Mauritius Citizenship Requirements

Getting Mauritius citizenship is attractive for a growing number of foreign citizens, including families, retirees, and investors, thanks to the island's high quality of life, multicultural lifestyle, and favourable tax regime. There are several pathways to becoming a Mauritian citizen, including citizenship by marriage, by descent, by naturalisation, by investment, by birth, and by adoption. Each pathway has its own conditions, and some are far easier to qualify for than others.

This page gives a comprehensive overview of the Mauritius citizenship requirements, the application process, and the residency alternatives for living and working on the island. Mauritian nationality is governed by the Mauritius Citizenship Act and the Constitution of Mauritius, while citizenship and passport matters are handled by the Passport and Immigration Office.

Requirements for Mauritius Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign spouses of Mauritian citizens can apply for Mauritius citizenship by registration. To qualify for Mauritius citizenship by marriage, the foreign spouse should have lived with their Mauritian spouse in Mauritius for 4 consecutive years before applying. The marriage must be genuine and subsisting, and the application is assessed by the authorities before citizenship is granted.

Requirements for Mauritius Citizenship by Investment

Foreign investors can become Mauritian citizens by investment once they meet specific conditions. The requirements for Mauritius citizenship by investment include investing a minimum of USD 500,000 in Mauritius and residing in the country for at least 2 years before applying. In practice, this route is rarely granted and can involve significant hurdles. For most investors, a far more practical option is Mauritius residency by investment, where investing at least USD 375,000 in qualifying property or a business lets you live in Mauritius for the long term. See the alternatives below for the routes that most foreigners actually use.

Requirements for Mauritius Citizenship by Descent

A person born outside Mauritius can acquire Mauritius citizenship by descent if, at the time of their birth, one of their parents was a Mauritian citizen by birth. Citizenship by descent allows the children of Mauritian citizens living abroad to claim Mauritian nationality, subject to providing the required civil status documents. Applications are made through the Passport and Immigration Office.

Requirements for Mauritius Citizenship by Birth

Whether a child born in Mauritius is a citizen by birth depends on when they were born. Children born in Mauritius before October 1, 1995, to Mauritian or foreign parents are generally eligible for citizenship. Children born in Mauritius on or after that date are eligible where at least one parent is a Mauritian citizen. Depending on the circumstances, these cases are processed as citizenship by birth or by registration.

Requirements for Mauritius Citizenship by Naturalisation

Foreigners who have lawfully and continuously resided in Mauritius for a qualifying period may apply for Mauritius citizenship by naturalisation. Naturalisation is granted at the discretion of the authorities under the Mauritius Citizenship Act, and applicants are normally expected to show good character, an intention to keep living in Mauritius, and an adequate knowledge of the country. Because the residence period and conditions are set by law and assessed case by case, it is best to confirm your eligibility with an advisor before applying.

Requirements for Mauritius Citizenship by Adoption

Foreigners can obtain Mauritius citizenship by adoption where the adoption is legally executed in Mauritius and the adoptive parents are Mauritian citizens.

Benefits of Mauritius Citizenship

Becoming a Mauritian citizen brings a number of benefits. Mauritian citizens hold a Mauritian passport, which gives visa free or visa on arrival access to a large number of countries. Citizenship also grants the right to live, work, and vote in Mauritius without a permit, to own property freely, and to enjoy the country's stable, business friendly environment and favourable tax regime. Mauritius allows dual citizenship, so in many cases you can keep your existing nationality, although you should always check the rules of your home country first.

Alternatives to Getting Mauritius Citizenship

While getting citizenship in Mauritius is not realistic for most people, there are several easier routes to living and working on the island. These residency options are the paths that most foreigners use to settle here.

Mauritius Residency by Investment

An alternative to Mauritius citizenship by investment is residency by investment. Instead of citizenship, foreigners can obtain a 20 year residence permit by investing at least USD 375,000 in a business. Foreigners can also invest at least USD 375,000 in property to live in Mauritius. Buying qualifying property allows foreigners to live in Mauritius for as long as they own the property, which makes property investment a popular alternative for anyone looking at Mauritius citizenship by investment.

Mauritius Occupation Permit

The 20 year Permanent Residence Permit is another strong alternative to Mauritius citizenship. Foreigners can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit after holding an Occupation Permit for at least 5 years. The Permanent Residence Permit then allows the holder to live and work in Mauritius for 20 years. It is much easier to qualify for permanent residence than for Mauritius citizenship.

Mauritius Retirement Permit

Mauritius also offers a Retirement Permit, which allows foreigners over the age of 50 to retire in Mauritius and live here for 10 years. After 5 years on this permit, retired foreigners can apply for a 20 year residence permit. Retirees can also invest in property as a way to live in Mauritius for the long term. Qualifying for permanent residence through retirement is an easier process than meeting the Mauritius citizenship requirements.

It is important to note that qualifying for Mauritian citizenship is a complex process, and for most people the realistic opportunities to settle here come through residency rather than citizenship. The best way to decide which path is right for you is to speak with an immigration expert or relocation advisor in Mauritius. At TBI, we assess your individual circumstances and advise you on the best course of action for moving to Mauritius.