A Mauritius Work Permit is an official authorisation issued by the government, granting foreign nationals the legal right to work and reside in Mauritius for a specified duration. To qualify for a work permit in Mauritius, foreign employees need to have relevant experience and qualifications tied to their job roles. If an employee is paid over MUR 30,000 and has necessary academic qualifications, then a better option would be the Occupation Permit Mauritius, subject to different criteria. If a company wants to bring in foreign workers in bulk, they first need “permission in principle” before applying for a Mauritius Work Permit.
It’s important to note that the application process for work permits in Mauritius has evolved over the years, and there are now options for third-party assistance. At TBI Mauritius, we assist in applications for Mauritius work permit for foreigners. For a better understanding of the current rules and procedures related to a Mauritius Work Permit, contact us.
Please note that we do not assist with getting jobs in Mauritius.
Eligibility for a Mauritius Work Permit
The Mauritius work permit requirements for a foreigner are:
- Have the right skills and experience for the job.
- Be between 20 and 60 years old, with exceptions for specialised skills and investors.
- Tourists cannot work in Mauritius.
- Health clearance is a must for new applicants.
- This also applies to expatriates married to Mauritian nationals or deputed by foreign companies.
Mauritius Work Permit Requirements
The Mauritius Work Permit requirements for foreigners include:
- Copies of press advertisement and outcome of selection exercise.
- A copy of the Lodging and Accommodation Permit in Mauritius/Place of Accommodation Letter.
- Latest CSG Receipt with list of local workers registered with NPF.
- Particulars of Recruiting Agent, Local and Overseas, where applicable
- Turnover figures of the company for the last 3 years
- Authorisation letter from employer/sponsor
- Certificate of Incorporation/Business Registration Card
- NIC / Passport number of registered user
- Additional documents for specific professions
To get a Mauritius work permit, foreigners should also provide the following:
- Passport sized photo
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Certified copy of academic and professional qualifications and details of work experience
Job profile (where applicable) - A provisional health clearance from the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life
- Contract of Employment duly vetted by the Labour Division of the MLIRET if salary of expatriates is MUR 30,000 or less. If salary is more, documentary evidence from the employer certifying that the expatriate will earn a monthly salary of more than MUR 30,000.
- For professionals having dependents: in case of spouse, the marriage certificate should be submitted and for children less than 18 years old, the birth certificate must be submitted (for Residence Permit Application).
- Additional documents for specific professions
Additional documents for specific sectors
Tourism (Tour Operator), Hotels and Restaurants: Copy of valid Tourist Enterprise License delivered by the Tourism Authority and Latest receipt showing contributions to the Tourism Employees Welfare Fund.
For Restaurant:
- Testimonials/Documentary evidence of experience/expertise for at least 3 years in respective field
Vocational qualifications in respective filed - Construction Sector/ICT/Engineering (for project basis): Covering Letter specifying the project on which the expatriate would be employed, Copy of Letter of award specifying completion date and value of project
Authorised Recruiting Agent
Additional Documents in respect of Bangladeshi workers
The recruitment of Bangladesh workers should be done through licensed recruitment agencies authorised by the Bangladeshi.
Additional documents in respect of Chinese Workers
Following an agreement signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Mauritius, the recruitment of Chinese workers should be done through recruitment agencies authorised by the Chinese authorities.
Mauritius Work Permit Processing Time
Generally, the Mauritius work permit processing time can take a few months with the lodging and accommodation permit proving to be particularly lengthy. It can vary depending on several factors, including obtaining “permission in principle” and fulfilling various eligibility criteria. Additionally, the involvement of different government departments and the verification of documents can contribute to variations in processing times.
Additional Information
Requirements for Overseas Companies
If an overseas company wants to get Mauritius work permits for its employees, it must be incorporated as a foreign company under Mauritian Company Laws or open a Mauritian branch of its existing company.
Work and Residence Permits
Before coming to Mauritius, foreign workers need both a Mauritius Work Permit and a Residence Permit. Employers should apply for both permits at the same time.
Renewing Your Work Permit
When renewing Mauritius Work Permits, employers need to inform about any changes in the employment contract. Some positions may require training a local counterpart.
Work Permit Details and Ratios
Mauritius Work Permits have a specific duration and cannot be transferred. The ratio of local to expatriate workers varies by sector
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a work permit in Mauritius?
To get a work permit or work visa in Mauritius, you should have relevant skills and experience, health clearance, accommodation permit, among others.
How much is the work permit in Mauritius?
The cost of a work permit in Mauritius varies based on the industry. Foreign workers in the manufacturing industry can expect to pay the government Rs 1000 for the 1st to the 5th year. Employers need to pay a processing fee of Rs 700 for the application of each work permit.
How long is a work permit valid in Mauritius?
A work permit for foreign workers is usually valid for a maximum period of 4 years. In the textile manufacturing sector, foreigners are allowed to work for a period of 8 years, leave the country on expiry, stay abroad for 1 year and may come back to work for another 8 years. An occupation permit in Mauritius can be granted for a few months, up to a maximum period of 10 years.
What is the difference between work permit and occupation permit in Mauritius?
A work permit in Mauritius is given to foreign workers by the Ministry of Labour whereas an occupation permit is given to foreign professionals, investors and self employed individuals by the EDB.
How long does it take to get an occupational permit in Mauritius?
The processing time of an occupational permit in Mauritius can be anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. You do not need to be in Mauritius to start the application and submit your documents. TBI will deal with the authorities and any complexities that may arise. You will then have 90 days to come to Mauritius and submit the original documents.
What TBI Business Advisors can do for you:
- We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
- We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
- TBI will advise on the appropriate permit or visa for coming to Mauritius.
- We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations.
- We will assemble the documents and make the application on your behalf.
- If you need assistance with setting up companies whether as an investor or just creating a business here.
- We can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations.
- The directors can act as Commissioner for Oaths.
- We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firms as and when required.
Please contact us via our website, via email to info@tbimauritius.com or via the form below.
While every effort is made to ensure that the information given is accurate, the information on this site does not contain legal, tax or any other professional advice. We accept no responsibility or liability due to any information or representation, whether accurate or not, relied upon in the contents. It is an information guide to provide the reader with a useful general, but basic understanding of the different considerations. You must seek local legal, tax or other professional advice before relying on the contents of this site
