Premium Visa in Mauritius 2026: Requirements, benefits, duration and complete How-To Guide

The Premium Visa has become one of the simplest routes for staying in Mauritius for an extended period without entering the local labour market. It is particularly suited to digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers and people who wish to test life on the island before committing to a more structured relocation.

1. What Is the Premium Visa?

The Premium Visa is a temporary residence title issued on the recommendation of the Economic Development Board (EDB) and formalised by the Passport and Immigration Office. It authorises a stay of more than 6 months and up to 1 year, renewable, for individuals whose income comes from abroad and who do not carry out any activity on the Mauritian labour market.

It is neither an Occupation Permit nor a permanent residence permit. It is a long-stay visa designed for remote work and extended stays.

2. Who can benefit?

The scheme is mainly aimed at:

• Employees working remotely for an employer located outside Mauritius
• Freelancers and consultants invoicing foreign clients
• Retirees or semi-retirees with external income
• People wishing to undertake a long “trial” stay before opting for another status (property, Occupation Permit, retired permit, etc.)

The central condition remains the same: the source of income must be located outside Mauritius and the holder must not enter the local labour market.

3. Main requirements in 2026

Income / resources

Official texts refer to “sufficient resources”. In practice, the most commonly used benchmarks are:

• Approximately USD 1,500 per month for an adult
• Approximately USD 500 additional per month per dependent child

Some applications are also supported by savings equivalent to one year of resources (order of magnitude around USD 18,000 for a single person). These amounts should be confirmed at the time of application, as the authorities examine the overall consistency of the file.

Other conditions

• Health / travel insurance covering the period of stay
• Proof of accommodation in Mauritius (lease, reservation, host attestation, etc.)
• Evidence of foreign income or activity (contracts, bank statements, certificates, etc.)
• Valid passport
• Criminal record certificate often required
• Coherent long-stay project

The visa is presented as free of charge (no processing fee indicated on official channels).

4. Duration and renewal

• Initial duration: up to 1 year
• Renewal: possible, subject to submitting a complete file and continuing to meet the conditions

Renewal is not automatic. It is advisable to start the process before the current visa expires. Changes in practice have been reported on the ground in 2026; it is prudent to check the current position with the EDB at the time of renewal.

5. What the Premium Visa allows (and does not allow)

Allowed

• Living in Mauritius for the duration of the visa
• Working remotely for an employer or clients located abroad
• Coming with spouse and children (subject to resource and document requirements)
• Travelling in and out during the validity of the title (subject to entry rules)

Not allowed

• Taking up salaried employment with a Mauritian company
• Invoicing Mauritian clients or carrying out any local paid activity
• Treating the visa as an automatic stepping stone to permanent residence

If the project evolves toward local activity, it is necessary to switch to an Occupation Permit (Investor, Professional or Self-Employed).

6. Application process and timelines

Applications are submitted online via EDB / immigration channels. The file must be complete at the time of submission (incomplete applications are frequently refused without immediate opportunity for correction).

Observed timelines: from a few weeks to around 1–2 months depending on the period and the quality of the file.

Documents frequently required:

• Passport
• Passport-size photograph
• Bank statements (often the last 3 months)
• Proof of income / employment or activity contract
• Insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket or evidence of onward travel (sometimes requested)

7. Tax position and points of attention

The Premium Visa does not equate to tax residency. Tax residency depends mainly on the number of days of presence (183-day rule or cumulative 270-day rule).

Foreign-source income that is not remitted to Mauritius generally escapes Mauritian tax. However, amounts actually transferred and used on the island may fall within the scope of local taxation under the “remittance” principle. A case-by-case analysis with a tax adviser is recommended.

Other points of attention:

• Do not confuse the Premium Visa with the Occupation Permit
• Plan the exit from the visa if you wish to settle permanently (property ≥ USD 375,000, retired permit, Occupation Permit, etc.)
• Maintain valid health insurance
• Strictly respect the prohibition on local activity

8. Premium Visa vs Other statuses

Frequently Asked Questions about the Premium Visa in Mauritius

Is the Premium Visa free of charge?

Yes, official channels indicate that there is no processing fee.

Can I work remotely with the Premium Visa?

Yes, provided the employer or clients are located outside Mauritius.

Can I work for a Mauritian company?

No. Any local activity requires an Occupation Permit.

What is the duration of the Premium Visa?

Up to 1 year, renewable subject to conditions.

Does the Premium Visa confer tax residency?

No. Tax residency depends on the presence criteria defined by the Mauritius Revenue Authority.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, subject to demonstrating sufficient resources and providing the required documents for dependants.

Are you considering a long stay or a lifestyle trial in Mauritius?

Property Mauritius assists many clients with their relocation plans and can direct them to the appropriate contacts to secure the right status (Premium Visa, property, Occupation Permit or retired permit).

Contact Property Mauritius in Pointe-aux-Canonniers for a personalised discussion.