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Official online application system · 2026 guide

NELS Mauritius: How to Apply for Your Occupation Permit Online

The National Electronic Licensing System (NELS) is the online platform used for EDB Occupation Permit applications in Mauritius — for Investors, Professionals and Self-Employed individuals.

✓ No walk-in applications — everything is submitted through NELS
Get Professional Assistance → Check Your Eligibility
Already registered? Visit the official NELS portal ↗

DNB HR Associates is an independent Mauritius-based consultancy and is not affiliated with the EDB or the Government of Mauritius.

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Mauritius-based teamEbène · on the ground for your EDB visit
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CBRIS + NELS in one placeCompany registration through to permit
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EDB & PIO process experienceInvestor · Professional · Self-Employed
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[[XX]]+ permits supported25+ years of HR expertise

Looking for the Official Portal?

Already registered on NELS? Log in directly on the government platform. DNB HR Associates is independent and not affiliated with the EDB.

🔗 Login to EDB NELS Official Portal (External link ↗)
MAURITIUS PERMIT SPECIALISTS

Ready to Start Your Mauritius Permit Application?

Let our Mauritius-based team help you prepare a complete and compliant application, avoid unnecessary delays, and coordinate the process from start to finish.

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Professional guidance • Application support • Mauritius-based expertise

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how to check mauritius work permit online
Free resource

Get the 2026 NELS Document Checklist

Incomplete files are the most common cause of NELS delays — and the USD 50 application fee is not refunded. Check every document before you log in.

Enter your details below and we'll email the PDF straight to you. No spam — just the checklist and occasional permit updates.

  • ✓ Personal, financial and corporate documents by category
  • ✓ Where to upload the Charter for Foreign Residents
  • ✓ 2026 salary and investment thresholds at a glance
  • ✓ Originals checklist for your EDB appointment
The process at a glance

How to Apply for an Occupation Permit in Mauritius Through NELS

The application follows a clear five-step sequence — from company registration to collecting your permit in Port Louis.

  1. 1
    Register company on CBRISGet your BRN
  2. 2
    Prepare documentsBefore login
  3. 3
    Submit on NELS & payUSD 50 fee
  4. 4
    Approval in Principle15–20 working days
  5. 5
    EDB appointmentPermit same day
1

Step 1: Register Your Company on CBRIS

Before you can apply for an Occupation Permit, your Mauritius company must be registered through the Companies and Businesses Registration Integrated System (CBRIS). Once complete, you receive your Business Registration Number (BRN) certificate — a required document for your NELS application.

Full walkthrough: Company Registration in Mauritius guide.

2

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather every required document before logging into NELS: personal identification, financial evidence, corporate documents and your business plan. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delays. See the Investor Occupation Permit checklist or download our free NELS checklist.

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Mandatory: Charter for Foreign Residents

The signed Charter must be uploaded in the “Other Document” section at the initial stage. Without it, your application is returned immediately.

3

Step 3: Submit Your Application and Pay the Fee

Complete the NELS application form, upload all documents and pay the application fee by credit card. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement email confirming your application is in the system.

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USD 50 — non-refundable

Charged at submission, before any review. If the application is unsuccessful, the fee is not returned.

4

Step 4: Receive Your Approval in Principle

If your application is complete and meets the EDB criteria, an Approval in Principle (AIP) is typically issued through your NELS account within 15 to 20 working days. The AIP is not the permit itself — it confirms you qualify and that the permit will be issued once you complete the in-person stage.

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Strict 90-day travel deadline

You have 90 days from the AIP to travel to Mauritius on a business visa and complete the next step. If it lapses, you start again — and pay the USD 50 fee a second time.

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Step 5: Attend Your EDB Appointment — Permit Issued

Attend your appointment at the EDB office in Port Louis. The EDB and the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) verify your documents in person, and on successful verification the PIO issues your Occupation Permit on the same day.

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Bring every original

Every document uploaded on NELS must be presented in original. If one is missing, your appointment is rescheduled.

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Since 1 December 2025: USD 50 non-refundable fee

Applies to all Occupation and Residence Permit applications on NELS, payable at submission.

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Thresholds updated December 2025

Using figures from older guides is a common cause of automatic rejection. Thresholds can change at any time.

MUR 50,000Professional — minimum monthly basic salary
USD 100,000Investor — minimum initial investment (standard route)
MUR 5M → 8MInvestor turnover from Year 3 → from Year 5
Client case study
Kristyna, Investor Occupation Permit client of DNB HR Associates
Kristyna
[[Profession]] from [[Country]]
★★★★★
Permit: Investor Occupation Permit Outcome: Approved AIP received in: [[XX working days]] DNB support: [[e.g. company setup + NELS + EDB appointment]]

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.

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NELS login & post-submission

Already Applied? NELS Quick Links and Next Actions

Common questions once your application is in the system.

🔑NELS login

The portal is the Mauritius Business Licensing Platform. Log in with the email address and password you registered with, then open the Economic Development Board section for Occupation/Residence Permits.

🔍How to check your NELS application status

Log in to NELS and open your application to see its current stage. If the EDB or PIO needs anything, you are notified by email or SMS and respond inside the same application.

♻️Forgot your NELS password?

Use the password-reset option on the NELS login page with the email you registered. Always use the same account for one application — creating a second account can split your file.

📩The EDB requested more information

Upload the missing item in the existing application as soon as possible. Delays here are the main reason AIPs take longer than 15–20 working days. We can help you respond.

Go to the official NELS portal ↗ Stuck on NELS? Talk to us Independent consultancy — not affiliated with the EDB.
Frequently asked questions

NELS Mauritius FAQs

What is NELS Mauritius?

NELS (National Electronic Licensing System) is the Mauritius government's online platform for business licences and permits. All EDB Occupation Permit applications — Investor, Professional and Self-Employed — are submitted, uploaded and paid for through NELS. There is no walk-in application process.

What is the NELS application fee for an Occupation Permit?

Since 1 December 2025, a non-refundable application fee of USD 50 applies to all Occupation Permit and Residence Permit applications submitted through NELS. It is paid at submission, before any review, and is not returned if the application is unsuccessful.

How long does NELS approval take?

If your application is complete and meets EDB criteria, an Approval in Principle (AIP) is typically issued within 15 to 20 working days. The Occupation Permit itself is issued by the PIO on the same day as your EDB appointment, once your original documents are verified.

What happens after I receive my Approval in Principle?

You have 90 days from the AIP to travel to Mauritius on a business visa and attend your appointment at the EDB office in Port Louis with all original documents. If the 90-day window lapses, the AIP expires and you must reapply and pay the USD 50 fee again.

Do I need a Mauritius company before applying on NELS?

Yes, if you are applying as an Investor. Your company must first be registered through CBRIS (Companies and Businesses Registration Integrated System), and the Business Registration Number (BRN) certificate is a required document for your NELS application.

What are the minimum salary and investment requirements in 2026?

Under the framework updated in December 2025, the standard Professional route requires a minimum basic salary of MUR 50,000 per month, and the standard Investor route requires a minimum initial investment of USD 100,000, with turnover of MUR 5 million from Year 3 and MUR 8 million from Year 5. Thresholds can change at any time.

How do I check my NELS application status?

Log in to NELS with the email address and password you registered with and open your application to see its current stage. If the EDB or PIO needs more information, you will be notified by email or SMS and can respond within the same application.

Why do NELS applications get rejected or delayed?

The most common reasons are an incomplete document checklist, a missing signed Charter for Foreign Residents, salary or investment figures below the current thresholds, letting the 90-day AIP window lapse, and missing original documents at the EDB appointment.

NELS APPLICATION SUPPORT

Need Help Navigating NELS?

The NELS platform may be online, but a successful application starts with getting your documents, eligibility and supporting information right before submission.

DNB HR Associates can coordinate the process with you — from company registration and document preparation to NELS submission and permit support.

Speak to Our Team →

Professional guidance • Document preparation • NELS assistance

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Mauritius Permit Eligibility & Pathway Assessment™ | DNB HR Associates

Make an informed start

Not Sure Which Mauritius Permit Is Right for You?

Depending on your plans, you may need an Investor Occupation Permit, Professional Occupation Permit, Self-Employed Occupation Permit, Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit or Young Professional Occupation Permit. If you are unsure which category fits your circumstances, complete the assessment to compare the pathways before preparing documents or committing to an application.

  • ✓Identify your strongest permit pathway
  • ✓Compare five available pathways
  • ✓Spot possible concerns early
  • ✓Receive personalised next steps

Initial screening only. Final eligibility and approval remain subject to document verification and the competent Mauritian authorities.

Permit pathway assessment
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Mauritius permit guidance

Mauritius Permit Eligibility & Pathway Assessment™

Discover which Mauritius permit pathway may best fit your plans, finances and professional profile.

5pathways reviewed
5–7minutes
Privatepersonal result

This screening tool provides an initial indication only. Final eligibility and approval remain subject to the competent Mauritian authorities and verification of supporting documents.

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Unlock Your Complete Permit Pathway

Continue the full assessment and receive your recommended pathway, suitability indication, risk flags and next steps.

One assessment · one payment
USD 49 one-time
  • Investor, Professional and Self-Employed screening
  • Retired Non-Citizen and Young Professional screening
  • Primary and alternative pathway indication
  • Personalised concerns and next-step guidance
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Your recommended pathway

Initial profile alignment—not an approval decision

Why this pathway

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Discuss My Result With DNB → View Permit Services

© 2026 DNB HR Associates Ltd. This assessment and its scoring logic are protected. The result is preliminary guidance and does not constitute legal advice, a guarantee of eligibility or a guarantee of approval.

Nina Bagha

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 →

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NELS APPLICATION SUPPORT

Need Help Navigating NELS?

The NELS platform may be online, but a successful application starts with getting your documents, eligibility and supporting information right before submission.

DNB HR Associates can coordinate the process with you — from company registration and document preparation to NELS submission and permit support.

Speak to Our Team →

Professional guidance • Document preparation • NELS assistance

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