professional activity on the island.<\/p>\n\n
It is important to retain bank records and supporting documents for all transfers made from abroad.<\/p>\n\n
The requirements for the initial retirement permit and those for permanent residency are separate.<\/p>\n\n
Golden Visa in Mauritius in 2026: a new route to permanent residency<\/h2>\n\n
The Golden Visa is one of the new initiatives announced by the Mauritian authorities in 2026. The scheme is aimed in particular at high-net-worth investors and international entrepreneurs who wish to settle in Mauritius while developing an economic activity in sectors considered strategic. \n<\/p>\n\n
The Economic Development Board (EDB) describes the Golden Visa as an electronic visa initially valid for two years, with the possibility of renewal. The scheme requires an investment commitment of at least USD 1 million within the first 12 months<\/strong>\u00a0in a project operating in an eligible sector.<\/p>\n\n
The sectors concerned include financial services, fintech, information and communications technology, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, education, renewable energy, the blue economy and the creative industries.<\/p>\n\n
Once the required investment has been made, the holder becomes eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). Permanent residency is therefore not granted automatically. Eligibility and the issuance of the permit remain subject to the applicable procedures and checks. \n<\/p>\n\n
The Golden Visa relates to an economic investment in an eligible sector. It should not be confused with the purchase of a villa or apartment to obtain a residence permit under an approved property development scheme. However, Golden Visa holders are still entitled to purchase residential property. According to the EDB, they may acquire a property within an approved scheme (IRS, RES, PDS or Smart City), or an apartment in a building comprising at least two floors above ground level.<\/p>\n\n
Obtaining residency in Mauritius through property investment: what are the requirements?<\/h2>\n\n
Purchasing property is another option for foreign nationals wishing to live in Mauritius. However, the rules differ from those governing a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP).<\/p>\n\n
![\"Obtaining](\"https:\/\/cote-sud.mu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HRS06455_LR-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>Domaine d\u2019Anbalaba is developed under the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n In certain approved property schemes, foreign buyers may be eligible for a residence permit linked to property ownership<\/a>. The scheme depends on the development concerned and compliance with the conditions set by the authorities.<\/p>\n\n
The Property Development Scheme (PDS), for example, allows a non-citizen purchasing a residential property for more than USD 375,000 to be eligible for a residence permit. Their spouse and children under the age of 24 may also qualify for residence permits under this scheme.<\/p>\n\n
- Salaried professionals<\/strong><\/li> \n \t
![\"golf](\"https:\/\/cote-sud.mu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/golf-ile-maurice-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n