In order to encourage long-term visits, the government of Mauritius introduced the Premium Visa. The Mauritius Premium Visa is the scheme used by digital nomads who want to work remotely in Mauritius.
In addition to digital nomads, the Mauritius Premium Visa is issued to travelers, retirees, or other professionals and their family members.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Mauritius
Some of the benefits of working as a digital nomad in Mauritius are:
- Easy visa application process. The Mauritius digital nomad visa application process is extremely easy. The application is online and takes only a few minutes to fill out. You will have to wait about 48 hours for an answer and get the answer via email.
- No fees. Applying for a digital nomad visa in Mauritius is free.
- Tax exemptions. As a digital nomad in Mauritius, you are not imposed to pay taxes for up to six months. However, you will be considered a tax resident after 183 days of your stay.
- Low cost of living. If you want to work as a digital nomad in Mauritius, you can expect to not spend a lot of money. Port Louis might be the most expensive place in the country, with the average apartment costing between $400 and $800 per month. However, you can find cheaper apartments outside the city. In general, some living costs are: for meals, $6.71 to $33.56, for basic utilities per month, $51.65, for internet per month, $31.80, and for transportation, you will spend $0.83 for a one-way ticket, and a monthly pass is $22.37.
In addition: Mauritius is a small country with 2,000km² in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The country is famous for its vibrant culture, chequered history, sugar and textile industries, and stunning lagoons and pristine beaches. As a digital nomad in Mauritius, you can enjoy all of these.
What if I Am Not Eligible for the Mauritius Premium Visa?
If you are not eligible for the Mauritius premium visa, you can still travel to Mauritius and work as a digital nomad. You just have to get a tourist visa first, then apply for the Premium Visa after you arrive in Mauritius. Follow these steps:
- Get a tourist visa. You can get a tourist visa for Mauritius from the corresponding embassy or consulate in your country.
- Travel to Mauritius. After getting your tourist visa, you only have to pack your bag and go to Mauritius.
- Gather the required documents. The documents you need are under “Requirements for Mauritius Digital Nomad (Premium) Visa”. They are the same for those eligible and not eligible.
- Apply for the premium visa. After gathering the documents, you can apply online for a premium visa.
- Submit the application and wait for approval. As soon as you upload all the documents and complete all the steps, you will be able to submit your online application. You will receive an email response within 48 hours.
Requirements for Mauritius Digital Nomad (Premium) Visa
Here is a list of the required documents to apply for a Mauritius digital nomad visa:
- An application form, filled out online.
- Copy of the biometric data page of your passport.
- Passport size photo.
- Copy of airline ticket (including return ticket if you want to stay beyond six months).
- Travel and health insurance. You need health insurance designed for digital nomads and remote workers who are living abroad for traveling to Mauritius. If your spouse or other dependents accompany you, you need to have International Medical Insurance.
- Letter of accommodation. You will need either a hotel booking, lease, or rental agreement. If you are sponsored locally, you need a letter of sponsorship, proof of address, copy ID, or residence permit.
- Proof of funds. You can use copies of recent bank statements for the last three months or proof of monthly income. You need a monthly threshold of $1500 to qualify.
- Proof of dependents. Proving your relationship to dependents, if you are married, you could use a marriage certificate. If you have children, you should have their birth certificates or a letter of consent when accompanied by one parent.
How to Apply for a Mauritius Premium Visa for Digital Nomads?
You can obtain a Mauritius premium visa online. The application process is as follows:
- Gather the required documents. It is best to gather all the necessary documents before starting the application. You have to upload them (electronic copies) to the application platform. Find the list of required documents under “Requirements for Mauritius Digital Nomad (Premium) Visa” above.
- Start the application. On the official visa application website, click on the ‘Apply’ button to start the application. Fill in the information correctly.
- Submit the application and wait for the approval. You must submit your online application once you upload the documents and complete all the steps. Then you have about 48 hours to receive an answer via email.
- Travel to Mauritius. After getting your email, the last step left is traveling to Mauritius.
Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Mauritius
It takes about 48 hours for the application to be processed. Then you will get an email confirming or denying your application.
How Much Does the Mauritius Digital Nomad (Premium) Visa Cost?
The Mauritius digital nomad visa is issued free of charge. Make sure to apply through the official application portal by the Mauritius Economic Development Board.
Private visa agencies which help you process your application will charge you a service fee.
How Long Can I Work in Mauritius as a Digital Nomad?
Mauritius’ digital nomad visa is valid for one year. It is renewable, provided you continue to meet the requirements.
Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Mauritius
In terms of taxation, Mauritius is one of the lowest countries in the world. Taxes on corporate and individual incomes are set at 15%. However, taxes on offshore businesses located in Mauritius, which do not do business with Mauritanians or use Mauritian currency, are exempt. Moreover, value-added tax (VAT) is charged at the rate of 15%, the land transfer tax is imposed at 5%, and stamp duty is imposed on various documents in the amount of MUR (Mauritian Rupee) 25 to MUR 1,000 ($0.55 to $21.98).
As a digital nomad in Mauritius, you are not obligated to pay taxes. Instead, you have to ensure that your income is deposited into a foreign account and doesn’t enter Mauritius. However, if you decide to stay in the country longer than 183 days, you must follow local tax laws.