First announced in April 2026, Mauritius' Golden Visa scheme is now taking shape. The authorities have outlined the requirements for this initiative aimed at attracting wealthy foreign investors: a minimum investment of US$1 million, a renewable visa, and a potential pathway to permanent residency. This marks another step in Mauritius' efforts to attract international investors, amid geopolitical tensions and growing questions about the scheme's economic and social impact on the island.
Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, the Mauritian government announced its Golden Visa Scheme on 10 April 2026. With global uncertainty weighing on wealth management decisions and investment strategies, Mauritius is positioning itself as a stable, attractive destination for international capital.
Months after that announcement, the scheme has taken a significant step forward. The Economic Development Board (EDB) has published the official Golden Visa guidelines, setting out the eligibility criteria, qualifying investment sectors, and the application process.
The goal is clear: attract high-net-worth investors, as well as entrepreneurs and specialists in high-value industries. Beyond bringing in new residents, the government hopes to channel international capital into the economic sectors it wants to develop.
Golden Visa: USD 1 million to invest within 12 months
The scheme targets foreign nationals who can invest at least USD 1 million in Mauritius within 12 months of receiving their visa. The visa is valid for up to two years, is renewable, and allows multiple entries. It also lets holders relocate with their spouse and dependent children.
Despite what the name might suggest, the Mauritian Golden Visa is not built around real estate investment. Qualifying sectors include financial services, fintech, information and communication technology, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, education, renewable energy, the blue economy, and the creative industries.
Applicants are not required to invest immediately. They must, however, provide a written commitment confirming their intention to invest the required amount within 12 months, along with a bank statement showing that at least USD 1 million is available. A detailed business plan covering the project, its timeline, and its financing is also required.
One additional condition: the applicant's primary source of income must originate outside Mauritius. The EDB will monitor investments throughout the designated period, and any failure to meet the stated commitments could result in the visa being canceled, revoked, or not renewed.
The scheme also allows holders to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit after investing at least USD 1 million in a qualifying economic activity during the first 12 months. Permanent residency is not granted automatically, though; a separate application is required.
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Fast-tracked procedures and personalized support
One of the Golden Visa's main selling points is the speed of the process. Applications are submitted online through the National Electronic Licensing System (NELS). After an initial review by the EDB, eligible applications are forwarded to the Passport and Immigration Office, which makes the final decision. According to the official guidelines, a complete application should be processed within five business days. There are no processing fees.
To help successful applicants settle in, the EDB is also offering a Fast-Track Concierge Service, a personalized support package covering both investment matters and relocation practicalities. Eligible investors can access guidance on property acquisition, wealth management, investment structures, schooling for their children, and family relocation. The service can also assist with applications for an Occupation Permit or a residence permit suited to their circumstances.
Golden Visa holders may also purchase property through approved schemes, including the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), the Real Estate Scheme (RES), the Property Development Scheme (PDS), and the Smart City Scheme (SCS), as well as certain apartments in buildings of two or more floors above ground level.
The scheme also includes an accelerated process for work permits for domestic staff and caregivers accompanying visa holders. These applications can be processed within five business days, provided the file is complete and meets all legal requirements.
Mauritius is not starting from scratch with the Golden Visa. The island already has several pathways for foreigners looking to live, invest, or retire there. Real estate has long been a main entry point for foreign investors: purchasing a property worth at least USD 375,000 through certain approved schemes can qualify buyers for a residence permit, subject to applicable conditions.
Other options include the Occupation Permit, available to investors, employed professionals, and self-employed workers, as well as residence permits for foreign retirees.
Mauritius also highlights its tax environment, its double taxation agreements with a number of countries, and its position as an economic hub between Africa and Asia.
The Golden Visa adds to an already fairly broad offering. What sets it apart is less the creation of a new investment pathway than the combination of a multiple-entry visa, a fast-tracked process, and a concierge service tailored to high-net-worth individuals.
One important distinction remains, however: unlike some existing permits, the Golden Visa does not, on its own, constitute a general authorization to work or run a business in Mauritius. Those wishing to do so may need to apply separately for an Occupation Permit.
The real challenge: turning appeal into lasting investment
With the publication of the official guidelines, Mauritius has made its ambitions concrete. The Golden Visa is no longer just a policy announcement. Eligibility conditions, administrative procedures, and benefits are now clearly defined. What remains to be seen is how effectively the scheme will attract its target audience. The USD 1 million threshold, the requirement to invest in qualifying sectors, and the option to subsequently apply for permanent residency make for a distinctive proposition in a competitive international market where several countries are vying for the same high-net-worth profiles.
A journalist, holder of the DALF C1 and C2 and a diploma from the University of Mauritius, I have nearly twenty years of writing experience. After six years in the Mauritian press, I joined Expat.com, where I have been working for over a decade, including five years as editorial assistant, and now as editorial manager.
