Understanding the Mauritius Retired Non-Citizen Permit

The Mauritius Retired Non-Citizen Permit offers a long-term residency path for individuals aged 50 and older looking to settle in the Indian Ocean. While traditionally issued for 10 years, recent updates suggest a shift toward 5-year renewable terms with stricter physical residency requirements of 180 days per year. This permit allows you to live on the island and invest in local businesses or property, though it strictly prohibits drawing a local salary.

Dependents, including spouses and children, can be included under the same permit duration. From a tax perspective, your foreign income is generally only taxable if remitted to Mauritius and you meet residency thresholds. After living on the island for three to five years, holders can often transition to a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit, provided they meet specific fund transfer milestones between $54,000 and $200,000.

Who is affected

This program is designed for expats and retirees seeking a permanent base rather than short-term travelers. It is not a fit for typical digital nomads, who should instead look at the Premium Visa for one-year remote work stays. To qualify, you must commit to transferring at least $2,000 monthly or $24,000 annually into a Mauritian bank account.

What to do

The application process is handled through the National Electronic Licensing System (NELS). You will need to upload your birth certificate, passport, a police clearance certificate covering the last 10 years, and a signed undertaking.

Once you receive an initial approval, the following steps apply:

• Undergo a local medical examination.
• Provide a bank statement showing the initial fund transfer.
• Pay the $1,000 government fee.
• Attend an in-person appointment with original documents.

Keep an eye on the latest nomad news regarding shifts in residency thresholds, as the government continues to refine the path toward permanent residency.

Read our full Mauritius guide for the complete picture.