CATÉGORIES

Investor Permit in Mauritius

November 12, 2025 - 6 min read

Table of contents

Last updated on / Mise à jour le: 15 January 2026

Key takeaways

Diverse entry options: Select from the USD 50,000 standard pathway, the USD 100,000 capital-heavy pathway, or the Innovative start-up option (no minimum investment required).
10-year residency: The investor permit in Mauritius is a combined work and residence permit valid for a decade and renewable upon meeting performance targets.
Innovation focus: The innovative start-up category is ideal for R&D ventures and requires no initial capital, provided the project is approved by the EDB or an MRIC-accredited incubator.
Family rights: Permit holders can include a spouse (including common-law), children under 24, and parents as dependents.
Path to Permanent Residency: After 5 years of successful operation, investors are eligible to transition to a 20-year permanent residence permit.

Mauritius has successfully transitioned from a tourism-led economy to a sophisticated global business hub. For international entrepreneurs, the investor permit in Mauritius represents the most robust framework for establishing a foothold in the Indian Ocean.

The regulatory environment has been further refined to favour high-growth ventures and innovation-led businesses. Whether you are looking for a standard business setup or a high-tech start-up launch, there is a specific pathway designed for your capital structure.

The three pathways to an investor permit

The Economic Development Board (EDB) provides three distinct categories for foreign investors. Each is tailored to different business sizes and capital availability.

1. The standard investment option (USD 50,000)

This remains the most utilised entry point for entrepreneurs launching a new domestic or global business.

Initial capital: A transfer of at least USD 50,000 into a Mauritian corporate bank account.
Turnover requirement: To maintain and renew the permit, the business must achieve a cumulative turnover of MUR 20 million over the first 5 years, with a minimum of MUR 1.5 million in the first year.

2. The high-capital investment option (USD 100,000)

This category is suited for those with higher initial liquidity who prefer more flexible turnover benchmarks.

Initial capital: A transfer of at least USD 100,000.
Turnover requirement: A lower cumulative turnover of MUR 15 million over the first 5 years, with a minimum of MUR 1 million in the first year.

3. The innovative start-up option (Zero-capital)

The innovative start-up category is the most progressive immigration tool in the region. It is specifically designed to attract intellectual property and R&D-heavy companies.

Financial requirement: No minimum initial investment.
Qualifying criteria: Approval is based on the submission of an innovative project to the EDB OR registration with an incubator accredited by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC).
Operational focus: R&D expenditures must constitute at least 20% of total operating costs during the research phase.

The innovative start-up pathway is not defined by the money you bring, but by the value of your ideas. This is the ideal choice for developers, researchers, and fintech founders.

How to qualify:

Project submission: You must present a detailed business plan that highlights scientific or technical advancements.
Incubator partnership: Partnering with an MRIC-accredited incubator provides a “fast-track” for approval, as these entities act as a bridge for regulatory compliance.
High-growth sectors: Preference is given to ventures in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blue Economy, Biotechnology, and Renewable Energy.

Related topics:

Investor permit vs. self-employed: Which is right for you?

	Investor permit	Self-Employed Occupation Permit
Legal structure	Requires a domestic or GBL company	Registered as a “one-person” business
Minimum capital	USD 50k / 100k / Innovation route	USD 50,000 initial investment
Recruitment	Can hire unlimited staff (local & foreign)	Limited to 1 local administrative staff
Staffing scope	Broad (Trade, services, manufacturing)	Services sector only
Scalability	High – suitable for scaling companies	Low – suitable for solopreneurs

The 20-year horizon: Permanent residency

Holding an investor permit in Mauritius is the first step toward lifelong residency. After holding your permit for 5 consecutive years, you become eligible for the 20-year Permanent Residency Permit (PRP).

To qualify for this 20-year transition, an investor must meet one of the following turnover benchmarks:

A minimum annual turnover of MUR 15 million for each of the 5 years preceding the application.
An aggregate turnover of MUR 75 million over the 5-year period.

Why choose Sunibel for your investor permit in Mauritius?

At Sunibel Corporate Services, we understand that moving a business and a family across borders is a monumental task. Our goal is to de-risk your investment and ensure your transition is seamless.

Swiss legacy, Mauritian expertise: As a member of the Probus Pleion Group, we combine 40 years of Swiss multinational heritage with deep local knowledge of the Mauritian Financial Centre.
Regulated management: We are an FSC-licensed management company. This means we don’t just “process papers”, we manage your company formation, corporate secretarial needs, and tax compliance to the highest international standards.
Integrated family support: We bundle the residency applications for your spouse, children, and parents with your main file, aligning all medical and administrative requirements to shorten your relocation timeline.
Strategic banking synergy: Our team handles the complexities of opening corporate and personal bank accounts, ensuring your USD 50,000 or USD 100,000 transfer is processed within the statutory 60-day window.

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Frequently asked questions: Investor permit in Mauritius

1. Can multiple investors apply under one company?

Yes. For each investor seeking a permit under the same company, an initial investment of USD 50,000 (or USD 100,000) per applicant is required.

2. Is the “fresh funds” requirement strictly enforced?

Yes, the EDB requires proof that funds have been transferred from abroad. You must provide a certified bank statement from your country of origin and a local bank statement showing the receipt of funds.

3. Does the investor permit allow me to buy property?

While the permit itself is for residency and work, it makes you eligible to purchase residential property under specific schemes (PDS, SCS). Investing USD 375,000 in such property can lead to a separate Residence Permit.

4. What are the renewal criteria after the first 10 years?

To renew your investor permit, your company must achieve a minimum annual turnover of MUR 5 million starting from the 6th year of registration.

5. Can my spouse work under my investor permit?

Yes, spouses of permit holders are allowed to work or start their own business in Mauritius without a separate occupation permit, provided they notify the EDB of their intent.

Ready to establish your business in the sun? Would you like me to prepare a customised checklist of documents needed for your specific investor category?

Disclaimer and important notices

This document has been prepared using sources believed to be reliable. However, their accuracy and completeness cannot be fully guaranteed. The statements and opinions it incorporates were formed after careful consideration and maybe subject to change without notice. This document is not, and should not be construed as, an offer or the solicitation of an offer to sell any services. The use of any information contained in this document shall be at the sole discretion and risk of the user.

Sunibel Corporate Services Ltd does not provide legal or tax advice and this document should not be construed as such. Sunibel Corporate Services Ltd expressly disclaims any and all liability for inaccuracies contained in the document and shall not be held liable for any damage that may result from any use of the information presented herein.

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