Also called the Premium Travel Visa, the Mauritius digital nomad visa allows digital nomads to stay in the country longer while taking up remote work. Although it's aimed at digital nomads, retirees and some professionals who want to stay longer in the country may apply for the Premium Visa.
Mauritius is a small African country east of Madagascar and lies in the Indian Ocean. It's a small remote archipelago home to 16 islands and islets and known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters. The main islands that make up the country are Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Agaléga. While most visitors would head to Mauritius for the beach, there's much more to discover in the country.
If you're among those digital nomads charmed by Mauritius' beauty, you should consider applying for the Mauritius digital nomad visa. Mauritius is one of the few African countries that offer digital nomads a chance to live longer in the country, so you should grab this opportunity.
Here's how you can apply for the digital nomad visa in Mauritius.
About the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
The Premium Travel Visa of Mauritius applies to any non-citizen who plans to stay in the country for up to a year as a tourist or professional while carrying out remote work from Mauritius. It's also applicable to retirees who want to experience how it is to live in the island paradise. Applicants are allowed to bring their families, provided they met the qualifying requirements.
The Mauritius digital nomad visa will allow visitors to stay in the county for up to a year, allowing digital nomads to extend their stay to experience the island's natural beauty while working remotely. While it's only valid for a year, qualified applicants have the option to renew the visa if they wish to prolong their stay. However, you can only request an extension for three more months.
Digital nomads can enter and leave Mauritius as they please while living in the country under the digital nomad visa. The best thing about the Mauritius digital nomad visa is that it's free to apply!
Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility
Before applying for the Mauritius digital nomad visa, it's worth knowing the eligibility requirements. To qualify, interested applicants must produce proof of their long stay plans and sufficient insurance for the entire duration of stay. Applicants must adhere to the following criteria:
- Applicants must not work in the country or enter the Mauritius labour market.
- The applicant's source of income must come from a company based outside Mauritius.
- Can provide documentary evidence supporting the application, such as accommodation and purpose of visit.
- Must be able to provide basic immigration requirements.
Documents to Submit When Applying for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
If you are ready to apply for the Mauritius digital nomad visa, here are the requirements you need to prepare:
- Application form – download the application form online. Fill out completely.
- Passport copy – copy of your passport's biometric data page.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Copy of a roundtrip airline ticket.
- Travel and health insurance.
- Letter of accommodation – you need to submit a copy of the hotel booking, rental or lease agreement, proof of address in Mauritius, or letter of sponsorship.
- Proof of funds – you need to submit copies of your bank statements for the last three months showing your monthly income. You should earn a monthly threshold of at least $1,500 to qualify for the Mauritius digital nomad visa.
- Additional requirements for dependents – if you are taking your dependents to Mauritius, you must show proof of relationship with them. For instance, if you bring your spouse, you must submit a marriage certificate. If you bring your kids, you must send in their birth certificates.
Applying for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
So, are you ready to apply for the Mauritius digital nomad visa? Here are the steps:
- Prepare all the required documents – refer to the list of requirements above and have them ready for the application. Since you will apply for the visa online, you must have digital copies of these requirements.
- Start the online application – once you have all the requirements ready, visit the website of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius to send in your application.
- Submit your application – follow the steps on the website to submit your application for the Mauritius digital nomad visa. Make sure to upload the required documents.
- Wait for the result – it won't take long to receive a response to your email for your digital nomad visa application. In most cases, you will receive a response within 48 hours.
- Travel to Mauritius – once your application is approved, you can now travel to Mauritius.
Other Mauritius Visa Alternatives
If you are not qualified for the Mauritius digital nomad visa or if your application was rejected for some reason, don't fret. You can use other visas to enter the country and live there for a certain period.
- Visa-free Entry – many nationalities can enter Mauritius without a visa. For instance, digital nomads holding passports from Australia, Canada, the United States, and many European countries can enter the country visa-free. However, you can only stay in the country for 60 days.
- Tourist Visa – another option is to apply for a tourist visa, which is granted for a short stay for leisure purposes. While using this visa, you are not permitted to conduct business activities in Mauritius.
- Visa on arrival – some nationalities are eligible to apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. However, depending on where you came from, your stay in Mauritius will only be limited. Usually, it's not more than sixty days.
Paying Taxes in Mauritius as a Digital Nomad
Mauritius has one of the lowest tax rates in the world. Individual and corporate tax rates are at 15%. As a digital nomad living in Mauritius, you are exempted from paying taxes. However, the income you acquire outside the country must be deposited in a foreign bank account. The tax-exempt is only applicable for 183 days. If you stay in the country for more than that, you must adhere to the local tax laws.
Holders of the Mauritius digital nomad visa will be required to pay taxes on money deposited in a bank account in Mauritius. As an added benefit, bank deposits will not be subjected to income tax, provided a declaration is made that the tax has already been paid in the country of origin.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Mauritius
Mauritius is one of the world's best countries for digital nomads and for many reasons. It has excellent internet connectivity throughout the island and blessed with sub-tropical weather and stunning beaches. Although it's technically part of Africa, Mauritius is the epitome of an island paradise, and living in this country for a long time is a dream for many digital nomads.
With more than 150 km of coastline, Mauritius is home to some of the world's most beautiful white sand beaches. You can expect to spend most of your time at the beach while living as a digital nomad in Mauritius. Belle Mare, which lies on the island's northeast coast, is one of Mauritius' best beaches. It's about six miles long and overlooks a large lagoon backed by palm-lined resorts.
Aside from relaxing at the beach, you can enjoy many water sports activities when taking a break from work. If you're into scuba diving, you'll love Mauritius even more. One of the island's most popular dive sites is the Cathedral in Flic en Flac, which lies on the western coast.
Port Louis is one of the best places for digital nomads to base themselves while living in Mauritius. It's famous for its French colonial architecture and lively dining and shopping scene. When living in Port Louis, digital nomads can expect to spend an average of $2,587 per month. It's a bit expensive, but the good news is that you will find many affordable places to rent in the city. For instance, a studio apartment in the city centre will only cost an average of $500 to rent per month.
With more and more digital nomads moving to Mauritius, the community of digital nomads in the country is thriving. Because of this, you'll find plenty of coworking spaces on the island from where you can take up work and meet other nomads. Some of the best ones are The Hive, Coworking in Port Louis, and Regus.
Getting around Mauritius is easy, as it has a decent transportation system. The main roads are well-developed and in good condition, so driving around is safe. Overall, Mauritius is pretty safe, and the locals are warm and friendly to foreigners.
FAQs on the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
How Much Will It Cost to Apply for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa?
The Mauritius Premium Visa will not cost you anything. It is free of charge, and there's no need to pay processing fees.
How Long Can I Stay in Mauritius while Holding the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Mauritius digital nomad visa will let you stay in the country for up to a year and is renewable for three more months.
How Long is the Processing Time for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa?
In most cases, applicants will receive a response in their email within 48 hours of submitting the visa application online.
Can I Bring My Spouse and Kids to Mauritius Under the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your dependents with the Mauritius digital nomad visa. You must submit proof of relationship during the application, such as a copy of your birth or marriage certificate.
Digital Nomad Visas in Africa
Mauritius is not the only African country with a digital nomad visa, other African countries are Namibia, Cape Verde and The Seychelles. Check out our full list of countires with a digital nomad visa here.
