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Golden Visa vs Investor Visa in Mauritius
Mauritius offers two primary residency routes for international investors and relocators: the Golden Visa (property-based residence tied to qualifying real estate) and the Investor Visa (Occupation Permit linked to running a business in Mauritius).
The Golden Visa is commonly used to describe residency obtained through purchasing approved property in schemes like IRS, RES, or PDS developments. You buy the property, you get residence.
The Investor Visa is an Occupation Permit (Investor category) that requires establishing or investing in a Mauritius-registered business. You run or invest in a company, you get residence and the right to work in your business.
This guide explains both pathways in clear terms, compares their pros and cons, and helps you choose the right route in 30 seconds or less.
Quick Decision (Choose in 30 seconds)
Choose Golden Visa (Property Route) if…
- ✓You want simple, passive residency without running a business
- ✓You're happy to buy property worth USD 375,000+
- ✓You'll live in Mauritius or use it as a second home
- ✓You prefer real estate over business investments
- ✓You want minimal paperwork and compliance after approval
Choose Investor Visa if…
- ✓You plan to run or invest in a Mauritius business
- ✓You can invest USD 50,000+ in a company (In your own company)
- ✓You want the right to work in your own business
- ✓You're comfortable with annual turnover and reporting requirements
- ✓You prefer lower upfront cost but active involvement
What the "Golden Visa" Means in Mauritius (Property Residence)
The Golden Visa refers to residence obtained by purchasing qualifying real estate in approved property schemes in Mauritius.
These schemes include IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme), RES (Real Estate Scheme), and PDS (Property Development Scheme). You buy an approved property, meet conditions, and receive long-term residency rights.
Key Details
- Minimum threshold: Typically USD 375,000 for qualifying property (varies by scheme)
- Duration: Residence linked to property ownership—as long as you own the qualifying property and meet conditions
- Dependents: Generally includes spouse and dependent children
- Work rights: Limited—typically cannot work for third parties but can manage personal investments
Pros
- Simple, passive route—no business to run
- Own a tangible asset (property) you can use or rent out
- Minimal ongoing compliance after approval
- Access to Mauritius tax benefits (no wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax in most cases)
- Family inclusion under one application
- Stable, long-term residence as long as property is held
Cons
- High upfront cost (USD 375,000+)
- Capital tied up in real estate (less liquid)
- Ongoing property maintenance and fees
- Cannot work for third parties without separate work authorization
- Property market risk (fluctuations, resale time)
- Limited flexibility if you don't want to hold property long-term
Best for
- Retirees and semi-retirees seeking a tropical base
- Remote workers and digital nomads wanting stable residence
- Families relocating for lifestyle and education
- Investors diversifying into international real estate
- Anyone who prefers passive, low-admin residency
Investor Visa (Occupation Permit – Investor)
The Investor Visa is an Occupation Permit under the Investor category. It grants residence plus the right to establish or invest in a Mauritius-registered business.
You set up or invest in a company, meet business activity thresholds, and receive a 10-year renewable permit allowing you to live and work in your business.
Key Details
- Minimum investment: USD 50,000 commonly cited as the baseline business investment
- Typical validity: Generally 10 years, renewable
- Dependents: Spouse and dependent children included
- Work rights: Can work in your own business
- Fees: Application and approval fees apply (amounts vary)
Renewal Requirements (Turnover Thresholds)
Renewal depends on your business meeting annual turnover thresholds over time:
- Year 3: MUR 3 million+ annual turnover typically required
- Year 6: MUR 4 million+ annual turnover
- Year 9 onward: MUR 6 million+ annual turnover
Note: Thresholds and renewal terms depend on current regulations and your business type. Professional services and certain sectors may have different requirements.
Pros
- Lower upfront cost (USD 50,000 vs USD 375,000)
- Right to work and run a business in Mauritius
- Access to Mauritius corporate tax benefits and treaty network
- Strategic base for African and Asian business expansion
- Family inclusion under one permit
- Potential path to Permanent Residence after sustained business activity
- 10-year initial validity (generally)
Cons
- Requires active business management and compliance
- Annual turnover and performance thresholds for renewal
- Business risk (market, competition, operational challenges)
- More paperwork (annual returns, audits, tax filings)
- Renewal depends on business success—not guaranteed
- Certain sectors restricted or require additional approvals
Best for
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
- Those expanding to Africa or Indian Ocean region
- Remote businesses wanting a Mauritius presence
- Consultants, agencies, tech startups, and service businesses
- Anyone comfortable with active business involvement
Learn more about business setup in Mauritius.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Golden Visa | Investor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Residence through property ownership | Residence + business operation rights |
| Upfront Cost | USD 375,000+ (property) | USD 50,000+ (business investment) |
| Ongoing Obligations | Maintain property ownership | Meet turnover thresholds, annual filings |
| Renewal Basis | Linked to property ownership | Business performance (turnover thresholds) |
| Family/Dependents | Yes (spouse + children) | Yes (spouse + children) |
| Ability to Work | Limited (no third-party employment) | Yes (in your own business) |
| Complexity | Low (property transaction) | Medium-High (business setup + compliance) |
| Ideal Profile | Retirees, remote workers, passive investors | Entrepreneurs, business owners, active investors |
Pathway to Long-Term Residency
Both the Golden Visa and Investor Visa provide long-term residence rights, but Mauritius also offers a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) for those who meet certain criteria.
PRP typically becomes available after several years of continuous residence and meeting specific requirements such as:
- Sustained property ownership or business activity
- Demonstrated economic contribution to Mauritius
- Clean record and compliance with all residency conditions
- Minimum years of residence (thresholds vary by route)
Important: Eligibility for PRP and other long-term options depends on current immigration rules, which can change. Neither the Golden Visa nor Investor Visa automatically leads to citizenship, which requires a separate naturalization process.
Always confirm current pathways and eligibility requirements with licensed professionals before making long-term plans.
How Moving Mauritius Helps (A–Z)
We guide you through the entire residency process, from initial strategy to post-arrival support. Here's how we work:
1. Eligibility Call
We start with a confidential consultation to understand your goals, budget, timeline, and personal circumstances. We'll recommend the best route (Golden Visa or Investor Visa) and outline next steps.
2. Document Checklist
We provide a complete, customized checklist of documents you'll need (passports, bank statements, police clearances, etc.). We review your documents before submission to avoid delays.
3. Strategy (Best Route + Timeline)
We map out your exact pathway, estimate processing time, and identify any potential roadblocks. You'll know what to expect at every stage.
4. Coordination with Licensed Professionals
Where required, we connect you with licensed lawyers, accountants, property agents, and business advisors. We coordinate across the team so you don't have to chase multiple parties.
5. Application Coordination
We manage your application from submission to approval, handling communication with authorities, tracking progress, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
6. Post-Arrival Setup Support
Once approved, we help with housing, schools, banking, utilities, healthcare, and local orientation. Our job isn't done until you're fully settled.
Whether you're leaning toward the Golden Visa's simplicity or the Investor Visa's business opportunities, we're here to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Ready to start your Mauritius residency journey? Contact us for a confidential consultation, or explore our residency packages to see how we can help.
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