Mauritius•Africa

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Occupation Permit - Innovator

Skilled Migration Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

USD $1,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

10 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Overview

The Occupation Permit for Innovators is designed for foreign nationals who wish to develop innovative projects in Mauritius within sectors such as biotechnology, fintech, or artificial intelligence. This permit allows holders to live and work in the country for up to ten years, provided they submit a detailed business plan and meet the required investment or salary thresholds.

Applicants must demonstrate that their project is innovative and has the potential to contribute significantly to the Mauritian economy.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

PRP — Permanent Residence Permit (20-Year)

Mauritius

PRP — Permanent Residence Permit (20-Year)

ValidityVaries (Renewable for additional 20-year periods)

ProcessingVaries

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a founder or leader of an innovative startup.

The business activity must have a significant Research and Development (R&D) component.

Must submit an innovative project to the Economic Development Board (EDB) for evaluation and approval, OR be registered with an incubator accredited by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC).

No minimum initial investment is required by law for this category.

The business plan must clearly depict R&D expenditures, which must constitute at least 20% of total operational expenditure during the research phase.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Detailed business plan with a focus on R&D components and budget.

Proof of registration with an accredited incubator (if applicable).

Medical certificate issued by a doctor in Mauritius along with required test reports.

Completed application forms via the NELS portal.

Any additional documents requested by the EDB during the evaluation process.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No minimum investment threshold required.
Valid for up to 10 years (renewable).
Combines work and residence rights in a single permit.
Allows for the inclusion of family members (spouse, common-law partner, parents, and dependent children).
Access to a favorable tax environment and business-friendly ecosystem.
Ability to live and work in Mauritius while scaling innovative ideas.

Worth Knowing

The project must be genuinely innovative and meet the R&D expenditure requirements (at least 20% of operational costs).
Renewal conditions are determined by the CEO of the EDB and may depend on the performance and progress of the business.
The business must be incorporated in Mauritius.
The applicant must be prepared to operate the business from within Mauritius, not just use it as a remote platform.
Compliance with annual tax filings and corporate reporting is mandatory.

Application Process

Register on the National Electronic Licensing System (NELS) portal (https://business.edbmauritius.org/).

Prepare and submit the business plan highlighting the innovative nature and R&D component of the project.

Submit the application via the NELS portal for review by a joint EDB/MRIC committee.

Obtain any necessary clearances or licenses from relevant public sector agencies if the activity is regulated.

Receive the 'Approval in Principle' letter.

Pay the required fee of USD 1,000 upon approval.

Complete mandatory medical tests in Mauritius.

Finalize the permit issuance process with the Passport and Immigration Office.

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