The Self-Employed visa is ideal for a freelancer, a digital nomad, who wishes to relocate to Mauritius. It provides the opportunity to offer professional services to both domestic and international clients. You can enjoy the warm weather and beautiful beaches, and you can also live a very active life and discover nature. To help plan your relocation or extended stay, discover the best time to visit Mauritius for optimal weather conditions.
How can I apply for the settlement offered by the investment program?
To do this, you must invest at least $35,000 in a professional activity and submit letters of intent from two potential clients.
To make the investment, you must deposit the $35,000 into a local bank account at the time of application, which can then be used freely.
Do I need to travel to Mauritius to start the self-employed visa application process?
You can also start the application process online without having to travel to Mauritius.
The National Electronic Authorization System is a dedicated online platform that guides you through the entire self-employed visa process from the submission of the application to the issuance of the letter of in-principle approval.
However, before using the online platform, you need to register for security and identification purposes.
However, we recommend that you do this through a visa agency that will guide you through the process.
For this purpose, we recommend Smart traveller , with whom we have had many positive experiences.
How do I start a business in Mauritius?
The Companies and Business Registration Department (CBRD) is a one-stop shop for starting your business. You need to register at the following link for the procedures required to register your business: https://companies.govmu.org/
When do I need to transfer the required funds?
Once you have received the in-principle approval, you will be eligible to open a bank account in Mauritius. The initial USD 35,000, or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency, must be transferred to our your bank account. The transfer of this amount is a prerequisite for the issuance of an Occupation Permit.
Will I need any permits/licenses to start operating my business?
If it is an unregulated activity, no permit or license will be required to start operations. However, in the case of a regulated activity , a permit/license will be required from the relevant government agency either before or after the start of operations (in the latter case, within a specified period).
After submitting your application for a Self-Employed visa (Occupational Permit), you will automatically be informed that you need to apply for a permit/license. The permit/license is required to obtain the Occupational Permit.
When do I have to file my tax return?
For businesses registered in Mauritius, annual tax returns must be filed with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). And, where applicable, you must pay tax.
Can I acquire residential property in Mauritius under this residency option?
Foreign citizens can purchase residential properties developed under the Integrated Resort Program (IRS), the Real Estate Program (RES), the Real Estate Development Program (PDS) or the Smart City Program (SCS). In addition, foreign citizens can also acquire an apartment located in a building with at least one ground floor plus two floors.
In addition, non-citizens who hold IRS/RES/PDS residency permits are exempt from the requirement to obtain an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.
Can my family come with me?
Mauritius’ immigration policy strongly supports family reunion/reunification. Dependents of Work Permit holders and/or non-citizen pensioners are also eligible to apply for a residence permit. This will help them to live in Mauritius for the same period as the self-employed visa holder.
Who is considered a dependent? Dependents include spouses (including opposite-sex partners), parents, and children (including stepchildren and legally adopted children) who are not married and not gainfully employed.
As a dependent, the application for a residence permit must be submitted to the Passport and Immigration Office, and they will decide on it.
What happens after 10 years?
You can apply for renewal if, from the third year after registration, your business’s annual revenue is 850 thousand rupees.
You also have the opportunity to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit, provided that you have had a place of residence for the 3 years prior to the application, or for 3 consecutive years, and have achieved an annual business income of at least 3 million MUR per year.
Can I hire collaborators to work together?
The Entrepreneur’s License is basically intended for professionals conducting sole proprietorship activities. However, if we wish to have non-administrative staff on our staff, then hiring them is permitted.
What documents will I need to submit my application?
NEW APPLICATION
For the self-employed visa in-principle approval, preliminary documents must be uploaded online
- Birth certificate – original ( in English or French). Or a copy certified/certified translated by the competent authority must be submitted.
- Detailed business plan – according to the attached template.
- Contracts or letters of intent from potential clients (at least 2)
- CV
- Original copies of educational and professional qualifications or certified copies thereof
- Passport – Biographical data (biodata) page
- One recent, color passport-sized digital photo – dimensions: 3.5 cm (413 pixels) x 4.5 cm (531 pixels) (not older than 6 months)
- Signed Commitment – must be completed and signed by the applicant.
- Copy of any other permit – Occupation permit/Work permit/Residence permit
Documents to be uploaded after in-principle approval
- Business registration card
- Investment (proof of money transfers from abroad to the business’s local bank account).
- Permits/Licenses/Letter of Intent for Regulated Activities (GBL, TEL, etc.)
- Marriage certificate / Divorce certificate – original ( in English or French). Or a copy certified/certified translated by the competent authority must be submitted.
- Medical certificate and reports – no older than six months
- The page of the visa where the last entry is made
- Treatment cost
- Any other documents that may be required.
RENEWAL
For self-employed via in-principle approval, preliminary documents must be uploaded online
- Company incorporation document
- Business registration card
- Register of members and managing directors
- Permits/Licenses/Letter of Intent for Regulated Activities (GBL, TEL, etc.)
- Passport – Biographical data (biodata) page
- 1 recent, color passport-sized digital photo – dimensions: 3.5 cm (413 pixels) x 4.5 cm (531 pixels) (not older than 6 months)
- Copy of the Occupational Permit
- Signed Commitment – must be completed and signed by the applicant.
Documents to be uploaded after in-principle approval
- Treatment cost
- Any other documents they may request.
Note to applicants
The original documents that were uploaded before and after the in-principle approval must be presented at the personal appointment.
ATTENTION! A visa agent is strongly recommended for Self-employed visa. If your visa is rejected twice, you will not be able to apply again.
If you have any further questions, please contact directly at our recommended visa agent here: Smart Traveler
