Overview
Run by the Economic Development Board, the Premium Visa is for tourists, retirees and professionals who want a long stay with their families and to work remotely. It is valid for more than six months and up to one year, is multiple-entry, and is required for anyone staying more than 180 days in a calendar year. Nationals of listed countries apply before travelling; others enter on a tourist visa and apply online from Mauritius.
Conditions: you must not enter the Mauritian labour market, and your main place of business and source of income must be outside Mauritius.
Editor's note — Mauritius treats pay for remote work performed on the island as Mauritian-sourced but taxes it only when remitted — and spending on foreign cards is not remittance. Money you deposit into a Mauritian bank account is taxable unless you declare it was taxed at home.
Who is eligible
- Non-citizen from a listed country (apply before arrival) or any other nationality applying from within Mauritius on a tourist visa.
- Proof of long-stay plans and travel and health insurance for the initial period.
- Monthly income of at least US$1,500 per adult applicant and US$500 per dependent child, with three months of bank statements.
- Return ticket for the intended period and accommodation letter (hotel, lease or host invitation).
- No entry into the Mauritian labour market.
Income & financial requirements
Per month; contract or attestation.
Per month.
Issued free of charge.
Recent bank statements.
The EDB's document list requires evidence of funds: recent bank statements for the last three months and proof of monthly income — an employment contract or attestation — of at least US$1,500 per adult and US$500 per dependent child. Spouses file the marriage certificate; children their birth certificates (English or French).
Costs & fees
- No visa or processing fee.
- Travel and health insurance for the full period and a return ticket beyond six months.
- Accommodation for the stay; long-let prices on the north and west coasts have risen with demand.
Taxes
Under the EDB's guidelines, Mauritian-sourced income of a Premium Visa holder — including emoluments for work performed remotely in Mauritius — is taxed on a remittance basis; spending through foreign credit or debit cards is not treated as remittance. Money deposited in a Mauritian bank account is taxable unless you declare that tax was paid in your home country. Mauritius' top personal rate is 20%.
How to apply
Check the country list
Listed nationals apply before travel; others enter on a tourist visa first.
Apply online
Complete the EDB Premium Visa form with passport, photo, ticket, insurance, accommodation letter and income evidence.
Receive the e-visa by email
The visa is valid for travel for six months; the one-year period starts on arrival.
Renew
File the renewal online with updated ticket, insurance, accommodation and income documents.
Duration & renewal
More than six months and up to one year, renewable. Those who later want to work or invest locally switch to an Occupation Permit; retirees to a Residence Permit.
Bringing family
Spouse and children are included with marriage and birth certificates; each dependent child adds US$500 a month to the income test.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Completely free
- Renewable one-year stays
- Remittance-basis taxation and card spending not counted
- Family friendly, English and French spoken
Considerations
- Deposits into local accounts are taxable
- Must stay out of the local labour market
- Rising rents in expat areas
- No path to residence without an Occupation Permit