Eligibility & suitability
Who can qualify
- Own-account services entrepreneur with qualifying funds and credible client commitments.
Restrictions & unsuitable cases
- No local prospective clients to support the required letters.
- A staffed trading business shoehorned into the self-employed category.
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
Evidence the USD 50,000 transfer within sixty days and monitor the statutory turnover tests; operate within the category’s staffing/activity limits.
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.
Who this route is for
The 2026 schedule limits this category to the services sector. It requires USD 50,000 initial investment and at least three letters of intent, including two from prospective local clients. The local-client requirement is a material distinction from a remote-work visa for purely overseas business.
Register the appropriate activity and use the legal form allowed by the current guideline, which includes a one-person company. The guideline permits one local administrative employee; a larger operating team or a business built around goods should be reviewed under another appropriate route.
Funding and continuing performance
A certified overseas statement and undertaking can support the application before the transfer, which must be completed within sixty days of issue. Keep the applicant/company ownership and account trail consistent. The required amount is capital for the activity, separate from government and setup costs.
The enacted schedule uses minimum turnover of MUR 2m from the third year and MUR 3m from the fifth year for renewal. Some EDB summaries use business-income wording; the statutory turnover wording is used here. Preserve accounts, contracts and payment evidence so the authority can test the actual results.
Tax, family and renewal
The permit may run up to ten years and is renewable subject to the continuing conditions. Published government costs include the USD 50 application fee and USD 1,000 ten-year permit fee; family applications and operating costs are additional.
Self-employment does not remove income-tax, VAT or social-contribution obligations. CSG for self-employed persons is distinct from employee rates, and foreign customers do not automatically make work carried out here foreign-source. Plan the tax position using the actual activity and receipts.
Sources & research notes5 references
Sources supporting this guide. Research draft awaiting editorial review.