Occupation Permit Self-Employed Mauritius
For freelancers and independent professionals in the services sector. From USD 50,000, we register your business and handle the full EDB Self-Employed Occupation Permit application, end to end and 100% remotely.
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What is the Self-Employed Occupation Permit?
The Self-Employed Occupation Permit is a combined work and residence permit for a foreign national who runs their own one-person business in Mauritius — registered with the Registrar of Businesses and operating in the services sector. It is the route for freelancers, consultants and independent professionals, and forms part of our wider occupation permit services.
The permit is issued for up to 10 years and is renewable, and after five qualifying years it opens a pathway to a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit. Unlike the professional permit, you apply yourself rather than through an employer — and unlike the investor permit, it is built around your own freelance income rather than a company you run. We register your business and manage the whole application for you.
What it takes to qualify
The self-employed route is built around three things: your investment, proof of demand for your services, and realistic income targets. We make sure all three line up before you apply.
Funds & services sector
- Initial investment of USD 50,000 in the services sector
- Certified bank statement showing proof of funds
- Transfer the funds into a Mauritius bank account within 60 days
- You may employ one local administrative staff member
Letters of intent
- At least 3 letters of intent from potential clients
- Including at least 2 from potential local (Mauritian) clients
- Shows genuine demand for your service
- We help you frame and gather these
Business income
- Minimum business income of MUR 750,000 from year 1
- Growing to a cumulative MUR 6 million by year 5
- Renewal: at least MUR 1.5 million per year from year 6
- We build projections that meet these targets
Ready to go self-employed in Mauritius?
Take the free eligibility check to see if your freelance activity qualifies — or message us directly and we'll map out your business registration and permit application today.
A stable, tax-efficient jurisdiction — ranked #1 in Africa for ease of doing business.
What our self-employed permit services include
How to apply for a self-employed occupation permit in Mauritius
Register & plan
We register your business and prepare your business plan, projections and letters of intent.
Submit on NELS
You file the application on the National E-Licensing System, with our full support.
Approval in Principle
The Joint Committee (EDB, PIO, chaired by the PMO) reviews and issues your AIP.
Transfer & finalise
Transfer your funds, complete medicals and the PIO appointment — permit issued.
Approval in Principle is valid for 90 days for new applications. Want the full picture first? Read our step-by-step occupation permit guide.
From self-employed permit to 20-year permanent residence
Build a steady freelance business in Mauritius and you can move on to permanent residence. After holding your Self-Employed Occupation Permit for five qualifying years and meeting the income criteria, you can apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit for you and your family.
Ready to go self-employed in Mauritius?
Take the free eligibility check to see if your freelance activity qualifies — or message us directly and we'll map out your business registration and permit application today.
What our self-employed clients say
Real outcomes from freelancers and independent professionals who set up in Mauritius with DNB HR Associates.
I was struggling with the self-employed permit requirements. DNB simplified everything and helped with my business plan and letters of intent. Worth every cent.
As a freelance designer I wasn't sure I'd qualify. They confirmed my services activity, registered my business and handled the whole application remotely.
Clear from day one on the funds, the income targets and the timeline. My permit and my family's dependent permits were sorted together.
Self-employed occupation permit Mauritius — FAQ
What is the minimum investment for a self-employed occupation permit in Mauritius?
What income do I need to maintain on a self-employed permit?
Do I need clients lined up before I apply?
What types of work qualify as self-employed?
Can I hire staff or bring my family?
Does the self-employed permit lead to permanent residence?
Related resources
Official references: EDB — Work & Live in Mauritius · EDB Occupation Permit Guidelines (PDF) · Passport & Immigration Office. DNB HR Associates is an independent consultancy and is not a government body; investment thresholds, income criteria and fees are set by the authorities and may change — always confirm the latest figures with us.
Ready to go self-employed in Mauritius?
Take the free eligibility check to see if your freelance activity qualifies — or message us directly and we'll map out your business registration and permit application today.
Our Happy Clients
