By the end of this article, you’ll understand how the Mauritius Investor Permit works, its evolution, application steps, economic impact and unique advantages compared to other programs.

What Is the Mauritius Investor Permit?

The Investor Permit gives you legal status to live and operate a business in Mauritius. It’s issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and requires a minimum capital outlay that depends on your chosen sector.

Why It Matters

• You get up to four years of residency
• You can bring dependents (spouse, children under 24)
• You gain access to Mauritius’ network of 42 double taxation avoidance agreements

Evolution of the Investor Permit Program

Since its launch in 2012, the program has gone through key legal updates:

1. 2014 Amendment: Raised general investment threshold from USD 50,000 to USD 100,000 for most sectors according to Government Notice No. 19/2014.
2. 2018 Revision: Introduced special rates for “innovative startups” at USD 50,000 as announced in the EDB press release (15 March 2018).
3. 2021 Update: Streamlined documentation with an online portal launch covered by AllAfrica to cut approval time to 6–8 weeks.

Who Qualifies and How Much You Must Invest

Eligibility Criteria

You must:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Hold a clean criminal record
– Have proof of funds

Investment Routes

• General sectors: USD 100,000
• Innovative startups: USD 50,000
• Priority industries (IT, renewable energy): subject to EDB approval, usually USD 50,000

Note: Some sectors like banking and insurance have caps on foreign participation of 49% set by the Bank of Mauritius.

Application Process and Common Pitfalls

1. Gather documents:
2. Copy of passport
3. Business plan approved by the EDB
4. Bank statements proving funds
5. Submit online at the EDB portal
6. Pay application fee: USD 500
7. Await approval: typically 6–8 weeks

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Weak business plan: Lacks market study or financial forecasts
• Incomplete corporate structure: Missing shareholder details
• Unverified funds: Bank letters older than 30 days

“Clear documentation cuts approval time in half.” – Economic Development Board official (EDB Annual Report 2022)

Post-Permit Support and Compliance

Once you hold the permit, the EDB continues to guide you:
– Quarterly reports on project milestones
– Site visits to verify investment deployment
– Dedicated liaison officer for troubleshooting

Failure to submit reports can lead to permit suspension within 12 months under the Investor Permit Regulations.

From Investor Permit to Residency and Citizenship

Path to Permanent Residence

After maintaining your permit and investment for five years, you may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) under the Immigration Act, Part VI.

Citizenship Timeline

• PRP held for three years → Eligibility for citizenship by naturalization
• Must pass an English or French language test

Economic Impact and Sector Insights

• In 2022, Investor Permits accounted for USD 120 million in FDI inflows to Mauritius, as reported in the World Investment Report 2023.
• Created over 1,200 new jobs in technology and renewable energy sectors, according to the Invest Mauritius Annual Overview.

Top Sectors by Permit Value

• Information Technology
• Green energy
• Fintech services

How It Stacks Up Against Other Programs

| Feature | Mauritius | Seychelles | Kenya |
|——————————————|————————|———————–|———————–|
| Minimum Investment | USD 50,000–100,000 | USD 200,000 | USD 300,000 |
| Time to Approval | 6–8 weeks | 12–16 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Dependents Allowed | Yes | Yes | Spouse only |
| Double Taxation Treaties | 42 | 25 | 12 |

Your Next Steps

1. Draft a detailed business plan with market analysis.
2. Consult a local legal adviser for sector-specific rules.
3. Prepare original bank letters proving available funds.

Final Word

Stepping into Mauritius through the Investor Permit opens doors to a stable economy, strategic tax treaties and a clear path to residency. With the right preparation and guidance, you’ll be settled here and steering your venture forward in under two months.