The Premium Visa: Mauritius for Digital Nomads
Launched in October 2020, the Premium Visa is Mauritius's response to the global rise of remote work. Designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and location-independent professionals, the Premium Visa allows you to live in Mauritius for up to one year while continuing to work for employers or clients based outside the country.
The key attraction is the tax treatment: Premium Visa holders are not considered tax residents of Mauritius, meaning their foreign-sourced income is not subject to Mauritius income tax. Combined with Mauritius's tropical climate, safety, excellent internet connectivity, and affordable cost of living, the Premium Visa has made the island one of the most attractive digital nomad destinations in the world.
Eligibility
Income Requirement
You must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of USD 1,500 from sources outside Mauritius. Acceptable income sources include:
- Salary from a foreign employer (remote work arrangement)
- Freelance or consulting income from foreign clients
- Business income from a company registered outside Mauritius
- Pension or retirement income
- Investment income (dividends, interest, rental income from abroad)
You prove this income through employment contracts, bank statements, client contracts, pension statements, or other official documentation showing regular income.
Other Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 12 months' validity
- Travel and health insurance valid in Mauritius
- Clean criminal record (police clearance from country of residence)
- Return or onward flight booking (or proof of sufficient funds for departure)
- Accommodation booking or rental agreement in Mauritius
Application Process
- Online application — Submit your application through the EDB online portal with all required documents
- Processing — Applications are typically processed within 48 hours to 2 weeks
- Approval — You receive an approval letter by email
- Travel to Mauritius — Present your approval letter at immigration upon arrival
- Visa issuance — Your Premium Visa stamp is placed in your passport
- Renewal — Apply for renewal before expiry if you wish to extend your stay
Tax Implications
The tax treatment of the Premium Visa is one of its most attractive features:
- Not a Mauritius tax resident — Premium Visa holders are not considered tax residents of Mauritius. Your foreign income is not taxed in Mauritius.
- No reporting obligations — You do not need to file a tax return in Mauritius for your foreign income.
- Home country tax — You remain subject to tax in your country of tax residence (or citizenship, for US citizens). Check your home country's rules on tax residence — spending a year in Mauritius may affect your tax residence status in your home country.
Tax Residence Warning
While the Premium Visa does not create Mauritius tax residence, spending a year abroad may affect your tax residence in your home country. Many countries (France, UK, Germany) have rules that terminate tax residence after a certain period of absence. Consult a tax adviser in your home country to understand the implications before applying for a Premium Visa.
Digital Nomad Life in Mauritius
Internet and Connectivity
Mauritius has excellent internet infrastructure for remote work. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is available in most urban and suburban areas, with speeds of 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Mobile 4G coverage is nationwide, and 5G is being rolled out. Multiple undersea cables (SAFE, LION, MARS, METISS) provide redundant international connectivity. Most coworking spaces and cafes offer high-speed Wi-Fi.
Coworking Spaces
| Space | Location | Price (approx.) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hive | Ebene | MUR 5,000-8,000/month | Hot desk, meeting rooms, events |
| Turbine | Moka | MUR 6,000-10,000/month | Campus setting, cafeteria, gym |
| Co&Co | Grand Baie | MUR 4,000-7,000/month | Beach proximity, relaxed atmosphere |
| Innov8 | Port Louis | MUR 5,000-9,000/month | Central location, tech community |
Where to Live
Grand Baie (North)
The most popular area for expatriates and digital nomads. Beach lifestyle, international restaurants, nightlife, and easy access to diving and water sports. Rents: USD 500-1,500/month for furnished apartments.
Tamarin / Black River (West)
Surfing, mountain views, and a more laid-back atmosphere. Growing expat community. Proximity to Le Morne and Chamarel. Rents: USD 400-1,200/month.
Ebene / Moka (Central)
Business hub with coworking spaces, modern apartments, and good infrastructure. Metro Express connection. Less beach-oriented but more practical for business. Rents: USD 400-1,000/month.
Flic en Flac (West Coast)
Long beach, sunset views, supermarkets, and a mix of local and international dining. Popular with families and couples. Rents: USD 400-1,000/month.
Cost of Living for Digital Nomads
| Item | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Furnished apartment (1-2 bed) | 400 – 1,200 |
| Coworking membership | 100 – 250 |
| Home internet (fibre) | 25 – 50 |
| Mobile data (unlimited) | 15 – 30 |
| Groceries | 200 – 400 |
| Dining out | 150 – 400 |
| Transport (scooter/car rental) | 100 – 300 |
| Health insurance | 50 – 150 |
| Total | 1,000 – 2,500 |
Premium Visa vs Other Options
- vs Tourist Visa — Tourist visa limits you to 60-90 days and does not officially allow working. The Premium Visa gives you 1 year with explicit permission to work remotely.
- vs Self-Employed OP — The Self-Employed Permit requires a Mauritius-registered business and USD 35,000/year income. You become a Mauritius tax resident. Choose this if you want to build a Mauritius-based business and stay long-term.
- vs Investor OP — The Investor Permit requires USD 50,000 investment and a Mauritius company. Choose this if you want to establish a substantial business in Mauritius.
Transitioning from Premium Visa
Many digital nomads who start with a Premium Visa eventually decide to stay in Mauritius long-term. If you want to transition to a more permanent arrangement, you can:
- Switch to an Occupation Permit — Apply for an Investor, Professional, or Self-Employed OP while in Mauritius. This makes you a tax resident but gives you a 10-year permit and path to PR.
- Purchase real estate — Invest USD 375,000+ in an approved property development for immediate permanent residence.
- Renew the Premium Visa — Continue renewing annually if the Premium Visa arrangement suits your lifestyle and tax situation.
Start Your Digital Nomad Journey
Sunibel Corporate Services assists digital nomads with Premium Visa applications, accommodation guidance, bank account opening, and transition planning for those who decide to stay long-term. Contact us to explore your options for living and working remotely in Mauritius.