Professional Occupation Permit
Live and work in Mauritius as a skilled professional employed by a Mauritius company โ up to 10-year permit with pathway to permanent residency.
The Professional Occupation Permit enables skilled foreign nationals to live and work in Mauritius in a qualifying employed capacity. Issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) under the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act, this permit is designed for professionals who have secured a qualifying employment contract with a Mauritius-registered company. The applicant must earn a minimum basic monthly salary that meets the prescribed EDB threshold โ which varies by sector and is updated periodically.
The permit is linked to the specific employer and role, and is valid for up to 10 years (aligned with the duration of the employment contract), renewable subject to continued eligible employment. Mauritius actively seeks talented professionals across a wide range of sectors including financial services, information and communication technology, healthcare, education, engineering, hospitality, and manufacturing. For employers, the permit facilitates the recruitment of international talent where suitably qualified Mauritius residents are not available.
For professionals, it offers the opportunity to build a career in a safe, stable, and tax-efficient environment with access to a high quality of life. The permit holder can include their spouse and children under 24 as dependents. After 3 continuous years of residence, the professional permit holder becomes eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit.
From a tax perspective, residents in Mauritius are subject to a flat 15% personal income tax rate, with no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax, subject to individual circumstances. The employer must apply on behalf of the employee. The minimum salary threshold is MUR 60,000 per month (approximately USD 1,300+), though the threshold is higher for certain sectors such as financial services and ICT.
The permit is valid for up to 10 years and is tied to the sponsoring employer โ a change of employer requires a new application. Dependents (spouse and children under 24) are included. After 3 years of continuous residence, the permit holder becomes eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit.
Key Features of a Professional Occupation Permit in Mauritius
Employment-Based Eligibility
The applicant must have a signed employment contract with a Mauritius-registered company. The employer must demonstrate that the position could not be filled by a suitably qualified Mauritius national.
Minimum Salary Threshold
A minimum basic monthly salary applies, set by the EDB and subject to periodic revision. Threshold varies by sector. Contact us for the current applicable rate for your industry and role.
Up to 10-Year Permit
The permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 10 years. It is renewable upon continued qualifying employment.
Family Dependents
Spouse and children under 24 may be included as dependents, giving the whole family the right to reside in Mauritius.
Sector Flexibility
Available across all sectors including financial services, ICT, healthcare, engineering, education, manufacturing, and hospitality. Mauritius actively welcomes skilled professionals in priority sectors.
Permanent Residency Pathway
After 3 continuous years of residence on an occupation permit, the holder may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit valid for up to 20 years.
Tax Efficiency
Mauritius residents are subject to a flat 15% personal income tax rate. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax, subject to individual circumstances.
Employer Sponsorship
The employer plays an active role in the permit application, providing the employment contract, company documents, and undertaking to employ the applicant in compliance with Mauritius labour law.
Pathway to PRP After 3 Years
After 3 continuous years of qualifying residence under a Professional Permit, the holder is eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, offering a more settled long-term residence option in Mauritius.
Sector-Specific Salary Thresholds
The minimum monthly salary requirement of MUR 60,000 (approximately USD 1,300+) applies as a general threshold. Certain higher-skill sectors such as financial services and ICT may have higher prescribed minimums. Our team can advise on the applicable rate for your role.
Employer Must Demonstrate Local Unavailability
The employer is required to demonstrate to the EDB that the position could not be filled by a suitably qualified Mauritius national, ensuring the scheme supplements rather than displaces local employment.
Change of Employer Requires New Application
The Professional Permit is tied to the sponsoring employer. If the permit holder changes employer, a new permit application must be submitted. The EDB does not automatically transfer permits between employers.
Access to Public Services and Healthcare
Professional permit holders and their dependents have access to Mauritius public healthcare, schools, and other government services during their period of residence, in addition to the right to use private facilities.
How to Obtain a Professional Permit in Mauritius
Eligibility Verification
We verify that the proposed employment contract, salary, qualifications, and the employer company all meet the EDB requirements for a Professional Occupation Permit.
Employer Documentation
We collect all required employer documents including certificate of incorporation, audited accounts, business licence, and a letter confirming the recruitment need and inability to source locally.
Applicant Documentation
We compile the applicant's KYC documents: certified passport, proof of qualifications, detailed CV, police clearance, medical certificate, and passport photos.
Application Preparation
We prepare the complete permit application with all supporting documentation and conduct a pre-submission review to ensure completeness and accuracy.
EDB Submission
We submit the application to the Economic Development Board through the appropriate channel and manage all queries and supplementary requests from the EDB.
Permit Issuance & Arrival
Upon approval, we coordinate the permit issuance and guide the applicant through arrival procedures, including registration with the Passport and Immigration Office.
Settlement & Renewal
We assist with practical settlement matters including banking, accommodation, schooling, and healthcare. We also manage permit renewals well in advance of expiry.
Requirements for a Professional Permit in Mauritius
- Valid passport with a minimum of 12 months remaining validity
- Signed employment contract with a Mauritius-registered company showing the agreed salary
- Academic and professional qualifications (certified copies of degrees, diplomas, professional certifications)
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV/resume)
- Police clearance certificate from country of residence or citizenship
- Medical certificate from a recognised practitioner
- Employer's certificate of incorporation and business registration documents
- Employer's letter confirming the position and the inability to source a suitably qualified local candidate
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Dependent documents for spouse and children (birth certificates, marriage certificate)
Costs Associated with the Professional Occupation Permit
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| EDB Application Fee | USD 500โ1,000 |
| Employer Sponsorship | No separate fee |
| Minimum Monthly Salary Requirement | MUR 60,000+ (~USD 1,300+/month) |
| Legal and Immigration Advisory | USD 1,000โ2,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Occupation Permit
What is the current minimum salary for a Professional Occupation Permit?
The minimum basic monthly salary requirement is set by the EDB and is subject to periodic revision. Different thresholds may apply in different sectors. Please contact us for the current applicable rate for your industry, as these figures are updated regularly.
Can I change employers while on a Professional Permit?
Yes, but you must apply for a new or amended permit before commencing work with the new employer. You cannot legally work for a different employer on your existing permit. We assist with the change-of-employer permit process.
Does my employer need to prove they could not find a local candidate?
Yes. The EDB requires the employer to demonstrate that the position could not be filled by a suitably qualified Mauritius citizen or resident. This typically requires evidence of local recruitment efforts.
Can my spouse work in Mauritius?
Dependent spouses may apply for their own occupation permit or seek authorisation to work separately. A dependent permit does not automatically confer the right to work. We advise on the specific options available for your spouse.
Is the permit renewable?
Yes. The permit is renewable provided the holder continues to be employed by a qualifying employer at the required salary level. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 3 months before the current permit expires.
What happens if I lose my job in Mauritius?
If your employment is terminated, your occupation permit becomes invalid. You would need to either secure new qualifying employment and apply for a new permit, or depart Mauritius unless another qualifying permit category applies to your circumstances.