Permits ease for families of expatriates in Mauritius

The Mauritian government has crafted policies conducive to keeping the family of expatriates in Mauritius together in the country.

For example, the country’s real estate development schemes automatically grant Mauritius residency to foreign buyers and their close family members. The purchase price threshold to gain this privilege was lowered in June 2020 from USD500,000 to USD375,000. The residence permit for the foreign buyers and their close kin is for a 10-year period.

Significantly, this liberal government policy welcoming family members of expatriates in Mauritius applies to all foreign nationals. Whether it’s French, UK, US, or Indian diaspora in Mauritius, their close family members can also live in the country. These family members can include a spouse or partner.

Occupation Permit window

However, the children accompanying the expats moving to Mauritius have to be under 24 years of age to qualify for residency. Qualified young adults though can obtain an Occupation Permit (OP) in Mauritius after securing a job contract with a local company.

The government also grants an OP to self-employed foreigners. This permit can be obtained with a minimum investment that was reduced recently to USD50,000 from USD100,000.

Notably, the spouse of an OP holder is now no longer required to obtain a permit to invest or work in Mauritius. Holders of Occupation Permits are now also allowed to have their parents live with them in Mauritius.

The government adopted these policy revisions for expatriates in its bid to attract more professional talents from overseas. Under these changes, the Occupation Permit has also been integrated with the Residence Permit.

More family-friendly island features

The government announced these new policies as part of its measures to lift the economy from the Covid-19 slowdown. Outlined in the country’s 2020-2021 budget, these initiatives likewise included programs enhancing family life in the country.

The budget, for instance, provides MUR15 Million to finance events under a Calendrier Culturel. Construction of a Leisure Park at Quartier Militaire as well as new Sports Centre at Plaine Verte are also in the pipeline.

There are many existing points of interest too that brings delight to all families in Mauritius. One of their favorites is the circa 1770 Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, touted as the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Many families also troop not only to the island’s pristine, sandy beaches but also visit the Mauritius Aquarium at Pointe Aux Piments. To cap it off, this aquarium’s locale northwest of the island offers plenty of real estate developments suited for their families.

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