Professional Occupation Permit Mauritius| DNB HR Associates

The Professional Occupation Permit is a combined work and residence permit for a foreign national employed in Mauritius under a contract of employment and registered as a professional with the Economic Development Board (EDB). It lets skilled foreign employees legally work and live in Mauritius, and it sits within our wider occupation permit services.

Unlike the investor route, the professional permit is submitted by the employer and tied to a signed employment contract. It is issued for the duration of that contract, up to a maximum of 10 years, and after five qualifying years it opens a pathway to a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit. Whether you are a professional relocating to Mauritius or an employer hiring foreign talent, we handle the application from contract to permit — see also our work permit service if the role falls under the Ministry of Labour instead.

Professional permit categories

The EDB issues the Professional Occupation Permit under two salary-based passes, plus a short-term option. We confirm which one your role and salary qualify for, then build the application around it.

ProPass

MUR 30,000

Professional Pass

Minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 30,000
For most skilled foreign professionals with a job offer
Issued for the contract length, up to 10 years
Renewable, subject to a valid contract

Expert Pass

MUR 250,000

For high-earning experts

Minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 250,000
For senior specialists and high-level expertise
Issued for the contract length, up to 10 years
Fast track to the permanent residence pathway

Short-term

9 months

Short-Term Occupation Permit

For short assignments and contracts
Valid up to 9 months
Extendable once by up to 3 months
Can convert to a long-term permit with the same employer

Good to know: the application is filed by the employer on the National E-Licensing System, and the signed contract must state the job title, description, contract duration and monthly basic salary. A non-refundable USD 50 application fee applies. Regulated professions (medical, engineering, nursing, dental and others) must also register with their professional council within three months of obtaining the permit. Not sure which pass applies? Ask us →

Hiring a foreign professional, or relocating to Mauritius?

Take the free eligibility check to confirm your pass and salary criteria — or message us directly and we'll guide you and your employer through the whole application today.

✅ Start Free Eligibility Check → 💬 WhatsApp Us Today

Why Mauritius

The Numbers That Make Mauritius Exceptional

A stable, tax-efficient jurisdiction — ranked #1 in Africa for ease of doing business.

15%

Corporate tax — one of the lowest globally

Capital gains tax — keep more of what you earn

40+

Double taxation avoidance agreements

Ranked in Africa for ease of doing business

60%

Savings on operating costs vs other jurisdictions

🌍

Gateway to Africa, Asia and Europe

Check My Eligibility — Free → Company Incorporation →

What our professional permit services include

✔Pass assessment — confirming whether your salary and role fit ProPass or Expert Pass.

✔Contract review — making sure your employment contract meets every EDB requirement.

✔Employer support — guiding your employer through the Section 4 & 5 declarations and NELS filing.

✔Qualification & CV checks — academic and professional documents prepared to standard.

✔Professional body registration — guidance for regulated fields (medical, engineering and more).

✔Dependents — spouse, children and parents added alongside your permit.

✔Job switches & renewals — fresh applications and renewals handled smoothly.

✔HR & payroll setup for employers hiring foreign professionals.

What our professional clients say

Real outcomes from foreign professionals and the Mauritian employers who hired them.

★★★★★

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

Sarah L.IT Consultant — United Kingdom

★★★★★

We needed to bring in a senior specialist quickly. DNB handled the contract, the NELS submission and the whole permit for our new hire seamlessly.

HR DirectorEmployer — Financial services, Mauritius

★★★★★

They made my relocation simple — clear on the salary criteria, the documents and the timeline. My family's dependent permits were sorted at the same time.

David K.Engineer — South Africa

★★★★★

4.9★

Average client rating across 350+ permits approved

💬 Talk to us today

Professional occupation permit Mauritius — FAQ

What is the minimum salary for a professional occupation permit in Mauritius?

A ProPass (Professional Pass) requires a minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 30,000. An Expert Pass requires a minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 250,000, for senior specialists. Tell us your offer and we'll confirm the right pass.

Who applies — me or my employer?

The employer submits the application on the National E-Licensing System, and signs the declaration and undertaking. We support both sides — preparing your documents and guiding your employer through their part.

How long is the professional occupation permit valid?

It is issued for the duration stated in your employment contract, up to a maximum of 10 years, and is renewable while you hold a valid contract. A short-term permit is also available for up to 9 months.

Can I change jobs on a professional occupation permit?

Yes, but a fresh application is needed for the new employment, which must meet the criteria. If your employment ends, submitting a Self-Undertaking Form within two weeks gives you six months to secure a new role or permit.

Can I bring my family to Mauritius?

Yes. Your spouse, dependent children up to 24 and dependent parents can apply as dependents alongside your permit. Contact us to include them.

Does the professional permit lead to permanent residence?

Yes. Holding a professional permit or work permit for five years with a monthly basic salary of at least MUR 400,000 over that period qualifies you to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit.

Related resources

Occupation permit services — overview Occupation permit for investors Work permit for foreign employees EDB Occupation Permit Guide How to get an occupation permit All our services

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; salary thresholds, criteria and fees are set by the authorities and may change — always confirm the latest figures with us.

Hiring a foreign professional, or relocating to Mauritius?

Take the free eligibility check to confirm your pass and salary criteria — or message us directly and we'll guide you and your employer through the whole application today.

✅ Start Free Eligibility Check → 💬 WhatsApp Us Today