Five continuous years. Under the 2026 rules the holding period rose from three to five years, so plan your company's growth with this timeline in mind from the start. New to the investor route? Read our 2026 Investor Permit requirements guide.
For Investor Occupation Permit holders
How to Get Permanent Residency in Mauritius After Your Investor Permit
Permanent residency in Mauritius is the long-term goal for many investors, but the 2026 rules changed the pathway: a longer holding period and higher turnover targets. This guide explains when you qualify, what your company must achieve and how to prepare your application. Still applying for your first permit? Start with our 2026 Investor Permit requirements guide or our Investor Permit Mauritius service.
- 5 yearsholding period
3 years - MUR 75Mturnover over the 5 years before applying
- MUR 15Maverage annual turnover this implies
- 20 yearsPermanent Residence Permit validity
Investor Occupation Permit Mauritius 2026 is the pathway that allows foreign investors to live and work in Mauritius while operating an eligible business. If you are considering Mauritius as your base for business and residence, this permit can support your long-term plans for you and your family.
Learn More About Our Investor Occupation Permit Services
The permit is issued for an initial period of 10 years and is renewable, subject to meeting ongoing business performance requirements.
If you are a foreign investor considering Mauritius as your base for business and residence, the Investor Occupation Permit is an important pathway. It allows you to live and work in Mauritius while operating an eligible business and, in many cases, can support your long-term plans for you and your family.
This guide explains the 2026 Investor Occupation Permit requirements — including investment thresholds, processing timelines, and the document checklist — so you can plan your application with confidence.
What Is an Investor Occupation Permit?
An Investor Occupation Permit is a combined residence and work permit issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius.
It allows a non-citizen to establish and operate an eligible business in Mauritius and live in Mauritius for the duration of the permit. Depending on the circumstances, spouse and children may also qualify as dependants.
Client Review
★★★★★
“
I cannot recommend Nina Bagha highly enough. She accompanied me throughout the process of obtaining my Investor Occupation Permit in Mauritius, and her support made an enormous difference.
Nina is extremely professional, patient and genuinely committed to her clients. She provided clear guidance at every stage, was always available to answer my questions, and ensured the process was as smooth as possible. Her knowledge, reliability and personal involvement gave me complete confidence.
Kristyna
Investor Occupation Permit Client
Need Personalised Advice?
Every investor's circumstances are different. Our Mauritius-based team can help you understand your options and guide you through the Occupation Permit process.
Contact DNB HR Associates →Investor Occupation Permit Mauritius-What Has Changed in 2026?
The rules for the Investor Occupation Permit have changed significantly in 2026. Applicants should review the current requirements carefully rather than relying on older information published online.
The most significant change is the increase in the minimum investment threshold from USD 50,000 to USD 100,000 for the standard investor route. This applies to new applications submitted under the 2026 framework.
The updated framework also introduced revised business turnover requirements that must be met at specific milestones during the permit period, and extended the holding period relevant to permanent residence.
These changes mean that older guides — many of which still reference the USD 50,000 threshold — can no longer be relied upon. A current assessment of your project against the 2026 criteria is essential before you commit to an application.
Read the full 2026 requirements and comparison →
What Has Changed in 2026?
Investor Occupation Permit Mauritius Application Process
The Mauritius Investor Occupation Permit application involves several stages, beginning with preparation of the applicant’s personal and business documentation and continuing through the EDB review and NELS submission process.
Once the application is approved in principle, the applicant must complete the required procedures in Mauritius before the final permit is issued.
Typical processing time:
Document preparation: 2–4 weeks
EDB review and Approval in Principle: 15–20 working days from complete submission
Travel to Mauritius for in-person procedures: within 90 days of approval
Final permit issuance: 5–10 working days after in-person procedures
In practice, applicants should allow 2–4 months from start to finish, assuming documents are complete and accurate. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delay.
Useful Links
Occupation Permit Services
Guidance for foreign nationals planning to live and work in Mauritius
Company Registration in Mauritius
Set up your Mauritius company and business structure
Young Professional Permit
Explore an alternative pathway for eligible graduates
Client Reviews & Experience
Discover the experiences of our international clients
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Contact DNB HR Associates
Speak with our Mauritius-based team
Investor Occupation Permit Mauritius Document Checklist
Preparing the correct documents before submission can help avoid unnecessary delays. Depending on the applicant and business structure, documentation may include:
Personal documents: passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificate, medical certificate, passport-sized photographs, and curriculum vitae.
Financial documents: proof of funds showing the required investment, source of funds documentation, and a bank reference letter.
Corporate documents (if incorporating a company): certificate of incorporation, constitution, shareholder register, registered office address in Mauritius, and board resolution appointing directors.
Business plan: description of business activity, market analysis, 3–5 year financial projections, and evidence of the turnover trajectory required to meet the Year 3 and Year 5 targets.
Your specific requirements may vary depending on your proposed business activity and personal circumstances.
View the complete document checklist →
Investor Permit Mauritius: Path to Long-Term Residence
For investors planning to remain in Mauritius for the long term, the Occupation Permit should not be viewed only as an initial immigration application.
Business performance, permit renewal requirements and the conditions applicable to permanent residence should all be considered when developing the business plan from the beginning.
Under the 2026 framework, applicants should be aware that:
The permit is issued for 10 years and is renewable subject to business performance.
To qualify for permanent residence, the permit must be held for 5 years (increased from the previous 3-year period).
Permanent residence typically requires meeting specified turnover thresholds, either through annual turnover of MUR 15 million over 3 consecutive years or aggregate turnover of MUR 75 million over the same period.
Planning for these requirements from the outset — rather than after the permit is issued — is essential for a smooth path to long-term residence.
Understand the path to permanent residence →
How To Apply: NELS, CBRIS and BRN
How to Apply: NELS, CBRIS, and BRN Explained
Before submitting your Investor Occupation Permit application through the Economic Development Board, you must complete two foundational steps that involve separate Mauritian systems.
1. Register your company on CBRIS
The Companies and Businesses Registration Integrated System (CBRIS) is where you incorporate your Mauritian company. This must be completed before you can apply for the Occupation Permit.2. Obtain your BRN Certificate
After CBRIS registration, you receive your Business Registration Number (BRN) certificate. This is a required document for your EDB application.3. Submit through NELS
The National Electronic Licensing System (NELS) is the portal where your Occupation Permit application is filed with the EDB. All supporting documents, including your BRN certificate, are uploaded through this system.Understanding how these three systems connect — CBRIS for registration, BRN as your business identifier, and NELS for the permit application — can save considerable time and prevent avoidable delays.
Common questions
Permanent Residency in Mauritius — FAQs
Straight answers on qualifying for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after your Investor Occupation Permit. Eligibility is assessed by the competent Mauritian authorities.
Updated for the 2026 rulesApproaching Year 5?
We check your turnover record and documents before you apply, so your PR file is right the first time.
Plan My PR Application WhatsApp +230 5756 1873Your company needs cumulative turnover of at least MUR 75 million over the five consecutive years immediately preceding your application, equivalent to an average of MUR 15 million a year. Turnover is evidenced through your MRA declarations.
No. Renewing your Investor Occupation Permit requires at least MUR 5 million a year from Year 3 and MUR 8 million from Year 5. Permanent residence sets a much higher bar, so meeting the renewal targets alone is not enough. See how we plan for both on our Investor Permit Mauritius page.
Apply as soon as you meet the criteria. The turnover test looks at the five years immediately before your application, so waiting can change which years are counted and weaken an otherwise qualifying file.
The Permanent Residence Permit is valid for 20 years. Unlike the Occupation Permit, it is not subject to ongoing turnover reviews.
No. A Permanent Residence Permit allows you to live and work in Mauritius long term, but it does not grant citizenship.
Core documents include a valid passport, photographs, a criminal record affidavit and, most importantly for investors, an MRA certificate showing your company's turnover for the last five years. We provide a full checklist after reviewing your file. Request your PR checklist.
A non-refundable application fee of USD 50 per person applies to Occupation and Residence Permit submissions. Professional fees depend on your file; we quote them upfront.
Your pathway, made clearer
A guided assessment built around your real plans
Not on an Occupation Permit yet, or not sure the Investor route is right for you? The DNB assessment turns broad plans, such as moving, working or starting a business in Mauritius, into a clear starting point, checked against the 2026 criteria. Already holding a permit? See our Investor Permit Mauritius support instead.
Five pathways compared
Investor, Professional, Self-Employed, Retired Non-Citizen and Young Professional.
Personalised indication
Your answers point to the best-fit pathway, an alternative route and the points to review.
Simple, focused questions
Written for people who don't yet know the technical permit terminology.
Confidential next step
Use your result to discuss your options privately with DNB's Mauritius-based team.
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5–7 minutes. Free preview; full personalised result USD 49.
The numbers that matter
Turnover Requirements for Permanent Residence
Permanent residence sets a much higher bar than permit renewal. Many investors meet their renewal targets comfortably and still fall short of the PR threshold, so plan for it from Year 1.
| Requirement | Renewing your Investor Permit | Permanent Residence Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Holding period | Not applicable | 5 continuous years on the Occupation Permit (previously 3) |
| Turnover | At least MUR 5M a year from Year 3, and MUR 8M a year from Year 5 | At least MUR 75M cumulative over the 5 years immediately before applying (an average of MUR 15M a year) |
| Evidence | Annual turnover declarations to the MRA | MRA certificate covering the last 5 years |
| Validity | Up to 10 years, renewable | 20 years, no ongoing turnover reviews |
Viability of the business is also assessed. Applications are decided under the Prime Minister's Office Residence Permit guidelines in force at the time of application.
Timing your application
When to Apply for Permanent Residence
Your turnover is assessed over the five years immediately before you apply. That makes timing part of your strategy, not an afterthought.
- Year 3 onwards
Track your cumulative turnover each year against the MUR 75M target, not just the renewal minimum.
- Year 4–5
Collect your MRA turnover certificates and supporting documents so your file is ready the moment you qualify.
- As soon as you qualify
Apply promptly. Waiting changes which five years are counted and can weaken an otherwise qualifying file.
Don't leave it late. A dip in turnover in the year you delay can pull your five-year total below MUR 75M. We review your figures before you apply, so you submit when your record is strongest.
Approaching Year 5?
Let's Check Your Turnover Record Before You Apply
Send us your company's turnover figures. We'll tell you whether you qualify now, when you will, and what your PR file needs, free of charge.
From Investor Permit to 20-year residence
Ready to Plan Your PR Application?
Speak directly with Nina Bagha and our Mauritius-based team. One clear plan for your turnover, documents and timing, with a reply within 24 hours.
Nina Bagha
Nina Bagha Founder & Director, DNB HR Associates Ltd Nina Bagha is the Founder and Director of DNB HR Associates Ltd, a Mauritius-based HR consultancy providing human resource, business setup and immigration support services. Through DNB HR Associates, she works with international investors, professionals and businesses seeking to establish or expand their presence in Mauritius, including support with company setup and Occupation Permit applications. Learn more about DNB HR Associates →
Need Personalised Advice?
Every investor's circumstances are different. Our Mauritius-based team can help you understand your available options and guide you through the Occupation Permit process.
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