Eligibility & suitability
Who can qualify
- Applicant with a qualifying local contract and employer support.
Restrictions & unsuitable cases
- Remote foreign employment wrongly presented as local employment.
- A new application relying on the old MUR 30,000 threshold.
From a qualifying file to an operating permission
The approval-in-principle validity period is not a processing-time promise. Maintain lawful entry status throughout.
01Confirm the category and evidenceBefore submission
Check the business or contract, household, funds and regulated-activity requirements.
Documents & evidence
- Passport and civil records
- Business plan or employment contract
02Apply through NELSOnce the initial file is complete
Submit the electronic file and pay the USD 50 non-refundable application fee. Respond to requests for evidence.
03Complete approval-in-principle conditionsNormally 90 days for a new file;30 days for renewal
Complete the local documents, medical requirements and any conditions stated by EDB/PIO.
- Treating an in-principle letter as a final permit
- Letting the entry permission expire
04Present originals and collect the permissionBy appointment after file validation
Attend the required verification and pay the prescribed permit fee. Check the validity and conditions printed on the approval.
05Meet post-issue conditionsRoute-specific dates begin at issue
Begin only within the permission’s scope; implement PAYE and applicable contributions. Notify changes of employer or termination through the required process.
06Maintain and renewPrepare at least one month before expiry
Keep financial, tax and activity evidence; submit renewal in time and demonstrate the applicable continued criteria.
Document checklist
Track your preparation in this browser. Final requirements depend on the route and filing authority.
Salary and the genuine role
The 2026 statutory schedule sets monthly basic salary at least MUR 50,000 across sectors. The role must be genuine employment in Mauritius under a contract, with duties, job title, duration and basic pay documented. Housing and other benefits should not simply be added to basic pay to reach the threshold.
Current guidelines allow a holder approved under the former MUR 30,000 criterion one renewal on those terms. That transitional provision is not the threshold for every new applicant. Regulated professions may require separate professional registration or approval.
Employer responsibilities and changing jobs
The employer submits the file and undertakes relevant support/repatriation responsibilities. Immigration approval and employer payroll registration are separate tasks. Confirm the tax and contribution treatment from the start date, including whether a non-citizen is resident for CSG purposes.
The permit is valid for the contract duration or up to ten years, whichever is shorter. Changing employer requires a fresh application; termination must be reported. The guidelines provide a normal one-month departure period after cancellation unless the authority determines otherwise. Arrange any change of status before relying on that window.
Fees and the short-term alternative
The application fee is USD 50. Published professional permit fees are USD 400 for up to two years, USD 500 for more than two up to three, USD 800 for more than three up to five, and USD 1,000 for more than five up to ten. Fees and actual permitted duration follow the contract and approval.
A short-term OP can cover up to nine months, with one extension of up to three months; the extension application should be filed at least fifteen days before expiry. The published fees are USD 300 and USD 150 respectively. This should not be confused with an ordinary visitor permission or a route allowing indefinite work.
Sources & research notes5 references
Sources supporting this guide. Research draft awaiting editorial review.