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Residency in the Indian Ocean's Most Prestigious Jurisdiction

The Mauritius Investor Occupation Permit grants qualifying individuals the right to live and, subject to the qualifying investment, work in Mauritius, with dependants able to apply for their own residence permits, providing a legitimate, tax-efficient residency with access to one of the world's most liveable destinations.

Overview

What is the Investor Occupation Permit?

The Mauritius Investor Occupation Permit (IOP) is a combined work and residence permit issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) to qualifying investors who make a substantive investment in Mauritius, either through the acquisition of qualifying real estate or through the establishment of or investment in a Mauritian business. The IOP grants the main applicant the right to live and reside in Mauritius for an initial period of ten years, renewable thereafter, with work rights generally tied to the qualifying business or property investment maintained under the permit. The holder's spouse and dependent children may apply for their own residence permit as dependants of the main applicant, subject to their own application and documentation requirements.

Mauritius's tax regime remains one of the most compelling in the world for internationally mobile high-net-worth individuals. Mauritius-source income is taxed under a progressive personal income tax structure, and foreign-source income generally remains taxable for tax residents on an arising basis, with foreign tax credit relief available. Mauritius imposes no capital gains tax, no inheritance or estate tax, and no wealth tax, making it an efficient base for families managing global investment portfolios.

Tax residency in Mauritius is achieved by spending 183 days or more in the country in a given tax year, or by satisfying an alternative domicile test. Once tax resident, the IOP holder's Mauritius-source income is subject to Mauritius's progressive personal income tax as currently enacted (0% up to MUR 500,000; 10% up to MUR 1m; 20% up to MUR 12m; 35% above MUR 12m, effective for the income year starting 1 July 2026) — rates and thresholds are confirmed at the time of each client's structuring. Foreign-source income generally remains taxable for Mauritius tax residents on an arising basis, with foreign tax credit relief available; a remittance-basis concession applies only to specific categories such as Golden Visa holders' foreign employment income.

Aurevya advises IOP applicants through every stage of the process, from initial eligibility assessment and investment structure design, through EDB application preparation and due diligence documentation, to tax residency planning and ongoing compliance in Mauritius and the client's country of origin.

$100K–$375K
Minimum Investment Threshold
A minimum investment of USD 375,000 in qualifying real estate, or a minimum initial investment of USD 100,000 in a Mauritius business (plus turnover tests reviewed at renewal), is required to qualify for the Investor Occupation Permit.
10
Year Renewable Permit
The IOP is granted for ten years and is renewable, providing long-term residential security for investors and their families.
0%
No Capital Gains, Inheritance, or Wealth Tax
Mauritius levies no capital gains tax, inheritance or estate tax, or wealth tax at the personal level; income tax is progressive, up to 35%, and applies to Mauritius-source income and, generally, to foreign-source income received by tax residents.

Key Features

What the IOP Delivers

01
10-Year Renewable Permit
The IOP provides long-term residential security, initially valid for ten years and renewable thereafter, providing the holder with a stable, credible residency without annual renewal burdens.
02
Family Coverage
The IOP holder's spouse and dependent children may apply for their own residence permit as dependants of the main IOP holder, enabling the family to live and study in Mauritius. Each dependant's application is subject to its own documentation requirements and is not automatic.
03
Tax Residency Eligibility
Mauritius tax residency, triggered by 183 days' presence, brings the country's favourable progressive personal tax system into play, with no capital gains, inheritance, or wealth tax at the personal level. Foreign-source income generally remains taxable for residents on an arising basis, with foreign tax credit relief available.
04
Real Estate Investment Route
The IOP can be obtained through the purchase of qualifying Mauritius real estate, such as Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Smart City, or Ground+2 developments, at a minimum value of USD 375,000.
05
Business Investment Route
Alternatively, the IOP can be obtained through the business-investment route, with a minimum initial investment of USD 100,000 in the entity's capital, plus turnover tests reviewed at renewal. This route is particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to establish a genuine operational presence in Mauritius.
06
Permanent Residency Pathway
After three years of continuous residence under an IOP, holders may apply for Permanent Residence Status, providing indefinite right of residence in Mauritius and cementing the family's long-term connection to the island.

Process

How It Works

01

Eligibility Assessment

We assess the applicant's eligibility for the IOP, considering the source and nature of the investment, the applicant's personal circumstances, their home country tax position, and whether the real estate or business investment route is more appropriate.

02

Investment Structure Design

The qualifying investment is structured to meet EDB requirements, whether through the selection of qualifying real estate, the establishment of a new Mauritius business, or investment in an existing entity. Tax efficiency and succession considerations are incorporated from the outset.

03

EDB Application Preparation

A comprehensive application is prepared for submission to the EDB, including the investment documentation, business plan (where applicable), proof of funds, personal background documentation, and all required KYC materials. Aurevya manages the full preparation and submission process.

04

Due Diligence & Documentation

The EDB conducts its own due diligence on the applicant. Aurevya co-ordinates the provision of all required documentation and liaises directly with the EDB throughout the review process, managing any queries and ensuring timely responses.

05

Permit Issuance

Upon approval, the IOP is issued and the holder and their family obtain the right to reside in Mauritius. Aurevya assists with any practical steps required upon arrival, including registration with the relevant authorities and opening of personal banking accounts.

06

Tax Residency Planning

Aurevya's tax advisory team prepares a comprehensive tax residency plan, analysing the implications of Mauritius tax residency in the context of the client's home country obligations, designing a day-count strategy, and co-ordinating with domestic advisers to manage the transition from one tax residency to another.

Practical Considerations

Requirements & Eligibility

Investment & Immigration Requirements

  • Minimum investment of USD 375,000 in qualifying real estate, or a minimum initial investment of USD 100,000 in a Mauritius business (plus turnover tests reviewed at renewal)
  • Investment must be in the applicant's name or through a qualifying entity
  • Applicant must demonstrate a clean criminal record
  • Proof of source of funds required for the qualifying investment
  • Medical insurance coverage required for all family members included in the permit
  • Permit must be renewed before expiry, ongoing compliance with permit conditions required
  • Permanent Residence Status available after 3 years of continuous residence

Tax & Residency Considerations

  • 183 days' presence in Mauritius required for tax residency in a given tax year
  • Exit from previous tax residency must be managed carefully to avoid dual tax residency obligations
  • Home country CRS reporting obligations may continue to apply depending on domicile and citizenship
  • Mauritius-source income subject to progressive income tax as currently enacted (0% up to MUR 500,000; 10% up to MUR 1m; 20% up to MUR 12m; 35% above MUR 12m) — rates and thresholds are confirmed at the time of each client's structuring; foreign-source income generally remains taxable on an arising basis, with foreign tax credit relief available
  • No Mauritius capital gains, inheritance, estate, or wealth tax at the personal level
  • Mauritius participates in CRS, financial account information is exchanged with home country tax authorities

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The IOP is available to any non-citizen investor who makes a qualifying investment in Mauritius, either through the purchase of qualifying real estate (minimum USD 375,000) or through investment in a Mauritius business (minimum initial investment of USD 100,000, plus turnover tests reviewed at renewal). Applicants must have a clean criminal record and demonstrate a legitimate and documented source of funds for the investment. There is no requirement to be from any particular country; the programme is open to nationals of all jurisdictions subject to the EDB's standard due diligence process.
The minimum qualifying investment depends on the route. For real estate, a minimum of USD 375,000 is required in a property within a scheme approved by the EDB (such as an Integrated Resort Scheme, Real Estate Scheme, Smart City, or Ground+2 development). For business investment, a minimum initial investment of USD 100,000 is required in the qualifying Mauritius business, with turnover tests reviewed at permit renewal. Additional costs, professional fees, registration costs, and property transfer costs, should be factored into the total budget.
Yes. The IOP holder's spouse and dependent children (up to age 24 if in full-time education) may apply for their own residence permit as dependants of the main IOP holder, granting them the right to reside, and in the case of the spouse, to work, and to attend school in Mauritius. Each dependant's application is a separate application, subject to its own documentation and processing requirements, though it is typically submitted alongside or shortly after the main applicant's IOP application. Parents and other extended family members are not included under the IOP but may be eligible for other long-stay permits or visitor visas depending on circumstances.
The EDB typically processes IOP applications within 5–10 business days of receiving a complete application, provided all documentation is in order. The preparation phase, compiling the application, structuring the investment, and obtaining all required documentation, typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on the client's circumstances and the route chosen. Aurevya's streamlined preparation process and established EDB relationship helps to minimise preparation time and avoid delays caused by incomplete submissions.
Mauritius-source income is subject to progressive personal income tax as currently enacted (0% up to MUR 500,000; 10% up to MUR 1m; 20% up to MUR 12m; 35% above MUR 12m, effective for the income year starting 1 July 2026), confirmed for each client at the time of structuring. Foreign-source income, including investment returns, dividends, capital gains, rental income, and business income earned outside Mauritius, generally remains taxable for Mauritius tax residents on an arising basis, with foreign tax credit relief available; a remittance-basis concession applies only to specific categories such as Golden Visa holders' foreign employment income. Additionally, Mauritius imposes no capital gains tax, no inheritance or estate tax, no gift tax, and no wealth tax. For internationally mobile high-net-worth individuals, this combination makes Mauritius an efficient personal residency jurisdiction.
This is one of the most important questions to address before relocating to Mauritius. Tax obligations in your home country depend on your domicile, citizenship, and the specific tax rules of that country. Some countries, including the USA, tax their citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they reside. Others apply exit taxes on departure. Mauritius's CRS participation means that financial account information held in Mauritius will be reported to your home country's tax authority. Aurevya always advises clients to obtain comprehensive home country tax advice before establishing Mauritius tax residency, and we co-ordinate seamlessly with your domestic tax advisers to manage the transition.

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Make Mauritius Your Home

Our private client advisers will guide you through every stage of the IOP application and help you build a tax-efficient life in one of the world's most beautiful jurisdictions.

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