Republic of Mauritius · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Occupation Permit (Self-Employed)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Work and residence permit for a non-citizen running a one-person professional services activity in Mauritius.
- Processing time
- Indicative only; applications are filed through the EDB residency portal. Confirm current timelines on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only; statutory processing and application fees apply to successful applicants. Confirm current fees on the official EDB page.
- Typical duration
- Issued for up to 10 years and renewable, subject to meeting ongoing business income conditions.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Occupation Permit in the Self-Employed category is designed for a non-citizen operating an independent, one-person business in the professional or service sector. It requires a qualifying initial investment and ongoing business income, and is administered by the Economic Development Board.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Invest the qualifying minimum amount in a professional or service activity in Mauritius.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- ✓Operate as a one-person business, with non-administrative staff recruitment permitted.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- ✓Provide letters of intent from prospective clients, including local clients.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- ✓Meet the prescribed minimum business income and cumulative turnover for renewal.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
Common blockers
- !Initial investment below the current minimum or funds not transferred.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- !Activity that does not qualify as an eligible self-employed professional service.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- !Business income falling short of the prescribed renewal thresholds.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Detailed business plan for the self-employed activity.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- ·Letters of intent from prospective clients (including local clients).Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- ·CV and academic or professional qualifications.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
- ·Evidence of the investment transfer and business registration card.Economic Development Board (Mauritius) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Plan a qualifying one-person service activity and gather letters of intent from prospective clients.
Build the evidence pack
Submit the Self-Employed Occupation Permit application via the EDB residency portal with the business plan.
Submit through the official channel
After approval-in-principle, register the business and transfer the qualifying investment locally.
After approval
Collect the Occupation Permit and run the activity, meeting income targets to support renewal.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Occupation Permit (Self-Employed) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Occupation Permit (Self-Employed).
Economic Development Board (Mauritius) · verified
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare Republic of Mauritius with
Related routes
Occupation Permit (Investor)
Work and residence permit for non-citizens investing in and running a business in Mauritius.
Occupation Permit (Professional)
Combined work and residence permit for foreign professionals employed in Mauritius under a local or multinational employment contract.
Premium Visa
Long-stay multi-entry visa for remote workers, retirees and extended visitors whose income arises outside Mauritius.
Young Professional Occupation Permit (YPOP)
Work and residence permit allowing recent graduates of Mauritian tertiary institutions to take up local employment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I employ staff under the Self-Employed Occupation Permit?+
The route is built around a one-person business, but recruitment of non-administrative support staff is permitted. Confirm the current staffing rules on the official EDB page before hiring.
What income must the business generate to renew?+
The EDB sets a minimum annual business income and a cumulative turnover target that must be met over the permit term to qualify for renewal. Verify the current figures on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →