Do you want a good job and live on a beautiful island? Mauritius is perfect for that! It is not only a holiday place with beaches. Now it is also a big center for money, banking, and technology. Many foreigners are moving here for high-paying expat jobs. The Mauritius government made it easy for skilled people to come and work. They created one special permit called Occupational Permit (OP). This one permit works as both work permit and residence permit together. You don’t need two different papers.
This guide uses simple English and explains everything step by step so you can understand fast.
What is the Occupational Permit (OP)?
In Mauritius, almost all foreign workers use the Occupational Permit (OP). The Economic Development Board (EDB) gives this permit. It is fast and 100% online.
Three Main Types of Occupational Permit
There are three big categories. Each has its own money rules.
| OP Type | Who is it for? | Money Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | People with a job offer from a Mauritius company | Basic salary at least MUR 60,000 per month (around USD 1,300). In ICT/BPO it can be only MUR 30,000 or even MUR 22,500. |
| Investor | People who start or buy a company | Put at least USD 50,000 in the company. From year 3, company must make at least MUR 4 million per year. |
| Self-Employed | People who want to run their own small business | Put USD 35,000 in a local bank. From year 3, business must make at least MUR 800,000 per year. |
Good tip: Everything is done online on the government website called NELS. It is very quick.
Old Way – Separate Work Permit
For factory jobs or low-skill jobs, some people still need the old system: separate Work Permit (from Ministry of Labour) + Residence Permit (from Immigration). This way is slower and companies must first try to hire Mauritian people.
Best Jobs for Expats in Mauritius (2025)
Mauritius needs many skilled people right now. Most jobs are in Port Louis city and Ebene Cybercity (the tech area).
Top 5 Sectors with Many Jobs
- Banking & Global Business (GBC) Big international banks and funds are here. They need people for compliance, accounting, audit, and FinTech. Salaries are very good.
- ICT and Technology Mauritius wants to be “Digital Mauritius 2030”. They need web developers, software engineers, AI experts, cybersecurity people, and cloud specialists.
- Construction & Real Estate Many new smart cities and luxury houses are being built. Civil engineers, project managers, architects, and quantity surveyors get jobs fast.
- Renewable Energy Mauritius wants more solar and wind energy. Jobs for engineers and project managers are growing.
- Luxury Tourism & Hospitality Five-star hotels always need experienced managers, chefs, and spa experts.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Professional Occupational Permit
This is the most common way (for people who already have a job offer).
Before You Come to Mauritius
- Find a job first You need a Mauritius company to sponsor you.
- Company collects your documents
- Signed job contract
- Your university degree and certificates (certified copies)
- CV and job description
- Passport copy and passport-size photos
- Company applies online They use the EDB website (NELS) and pay the fee.
After Application
- Government checks everything (EDB + Immigration + Prime Minister Office).
- You get “Approval in Principle” email (normally within a few weeks).
- You can now buy your plane ticket.
- When you arrive in Mauritius:
- Do medical check-up
- Pay small bond money (for ticket back if needed)
- Get your OP plastic card from Immigration Office.
Your permit can be for 3 years or up to 10 years (depends on your contract).
Family, Tax, and Long-Term Stay
Can My Family Come?
Yes! If you have OP, you can bring:
- Husband or wife
- Children under 24 years
They get “Dependent Occupational Permit” and can live with you the whole time.
How Much Tax I Pay?
Mauritius tax is easy:
- Personal income tax is flat 15% (sometimes less with deductions)
- Small social contribution (like pension) – around 3-6%
Very friendly for expats!
Can I Stay Forever?
Yes! After you work 3 years with good salary (at least MUR 150,000 per month for the last 3 years), you can apply for 20-year Permanent Residence Permit. After that you feel like home.
Final Words
Mauritius is one of the easiest and most beautiful countries for skilled expats right now. Good salary, low tax, safe life, English speaking, and amazing beaches.
If you are a professional in ICT, finance, engineering, or management – start looking for jobs today!
Ready for your Mauritius dream job? Contact a registered company or immigration consultant today. Rules can change, so always check the official EDB website or speak with a licensed expert.
Disclaimer:
This guide is only for information. Always check latest rules on the official EDB Mauritius or Immigration website before you apply.