Mauritius digital nomad visa introduced in 2020 is a resident permit that allows remote workers to work in the East African island nation for up to a year. Known as the pearl of the Indian ocean, Mauritius is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Mauritius provides a refreshing alternative to other island nations, particularly because of its lower cost of living matched with a high standard of living comparable to some developed countries.
Many digital nomads opt for destinations in Europe, Asia or the Caribbean and shy from African countries. In fact, Africa has the lowest number of countries offering digital nomad visas of all the continents. Mauritius will however not fail to disappoint visitors as it is a country of immense beauty with attractions such as waterfalls, coral reefs and exquisite cuisine. It also has the infrastructure to match and support the requirements of digital workers.
Courtesy : Photo by Xavier Coiffic on Unsplash
Do Travelers Require a Visa To Visit Mauritius?
Visitors from most countries worldwide do not require a visa to enter Mauritius or can obtain one arrival. 1 Nationals from many of the countries that are exempt from the visa may stay in the country for up to 90 days, while those obtaining a visa on arrival may do so for 14 and 60 days. Examples of countries whose nationals obtain a visa on arrival in Mauritius are Madagascar, Comoros, Iran and Nigeria.
Which Nationals Require a Visa To Visit Mauritius?
There are some citizens of certain countries that will need a visa to enter Mauritius, these include Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, North Korea and Libya. 2 There are several visas available in Mauritius, including a tourist visa, business, transit and multiple entry visa. Visa and extensions of stay in Mauritius are free.
Applicants can apply for Mauritian visas at Diplomatic / Consulate Representatives. 3 If there are no Diplomatic / Consulate Representatives, applications can be submitted through an Air Mauritius office. If this is also not available then, the Mauritius visa application form and supporting documents can be emailed to piovisa@govmu.org.
Visitors can call 230.260.2073 or email piomain@govmu.org if they have any questions.
Does Mauritius Offer a Visa for Remote Workers? What Is the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa?
Mauritius recently launched a visa for digital nomads in 2021 known as the premium travel visa giving the holder the right to live and work remotely in the country for a year. 4 Applying for the visa is easy and can be conveniently done online without needing to visit an embassy or diplomatic mission.
The visa is open to remote workers, expats, retirees, freelancers and online entrepreneurs—as long as the applicant has the ability to obtain foreign sources of income. This can be extended for another year and allows the holder multiple entries in and out of the country. Applicants can also bring dependents such as spouses and children with them.
While most nationals do not need a visa to enter Mauritius, those who need one must apply for a tourist visa which gives holders up to six months in the county. Once they are in the Mauritius, they may now apply for the premium travel visa. 5
Courtesy : Photo by Xavier Coiffic on Unsplash
Eligibility for the Mauritius Remote Worker (Premium) Visa
There are several requirements that are placed on the applicants of the Mauritius Premium Visa including nationality and income prerequisites.
There are 114 nationalities that are eligible for the Mauritius digital nomad visa and these are found below.
Other requirements are summarized below.
- Remote Income—Applicant has to be a professional worker i.e. remote worker, online entrepreneur, freelancer with a remote source of income. Long term tourists and retirees are also welcome to apply.
- Minimum Income—A minimum monthly income of US $1,500 is demanded of the applicant and an additional US $500 for dependents.
Document Requirements for the Mauritius Premium Visa
The following documents should be included in the application for the Mauritius digital nomad visa; they satisfy some eligibility prerequisites and conditions set forth by the Passport & Immigration Office—they include documents proving income and health insurance.
- Valid Passport— Applicants should have a valid passport for six months from one of the 114 countries listed above.
- Passport Photo— Ensure to have a standard passport size photo.
- Financial Standing— Proof of financial standing in the form of bank statements showing income or savings.
- Health Insurance— The applicant will have to show documentation that they have health insurance that covers the duration of stay.
- Proof of Income—If the applicant is employed or has a business, they will need to provide documents proving the same.
- Accommodation Arrangements—Premium Visa holders must have accommodation whether in the form of rentals or hotel bookings.
- Criminal Records— Proof of a clean criminal record is required from the home country.
- Travel itinerary— Provide copies of return tickets and itineraries.
What if I Am Not Eligible for the Premium Visa?
Do not worry if your country is not on the list of eligible counties to obtain a visa. Apply for Mauritian visas at Diplomatic / Consulate Representatives. There are several visas that are available to the remote worker or long term tourist; they include a tourist visa, business visa or an occupation permit.
Upon entering the country, it Is possible to lodge an application for a Mauritius remote worker visa.
Apply Online for the Mauritius Work From Home Visa
It is very easy and convenient to apply for the Mauritius digital nomad visa because it can be done from the comfort of your home online in about ten minutes. The visa also arrives electronically via email.
- Gather all the documents above and ensure they are digitized so they can be uploaded online.
- Proceed to the Mauritius Premium Visa Application online.
- Upload all the necessary documents including a photocopy of the biometric page of a valid passport and copy of return ticket.
- Wait for the processing of the visa. Upon approval, the visa will be delivered via email.
Here are frequently asked questions which may help answer commonly asked queries. For specific questions, email premiumvisa@edbmauritius.org or call (230) 203 3800.
Processing Time & Costs for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa (Premium Visa)
The Mauritius remote worker visa can take two to eight weeks to process; the visa is sent to the email address of the applicant. What sets Mauritius apart from other digital nomad destinations is that its visa is free— there is no charge to process or issue the travel document. This coupled with the low minimal salary requirements makes this visa a lucrative option for those on the path on learning how to become a digital-nomad.
All the applicant needs to do is apply for the visa and submit the required documents. This and the low-income requirements make Mauritius a very attractive choice and destination for digital nomads.
This visa has a very high approval rate and denials are rare. In the instances when denials do occur, it is either due to failing to meet the requirements set forth or not submitting all the required documents. In cases like this, there is no need to be concerned. Simply review the supporting documents and re-apply. Since there are no costs associated with the application, this should not be an issue.
Life in Mauritius as a Digital Nomad
Mauritius is considered part of Africa even though it is located in the Indian Ocean between Asia and Africa about 2000 miles southeast of the famous Madagascar Island. It is an island of cosmic beauty surrounded by coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna and is known for its laid back lifestyle. Known mostly to European and not American travelers, Mauritius is famous for world class luxury resorts straddling its white pristine beaches.
The island nation has one of the most diverse cuisines on the planet consisting of a fusion of African, Indian, Asian and French influences. Its gourmet scene is unmatched in this part of the world. The digital nomad is spoilt for choices with restaurants such as Le Château De Bel Ombre, Kushi located in the Shangri-La and Acquapazza—one of the many restaurants at the Four Seasons Mauritius.
The country has an excellent road infrastructure and is well connected to the rest of the world through international flights. It has a low cost of living paired with a high standard of living offering many amenities offered in developed economies.
Many people speak English and the locals are friendly. Mauritius is relatively safe; it has a Level 1 rating issued by the U.S. Department of State. 6 Majority of the crimes that occur are non-violent robberies from villas or unattended bags—petty crime takes place in tourist areas such as Port Louis. 7 Exercise caution such as keeping hotel rooms locked when outside.
Courtesy : Photo by Ricardo Marques on Unsplash
Cost of Living of Living in Mauritius
Mauritius has a significantly lower cost of living compared to industrialized countries such as the U.S. and the United Kingdom (U.K). Rental rates are a colossal 70% lower than those in the U.K. and the overall cost of living is almost 40% lower than in the U.K. Single remote workers can expect to pay US $470 and US $350 for one bedroom apartments inside and outside of the city.
The cost of groceries, eating out at a restaurant or phone bills are on average and should not be any more different from other countries. The prior link provides a breakdown on different items and their average cost.
Best Places To Reside in Mauritius
Mauritius is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous places to live and it offers a high standard of living to match. Residential options in the island nation match anyone’s budget or considerations such as proximity to shopping, entertainment areas, schools or health care facilities. Here are some locations digital nomads can consider for their stay in Mauritius.
Ebène Cybercity— This is a modern and innovative city that is driven by the IT industry and has well maintained roads and public transportation. Ebène Cybercity is an important economic hub after the capital and is attractive for entrepreneurs and professionals alike.
Port Louis— The capital city of Mauritius and its economic hub, Port Louis is bustling with activity and provides access to government offices, international companies and world class dining and entertainment options. 8 Port Louis is popular with digital nomad due to amenities being conveniently located around the city.
Grand Baie (Grand Bay)—Located in the Northern part of Mauritius, Grand Bay is popular with tourists with gorgeous beaches, numerous restaurants, cafes and shopping areas. It is known for a vibrant nightlife and has an active expat community. There are plenty of coworking spaces and varying accommodation areas.
Flic-En-Flac— Situated in the Western side of the island, Flic-En-Flac is more laid back and is known for turquoise waters, beaches that stretch for miles and plenty of amenities such as restaurants and cafes.
Tamarin— This part of Mauritius is becoming popular with digital nomads and remote workers and is known for Tamarin bay surfing. Tamarin is less crowded and more relaxed and provides easy access to Black River Gorges National Park.
Courtesy : Photo by Jörg Angeli on Unsplash
Tourist Attractions in Mauritius
The one thing that Mauritius is not short off are things to do and see. This stunning East African nation is almost fully surrounded by coral reefs with well over 100 diving sites and as the Indian Ocean has crystal clear water, there are plenty of brightly colored tropical fish to see. There are also several shipwrecks to explore that go back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Mauritius has plenty of attractions for nature lovers with several natural reserves, waterfalls, hiking trails and botanic gardens that play host to rare species such as flying foxes, giant tortoises and pink pigeons. The island nation is also home to Le Morne Cultural Landscape, a rugged mountain that bulges into the Indian Ocean and once used as a natural fortress and shelter for runaway slaves. 9
Other tourist attractions in Mauritius include:
- Ile aux Cerfs
- Les 7 Cascades
- Le Morne Brabant
- Chamarel Waterfalls
- Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
- Black River Gorges National Park
Courtesy : Photo by Fabienne Sypowski-Meyer on Unsplash
Tax Structure for Remote Workers in Mauritius
While being resident in Mauritius for less than 183 days, remote workers are not required to pay taxes on their incomes. However, once this timeline elapses, digital nomads are considered tax residents and eligible to pay taxes on their income. Moreover, once a remote worker is considered a tax resident in Mauritius, they will be subject to tax on worldwide income if the funds are deposited into a bank account in the country.
Otherwise, the remote worker remains a tax resident in their home country. To clarify any questions, it is best to contact the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
Amenities for Remote Workers in Mauritius (Internet Connectivity, Coworking Spaces, Banking, Healthcare)
Mauritius has made long strides in developing its infrastructure, communications and transportation networks. So much so that many of its modern amenities can arguably be compared to those found in some countries in the European Union. Digital nomads need not be concerned about where to work or if they will be connected as the country has excellent connectivity through the island, plenty of coworking spaces and state of the art libraries that provide a conducive environment to work off.
Moreover, Mauritius’s Ebène Cybercity, a modern city that is driven by the IT service industry, is a testament to the island nation’s drive towards powering a digital economy.
Internet Connectivity in Mauritius
The island nation of Mauritius has a modern communications network with a world class internet infrastructure that consists of a Fiber-to-the-Home coverage supplied by two undersea cables (SAFE and LION) and a third to come online soon. 10 It is also the first country in Africa to offer 100 Mbps Internet bandwidth to home users.
Internet speeds however are average as broadband download speeds are 50 Mbps while mobile download speeds clock at 40 Mbps. Nevertheless, these speeds coupled with availability of Wi-Fi all across the island in cafes, restaurants and coworking are more than sufficient to cater for the needs of the remote worker.
Coworking Spaces in Mauritius
Mauritius has a very well-developed coworking space ecosystem with plenty of options dotted around the island nation. It is desirable and a common picturesque scene to have digital nomads work at the beach, but many times this may not be practical; hence, the need for well-designed and equipped coworking space to help boost productivity and encourage professional networking. 11
Here are some of the most popular coworking spaces in Mauritius.
- The Hive Workplace
- Coworking Port Louis- Center
- Workshop17 – Vivéa, Workshop17 – The Precinct, Workshop17 – Savannah
- Zendō- Center
- Co-Lab
- TBE Mauritius- Center
- The Ground Collaborative Space
- Turbine
- Le Workshop
- Fast Hub
Courtesy : Photo by Scott Winterroth on Unsplash
Banking in Mauritius
The banking system in Mauritius consists of 19 banks; five of these are local, twelve are foreign owned subsidiaries, one joint venture and a private bank. At the helm of this banking system is the Bank of Mauritius that issues licenses to banks to carry out operations. Other than standard banking services, banks in Mauritius provide several amenities such as card-based payments, internet and phone banking, and investment banking. 12
Digital nomads can easily open bank accounts should they choose and many offer the option of accounts in foreign currencies such as USD or Euro. To open an account, foreigners need to provide these documents.
- Original and a copy of their valid passport
- Original and a copy of their proof of residence in their home country
- A reference letter from the foreigner’s bank showing no anomalies and a well-managed account.
- Resume
Below are some of the banks located in Mauritius; additionally, digital nomads can use this interactive map showing branches and ATMs on the island.
- ABC Banking Corporation Ltd
- Absa Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank Of China
- Habib Bank Limited
- Standard Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
- HSBC Bank
Healthcare in Mauritius
Mauritius has a universal healthcare system that is based on the Beveridge model and financed by its tax paying citizens—this means that Mauritians enjoy free healthcare. 13 The country has a public and private healthcare sector. Service in the public sector is free, but the private sector can get costly and these hospitals have spawned a robust medical tourist tourism sector in Mauritius.
There are five regional and two district hospitals—Souillac and Mahebourg Hospitals. Foreign residents including digital nomads are required to carry health insurance since free care is reserved for citizens. Popular healthcare insurance providers include Cigna International and Allianz International Health Insurance. In addition, remote workers should consider information from the CDC on vaccinations and health information for foreigners moving to the island nation. 14
Courtesy : Photo by Talat Munshi on Unsplash
Pros of Choosing Mauritius as a Remote Worker Destination
There are several advantages for digital nomads to choose Mauritius as one of their destinations as they globe trot—these include a free and easy application and a low cost of living.
Ease of Visa Application—Applying for the Mauritius digital nomad visa is simple and convenient. In addition, the application for the visa is free and applicants typically receive a response within days. The requirements are quite minimal.
Low Income Requirements—Digital nomads need to make only US $1,500 a month. If they have dependents, an additional US $500 is required.
Tax Exemptions— Remote workers do not need to pay taxes for the first 183 days. Nevertheless, they are considered tax residents after this time period.
Cost of Living— Mauritius enjoys a low cost of living matched with a fairly high standard of living. Total range of monthly living costs including rent for a single person can run anywhere between US $600 and US $900 depending on whether residence is in the city or the outskirts.
Modern Infrastructure— The country has an excellent infrastructure to support digital nomad; internet connectivity is widespread with well over 2000 hotspots around the island. Moreover, there is a robust ecosystem of coworking spaces spread across the island.
Safety & Security—Mauritius is a relatively safe county with a low crime rate. Tap water is safe to drink and there are no major health risks.
Other Countries in Africa That Offer Visas for Digital Nomads
There are only a handful of countries in Africa that offer digital nomad visas exclusively for remote workers; these include Namibia and Seychelles. Nevertheless, the continent is gaining popularity as a digital nomad choice, and remote workers still flock to countries that don’t offer freelancer visas such as Zanzibar (Tanzania).
Seychelles—Also located in East Africa, and neighbor to Mauritius which is about 550 miles away, Seychelles also has a visa for remote workers known as the Seychelles Workcation Program. It is valid for a year and has a low application cost of US $50. However, Seychelles has a slightly higher cost of living when compared to Mauritius.
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)— Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands located 600 kilometers from the West African coast on the Atlantic Ocean. Its nomad visa is known as the Remote Working Cabo Verde and is valid for 6 months, with an option to extend for another 6 months. It has a paltry application fee of only US $20.
Namibia—This was the first country on the continent to launch a digital nomad visa valid for 6 months with no option of renewal. It has a fairly low application cost of US $62.
Courtesy : Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash
The Mauritius digital nomad visa gives remote workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to reside in this beautiful island for year; what’s more is that it is completely free to apply and can be extended for another year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Apply for the Mauritius Nomad Visa Online?
Yes, the Mauritius digital nomad is applied through an online portal.
How Long Is the Mauritius Freelancer Visa Valid For?
The Mauritius travel premium visa is valid for one year, but can be extended for another 12 months.
Can the Mauritius Premium Visa Be Extended?
Yes, the Mauritius digital nomad visa can be extended for an additional year.
Can You Apply for the Premium Visa Outside Mauritius?
Yes, applicants can apply for the premium visa while abroad; they may also do it while in Mauritius.
Can You Obtain a Visa on Arrival in Mauritius?
Yes, several nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Mauritius. Examples of countries whose nationals are granted this type of visa include Madagascar, Comoros, Iran and Nigeria.
Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa vs. Tourist Visa: What Are the Differences?
The Mauritius digital nomad visa is exclusively catered for the remote worker and authorizes them an extended stay and ability to reside in Mauritius for up to a year. A tourist visa is catered for visitors for a maximum period of 6 months and does not permit them to work.
What Mauritius Visa Is Ideal for Digital Nomads?
The most ideal visa for digital nomads is the Mauritius Premium Visa since it allows the remote worker more time on the island, the ability to work, and travel in and out of the country without limits.
What Are Income Requirements To Be Approved for the Visa?
Remote workers should make a minimum of US $1,500 a month plus an additional US $500 if there are dependents to be eligible to apply for the visa.
Are Digital Nomads Taxed in Mauritius?
Remote workers are not taxed for the first 183 days in the country, but are considered tax residents once this period elapses.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa To Enter Mauritius?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Mauritius; upon entering the country, Americans receive a stamp on their passport allowing them 60 days in the country.
What Vaccinations Are Required To Enter Mauritius?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend several vaccinations including: chickenpox, shingles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, pneumonia, typhoid, rabies, meningitis and influenza.
References
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2 Office, P. &. (2023). Visa Requirements. Retrieved 2023, from https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=605
3 Office, P. &. (2023). Application For Visa. Retrieved 2023, from https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=620
4 Mauritius, E. D. (2021). Premium Visa. Retrieved 2023, from https://residency.mu/live/mauritius-premium-visa/?ref=freakingnomads.com
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6 State, U. D. (2023, July 31). Mauritius Travel Advisory. Retrieved 2023, from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mauritius-travel-advisory.html
7 Government, U. (2023). Foreign travel advice – Mauritius . Retrieved 2023, from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritius/safety-and-security
8 Pacheco, I. D. (2020, October). Port Louis. Retrieved 2023, from https://statemag.state.gov/2020/10/1020pom/
9 1992-2023, U. W. (2023). Le Morne Cultural Landscape. Retrieved 2023, from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1259/
10 Ministry of Information Technology, C. a.-G. (2023). Industry Development. Retrieved 2023, from https://mitci.govmu.org/Pages/ICTDev.aspx
11 Swantje Robelski, H. K. (2019, July 4). Coworking Spaces: The Better Home Office? A Psychosocial and Health-Related Perspective on an Emerging Work Environment. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6651795/
12 Shield, U. D.-U.-U. (2023). Mauritius – Banking Systems. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/article?id=Mauritius-Banking-Systems
13 Jamiil Jeetoo, V. C. (2021, December 27). Willingness to Pay to Improve Quality of Public Healthcare Services in Mauritius. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8774898/
14 Control, C. f. (2023, July 13). Mauritius. Retrieved 2023, from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mauritius