The 10 Most Commonly Asked Questions about Moving to Mauritius

2022-02-28 08:31:19 • Candice Thompson

If you are considering relocating to Mauritius, you probably have a list of questions longer than your arm that you need answered. Whether it’s the ins and outs of permit applications, housing, pet importation or shipping, having these initial questions answered will go a long way at setting your mind at ease before you make that final decision.

As a relocation team, we are peppered with a huge number of questions that we are always happy to answer. In this blog post, we have collated our top ten questions and answers for you. Hopefully this will help you in your decision-making process.

1.   Can my spouse work while on a dependent permit?

Unfortunately, not. Dependents are not permitted to enter the Mauritian labour market while on a dependent permit.  However, if your spouse can work remotely online for a foreign company and be remunerated from abroad, then he or she will be allowed to continue doing that from Mauritius while on a dependent permit.

2.   Is it possible to find a rental that will allow my pets?

Of course. There are numerous rental properties that allow either cats or dogs, although the number of pets allowed is sometimes limited. It’s important to let your real estate agent know that you would like to rent a property with pets, so that they only show you suitable options.

3.   How easy is it to switch between permits?

It’s relatively easy to switch between permits. This will require a new application with the Economic Development Board, as well as payment of the full application fee for both the main applicant and the dependents. In certain cases, depending on the permit you are applying for, you may be required to bring a new investment amount into Mauritius. However, you won’t be required to redo your medical tests if your current permit was valid at the time of switching.

4.   Can I bring my parents into Mauritius as my dependents?

If you are the main permit holder, you may bring your parents into Mauritius as your dependents, as well as your spouse and children. However, if you are the spouse of the main permit holder, and on a dependent permit yourself, you unfortunately won’t be able to bring your parents in as dependents. On the other hand, your parents do have the option of applying for a Permit as a Retired Non-Citizen if they are over the age of 50.

5.   Do I need a police clearance certificate for my application?

It all depends on what permit you are applying for. At this stage, you will only be required to submit a police clearance certificate / certificate of character if you are applying for a Retirement permit. For all the other permit applications, a police clearance certificate is not required.

6.   How often are permit applications rejected?

In our experience, we have been successful with all permit applications to date. As long as you meet the criteria of the relevant permit, have a solid business plan (only applicable to Investor and Self-employed Permits) and are able to provide the required documents, we can’t see any reason why your application would be rejected. However, please bear in mind that the final decision lies with the Joint Committee who look at each application on a case-by-case basis.

In the case of an application being rejected, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration within 30 days from the date of the rejection. However, only one appeal may be made.

7.   If I start off on a Premium Visa, will I be able to switch to a longer permit?

Yes, absolutely. Many people like to start on a Premium Visa to get a feel for the island and see if they would like to make a more permanent move. If you are happy here, which is generally the case, they you then easily switch to the long-term permit that best suits your situation. This will require a full application with the Economic Development Board, medical tests and an appointment at the EDB.

There are also many people who move to Mauritius on a Premium Visa while they are waiting for unabridged birth or police clearance certificates, or for the incorporation of their company.

8.   When do I need to finalise my dependent permit applications?

Dependent permits can only be applied for after the main applicant has received his or her permit. If you are planning a short trip to Mauritius to finalise your permit application, then we generally recommend rather applying for your dependent permits when you relocate for good. Dependent permits need to be collected by the main applicant in person and take about two weeks. In addition, you can add dependents onto your permit at any later stage should you require it.

9.   What is the general timeline of the permit application process?

The initial online permit application can take anywhere from 8 to 23 days working days for an applicant to receive his or her Approval in Principle. After Approval in Principle is received, the applicant has 90 days to come to Mauritius and finalise the application. This requires a series of basic medical tests, some extra documentation, and a visit to the Economic Development Board for your original documents to be verified. The main applicant should receive his or her permit on the day of the appointment, should all the paperwork be in order.

10. I don’t have an unabridged birth certificate. Will that be a problem?

Unless you are applying for a Premium Visa which has no birth certificate requirement, then yes, that could be a problem. You are required to submit an unabridged birth certificate – or a birth certificate showing the names of your parent(s) on it – for all long-term permit applications.

Whatever your thoughts are, knowing the facts will help you in your decision making. If you have more questions about a possible relocation to Mauritius, or if you’d like to schedule a free call to discuss your options, please contact us on relocations@btg-consultingafrica.com. We would love to help.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this blog is for general guidance on matters of interest only. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved and given the changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, this may lead to omissions or inaccuracies in information contained in this blog. Accordingly, the information in this blog is provided with the understanding that we are not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice and services.