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EDB Connected Companies Division 20+ Years Experience
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Get Your EDB Occupation Permit Mauritius 2026 - Expert Support

EDB-registered firm handling your full application — Investor, Professional & Self-Employed categories. Live and work in Mauritius. Fully managed. Fully remote.

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3Permit Types
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Investor Permit Professional Permit Self-Employed Permit Full application managed No visit required Free eligibility check
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Section 2 — Why Mauritius & What is an Occupation Permit
Why Mauritius?

A stable, business-friendly island with genuine opportunities for international talent

Mauritius has built a reputation as one of Africa's most open and well-regulated economies. With a flat corporate tax rate, strong rule of law, and a bilingual (English and French) business environment, the island attracts professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the globe.

Beyond the business fundamentals, Mauritius offers an exceptional quality of life — a safe environment, excellent private healthcare, international schools, and a year-round warm climate. For many people, it is not just a place to work; it becomes home.

Stable economy
Investment-grade credit rating with consistent GDP growth year on year.
Transparent regulation
The EDB streamlines permits with published criteria and clear timelines.
Global connectivity
Double-taxation treaties with more than 45 countries — a real advantage for international business.
High quality of life
International schools, private hospitals, low crime rate, and a warm climate year-round.
Competitive tax rates
A flat 15% corporate and personal income tax rate. No capital gains tax.
English-speaking
English is the language of business and government. French is widely spoken too.
The basics

What is an EDB Occupation Permit in Mauritius?

An EDB Occupation Permit (OP) is a combined work and residence authorisation issued jointly by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Passport and Immigration Office. It allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in Mauritius — whether as an employee, an investor, or a self-employed individual.

Unlike a standard work permit, the Occupation Permit grants both the right to work and the right to reside — removing the need for two separate applications. Permit holders may also apply to bring eligible dependants (spouse and children) under a Dependant Permit, allowing the whole family to relocate.

The permit is valid for between 3 and 10 years depending on the category, and is renewable provided the conditions continue to be met. The entire application process is handled through the EDB's online portal, which means it can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world.

There are three categories of Occupation Permit — for Investors, Professionals, and Self-Employed individuals. Each has distinct eligibility criteria and financial thresholds, which are set out in full in the next section.

Investor Permit
USD 50,000 min · Valid 10 years
Professional Permit
Degree + job offer · Valid 3–10 years
Self-Employed Permit
USD 35,000 transfer · Valid 3 years
Section 3 — EDB Permit Types & Requirements
Permit categories

Three types of EDB Occupation Permit — which one applies to you?

Each permit category has distinct financial and professional requirements. The specific thresholds below are not approximations — they are the figures set by the EDB for 2025. Meeting all the criteria for your category is essential before applying.

Category 1

Investor Permit

Valid for 10 years
Core requirement
Minimum initial investment of USD 50,000, or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency
Must create at least 3 local jobs within the first year of operation
Four investment pathways available
Option 1 — Standard: Transfer USD 50,000 from abroad into a Mauritian bank account
Option 2 — Net Asset Value: Existing business with net assets ≥ USD 50,000 and cumulative turnover of at least MUR 12 million over the 3 years prior to application
Option 3 — High-Technology Equipment: USD 50,000 investment, of which at least USD 25,000 must be transferred within 60 days of permit issuance
Option 4 — Innovative Start-up: No minimum capital investment required. You must qualify as an innovative start-up under EDB criteria (typically technology-driven or knowledge-based)
Best suited for: Entrepreneurs, founders, and investors who want to operate or expand a business in Mauritius. Option 4 is particularly relevant for tech start-ups with no large capital base.
Category 2

Professional Permit

Valid for 3–10 years
You must meet all of the following
Hold a relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification
At least 3 years of relevant work experience in your field
A confirmed job offer from a registered Mauritian employer, with a signed employment contract
Monthly basic salary of at least MUR 22,500 — or USD 1,500 per month for professionals in the ICT and BPO sectors
The role must require skills or expertise not readily available in the local Mauritian workforce
Your employer must also
Be a registered company in Mauritius with a valid business registration number
Submit an employer declaration through the EDB portal confirming the role and salary
Best suited for: Skilled employees relocating for a Mauritian employer — including IT professionals, finance specialists, engineers, healthcare workers, and senior managers.
Category 3

Self-Employed Permit

Valid for 3 years (renewable)
Financial requirements
Initial investment of USD 35,000 transferred from abroad into a Mauritian bank account within 60 days of permit issuance
Projected annual turnover of at least USD 25,000 from year one of operations
Written undertaking to transfer the USD 35,000 from abroad (submitted at application)
Other requirements
Valid business licence for the activity you intend to carry out in Mauritius
Evidence that your business activity will have a positive impact on the Mauritian economy
A credible business plan is strongly recommended, especially if your activity is niche or new
Best suited for: Freelancers, independent consultants, coaches, and service providers who want to operate their own practice based in Mauritius.
Important: All applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid passport. Permit durations, salary thresholds, and investment amounts are set by the EDB and may be updated without notice. We recommend confirming all figures with an adviser before submitting your application.

Official sources: Economic Development Board (EDB) →  |  Passport & Immigration Office →
Section 4 — EDB Eligibility Checker
Free eligibility check

Which EDB Occupation Permit do you qualify for?

Answer 4 quick questions and receive an instant preliminary assessment — no email required. This tool is for guidance only and is not a legal determination of eligibility.

Question 1 of 4

What best describes your situation?

This is a preliminary assessment only — not a legal determination of eligibility. EDB requirements can change. We strongly recommend speaking with a qualified adviser before submitting your application.

Section 5 — EDB Application Process Step by Step
How to apply

The EDB Occupation Permit application process — step by step, with realistic timelines

Here is what actually happens at each stage of the application, how long each step typically takes, and what you need to prepare. The entire process can be completed remotely.

  1. 1
    Before you apply — allow 1 to 2 weeks

    Profile assessment and document preparation

    Before submitting anything to the EDB, confirm which permit category applies to your situation and gather every required document. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications are the leading cause of delays and rejections — and they can add weeks to your timeline.

    Documents typically required at this stage:
    • Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended start date
    • Academic certificates and professional qualifications (notarised copies)
    • Employment contract or signed job offer letter (Professional Permit applicants)
    • Business plan and financial projections (Investor and Self-Employed applicants)
    • Bank statements showing source and availability of funds
    • Police clearance certificate from your country of current residence
    • Passport-sized photographs meeting the EDB's specifications
    Our approach: We review your full document set before you submit anything. This step alone prevents the majority of rejections we see when clients come to us after a first refusal.
  2. 2
    Weeks 1–2

    Online application submission via the EDB portal

    Applications are submitted through the EDB's official online portal at edbmauritius.org. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format, within the file size limits specified by the EDB. Once submitted, you receive an acknowledgement number — keep this for tracking.

    At this step:
    • Complete the online application form accurately — errors can trigger a full resubmission
    • Pay the EDB application fee (amount varies by permit type and is subject to change)
    • Ensure your Mauritian employer has also submitted their employer declaration (Professional Permit only)
    • For Investor and Self-Employed permits: include your signed business plan and financial projections
  3. 3
    Weeks 2–6

    EDB review and verification

    The EDB reviews your submission and may contact you to request additional documents or clarifications. This is the most variable phase of the process — well-prepared applications with complete documentation move faster; complex cases or missing information add time.

    You can check your application status through the EDB portal at any time. If the EDB requests supplementary documents, you must respond within the deadline they specify — failure to do so can result in your application being paused or refused.

    What happens during EDB review:
    • Background checks are conducted, including criminal record verification and source-of-funds review
    • For Professional Permit applications, the EDB assesses the role against local labour market criteria
    • For Investor and Self-Employed applications, the business plan and projected financials are evaluated
    • The EDB may request original or apostilled documents if only copies were provided
  4. 4
    Weeks 4–8 from submission

    Approval decision

    Once the EDB is satisfied that all criteria are met, they issue an approval letter. The overall timeline from submission to approval is typically 4 to 8 weeks for complete, well-prepared applications. Complex cases or those requiring supplementary documents may take longer.

    If your application is refused, the EDB will provide a written explanation. In most cases, refusals are addressable — see the note below on what to do if this happens.

    Good to know: Your adviser is notified at the same time as you. If we are managing your application, we will contact you immediately on receipt of the decision.
  5. 5
    After approval

    Permit collection and arrival formalities

    Once approved, you collect your permit card on arrival in Mauritius at the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO). If you are already in Mauritius on a valid visa, collection can be arranged locally. Some applicants request courier delivery of the physical permit card.

    On arrival or at the PIO:
    • Present your EDB approval letter and valid passport at the PIO counter
    • Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken at the PIO
    • For Investor and Self-Employed permits: ensure the required fund transfer (USD 50,000 or USD 35,000 respectively) is completed within 60 days of permit issuance
    • If bringing dependants: ensure Dependant Permit applications are submitted promptly after your own permit is issued
What if my application is refused?

The EDB will state the reason for refusal in writing. The most common reasons include:

  • Missing or incorrectly formatted documents
  • Monthly salary below the required threshold for the Professional Permit
  • Failure by the employer to demonstrate the role requires skills not available locally
  • Insufficient evidence of investment funds for Investor or Self-Employed applications
  • Adverse findings in background checks

Most refusals are addressable. We review the refusal letter with you, identify what needs to be corrected, and support a re-application. Additional fees apply for re-submissions.

Section 6 — Lead Magnet, Why Us, Testimonials, FAQ, Contact & Footer
Free download

EDB Occupation Permit Eligibility Checklist 2025 — free PDF

Know exactly what you need before you apply. Download the checklist used by over 200 applicants across 15 countries.

  • Specific eligibility criteria for all three permit types
  • Full document checklist with notarisation requirements
  • Updated 2025 salary and financial thresholds
  • Common rejection reasons and how to avoid them
  • Step-by-step application timeline

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Your data is handled in line with our privacy policy.

Our approach

Why applicants choose DNB HR Associates

We are an EDB-registered, HRDC-approved firm based in Port Louis, Mauritius. We have guided hundreds of international applicants through the Occupation Permit process — remotely, efficiently, and transparently.

100% remote service
Everything is handled online. You do not need to travel to Mauritius before your permit is approved.
Fast turnaround
Average approval in 4–8 weeks for complete applications. We keep you updated at every stage.
Free eligibility check
We review your profile before you commit to anything. No surprises, no wasted effort.
10+ years' experience
Supporting investors, professionals, and self-employed individuals from more than 15 countries.
Rejection support
If your application is refused, we review the reasons and support a re-application.
EDB registered
We are officially registered with the EDB and HRDC — a credentialled firm, not a general consultancy.
Client experiences

What our clients say

★★★★★

"DNB HR Associates made my EDB Occupation Permit application seamless. They handled everything remotely, and I received my permit in just 5 weeks."

Michael O.
Investor — Nigeria
★★★★★

"Professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. They guided me through the Professional Permit process and answered every question I had along the way."

Sarah L.
IT Consultant — United Kingdom
★★★★★

"I was struggling with the self-employed permit requirements. DNB simplified everything and helped with the business plan. Worth every cent."

Rahul M.
Self-Employed — India
★★★★★

"As an entrepreneur looking to expand to Mauritius, I needed a reliable partner. DNB handled my investor permit and company registration flawlessly."

Grace W.
Entrepreneur — Kenya
Common questions

Frequently asked questions about the EDB Occupation Permit in Mauritius

These are the questions we are asked most often. If yours is not listed, use the contact form below — we will respond within 24 hours.

For complete, well-prepared applications, the typical timeline is 4 to 8 weeks from submission to approval. The EDB review phase (weeks 2–6) is the most variable: applications with all documents in order move faster; cases where clarification or additional documents are requested take longer. Incomplete applications can extend this significantly — which is why we conduct a document review before submission.
Yes. The entire application is submitted through the EDB's online portal, and we provide fully remote support. You do not need to be in Mauritius until after your permit is approved — at which point you collect it at the Passport and Immigration Office on arrival.
Yes. Once you hold an Occupation Permit, your spouse and dependent children can apply for a Dependant Permit. This allows them to reside in Mauritius for the duration of your permit. Your spouse may also apply to work in Mauritius, subject to meeting the relevant criteria at the time of their own application.
The EDB provides a written reason for every refusal. The most common causes are missing documents, a salary below the minimum threshold, or an employer's failure to demonstrate the role requires skills not available locally. Most refusals are addressable. We review the refusal notice with you, identify what needs to change, and support a re-application. Additional fees apply for re-submissions.
Written by

Nina Bagha

Founder & Lead Consultant, DNB HR Associates

EDB Registered HRDC Approved 10+ Years Experience

Nina Bagha is the founder of DNB HR Associates, a Port Louis-based firm specialising in Occupation Permits, company incorporation, HR consulting, and payroll in Mauritius. Over the past decade, Nina has guided investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs from more than 15 countries through the EDB application process — helping them relocate, set up businesses, and build their lives in Mauritius.

LinkedIn → Contact Nina →
Get in touch

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Tell us about your situation and we will give you a clear, honest assessment of your options. No commitment required.

📞 +230 5756 1873 ✉️ [email protected] 📍 St Georges Street, Port Louis, Mauritius

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