Have you ever dreamed of working from a tropical island, surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush greenery? If so, you might want to consider applying for the Mauritius digital nomad visa, also known as the Premium Visa.
This visa allows you to live and work in Mauritius for one year, with the option to renew for another year. You can enjoy the benefits of a low cost of living, a high quality of life, a vibrant culture, and a friendly local community. You can also explore the natural beauty and attractions of this island nation, such as the coral reefs, the waterfalls, the wildlife, and the historical sites.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Mauritius digital nomad visa, such as the eligibility criteria, the application process, the required documents, and the tips and resources to help you make the most of your stay in Mauritius as a digital nomad.
Read on to find out how you can legally live and work in Mauritius for an extended period.
Does Mauritius Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Mauritius launched its digital nomad visa, also known as the Premium Visa, in October 2020. It allows remote workers to live and work in Mauritius for one year, with the option to renew for another year.
Benefits of Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
The Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa offers numerous advantages, some of which include:
- It is free of charge and easy to apply online.
- It allows you to stay in Mauritius for one year, with the option to renew for another year.
- It allows you to work remotely for a company, clients, or own a business outside of Mauritius.
- It allows you to bring your family members and dependents with you.
- It does not require you to pay taxes in Mauritius for up to six months of your stay.
Who Can Apply for Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
The Mauritius Premium Visa is open to any non-citizen who intends to stay in Mauritius for a maximum period of one year as a tourist, retiree, or professional willing to work remotely from Mauritius. However, there are some eligibility criteria that you have to meet:
- You must have a valid passport.
- You're required to work remotely for a firm, clients, or operate a business that's outside Mauritius.
- A minimum monthly income of $1,500 is required (or $500 more per dependent/family member under 24)
- You must be covered by travel and health insurance for the entirety of your stay in Mauritius.
- Evidence of your long-term plans and living arrangements in Mauritius is necessary.
- You are expected to commit not to participate in the Mauritius labor market or compete with local enterprises.
How to Apply for Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa as a Digital Nomad
To apply for the Mauritius Premium Visa, you have to follow these steps:
Step 1: Pre-book your flight and accommodation
Before submitting your online visa application, make sure you've booked both your flight to Mauritius and your accommodation for the duration of your stay. These are prerequisites, as you need to provide proof of a return or onward ticket and evidence of your accommodation arrangements.
Step 2: Fill out the online application form
The online application form is available on the Mauritius Business Licensing Platform website. You have to provide your personal details, contact information, travel plans, purpose of visit, and upload all required documents. The complete list of documents necessary to submit your application can be found in the section below.
Step 3: Receive your visa document via email
Your application will be processed by the Passport and Immigration Office within 48 hours. You will receive an email notification informing you whether your application has been approved or denied. If approved, you will also receive your visa document as an attachment. If denied, you will receive the reasons for the rejection.
Step 4: Enjoy your stay in Mauritius for up to one year, renewable
You will need to present your passport, visa document, return ticket or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of income, and health and travel insurance at the immigration counter when you arrive in Mauritius. You will then be granted entry into the country and allowed to stay for up to one year as a digital nomad!
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Apply with iVisa nowDocuments Required for Applying for Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for the Mauritius Premium Visa, you need to submit the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity
- A passport-size photo
- A copy of your round-trip flight tickets planned for a stay longer than six months.
- A travel and health insurance policy covering the initial period of your stay in Mauritius
- Proof of sufficient funds to support you and your family during your stay, such as a bank statement or proof of monthly income of at least $1,500 (or $500 more per dependent/family member under 24)
- A letter of accommodation for the intended period of stay, such as a hotel booking, a rental contract, or a letter from a host
- A certificate of project or a letter from your employer or client stating that you will work remotely from Mauritius
- If you are bringing dependents or family members with you, you'll need to provide their marriage or birth certificates (in English or French) and a letter of consent if they are being accompanied by only one parent.
How Much Does Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The Mauritius Premium Visa is free of charge and you can apply directly through the Mauritius Business Licensing Platform website.
Timeline for Applying For Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
The visa processing time for the Mauritius digital nomad visa is 48 hours. The approval email will contain your visa document, which you need to print out and bring with you when you travel to Mauritius.
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Apply with iVisa nowWhat If I’m Not Eligible for Mauritius's Premium Visa as a Digital Nomad?
If you are not eligible for the Mauritius Premium Visa as a digital nomad, you may have some other alternatives to enter and stay in the country:
- Tourist visa: Another option is to apply for a tourist visa, which is granted for a short stay for leisure purposes. You can apply for this visa at the nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate, or online through a third-party service. You will need to provide similar documents as the Premium Visa, but you may also need an invitation letter from a sponsor in Mauritius. The tourist visa is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days.
- Visa on arrival: Some nationalities are eligible to apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. You will need to fill out an application form and pay a fee of 100 USD at the airport. You will also need to show your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The visa on arrival is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days.
- Business visa: If you want to conduct business activities in Mauritius, such as attending meetings, conferences, or workshops, you can apply for a business visa. You will need to provide similar documents as the tourist visa, but you will also need a letter from your employer or business partner in Mauritius stating the purpose and duration of your visit. The business visa is valid for up to 120 days in a calendar year and can be extended for another 90 days.
- Occupation permit: If you want to work or invest in Mauritius, you can apply for an occupation permit, which is a combined work and residence permit. You will need to meet certain criteria depending on the category of your occupation permit: investor, professional, self-employed, retired non-citizen, or young professional. You will also need to provide various documents such as your passport, CV, qualifications, contract, business plan, bank statements, etc. The occupation permit is valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed.
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Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Mauritius
Paying taxes as a digital nomad in Mauritius depends on your tax residency status and the source of your income. Mauritius has a flat tax rate of 15% for both individuals and corporations, but it also has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation.
As a digital nomad holding a Premium Visa, you are exempted from paying taxes in Mauritius on the income you earn outside the country, as long as you deposit it in a foreign bank account.
However, this exemption only applies for up to 183 days of your stay. If you stay longer than that, you will be considered a tax resident in Mauritius and subject to local taxes on your worldwide income.
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