Mauritius has launched a new “golden visa” that requires a US $1 million investment and is limited to 100 applicants per year. The scheme is aimed at entrepreneurs and investors who will establish or expand businesses, rather than simply purchasing property.
Program structure
- Permit type: A multiple‑entry residence permit valid for up to two years, renewable by filing a fresh application.
- Processing time: The Economic Development Board commits to a decision within five business days, with a dedicated concierge service for applicants.
- Eligibility: The principal applicant, spouse and dependent children can be included on a single application.
- Investment window: After arrival, applicants have 12 months to deploy the required capital in an approved sector.
Approved investment sectors
Applicants must invest the US $1 million in one of the following areas:
- Fintech
- Artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Renewable energy
- Global treasury / family‑office services
The focus on high‑impact sectors reflects Mauritius’s ambition to become a regional hub for family offices and advanced‑technology businesses.
Comparison with existing Mauritian schemes
| Scheme | Minimum outlay | Permit type | Duration / renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current $1 M golden visa | US $1 M (sector‑specific) | Multiple‑entry residence permit | 2 years, renewable |
| Real‑estate residence | US $375 k in approved property | Residence permit | 20 years, renewable |
| Occupation permit for investors | US $50 k | Work/occupation permit | Variable, tied to business activity |
The new visa does not require a real‑estate purchase, distinguishing it from the long‑standing property‑based route.
Tax implications
- Resident tax rate: A flat 15 % on worldwide income, with several exemptions.
- Exemptions: Income earned abroad and repatriated via foreign credit/debit cards may be exempt; remitted funds used for local expenditure can also be exempt.
- Residency test: Spending 183 days or more in Mauritius triggers tax residency. The regime is not a zero‑tax haven but is generally lower than many Western jurisdictions.
Geopolitical and practical advantages
- Travel freedom: Mauritian passport holders enjoy visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to the Schengen area, the UK, Russia and China.
- Strategic location: The island serves as a bridge between African and Asian markets, with established banking and brokerage infrastructure.
Potential drawbacks
- No real‑estate option: Applicants cannot satisfy the requirement through property acquisition; the investment must be placed in one of the specified sectors.
- Tax exposure: While lower than many Western countries, the 15 % rate is higher than jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands or Turks & Caicos.
- Unclear path to citizenship: The program grants residence but does not automatically lead to citizenship; the timeline and criteria for naturalisation remain unspecified.
Practical considerations for prospective applicants
- Assess sector fit: Ensure the chosen investment aligns with the applicant’s expertise and the five approved sectors.
- Plan capital deployment: The 12‑month window after arrival requires a clear investment plan to avoid delays.
- Evaluate tax residency: Determine whether the 183‑day rule will affect the applicant’s overall tax burden.
- Compare alternatives: Programs such as Malaysia’s MM2H, Portugal’s Golden Visa, or Caribbean citizenship‑by‑investment schemes may offer lower financial thresholds or direct citizenship pathways.
Overall, Mauritius’s $1 million golden visa targets a niche of high‑value investors seeking a fast‑track residence permit, a strategic location, and moderate tax rates, while leaving the path to citizenship and the comparative cost‑benefit balance less defined.
