1. What is a retirement visa in Mauritius?
A retirement visa in Mauritius is a type of long-term visa that allows foreigners who are retired and meet certain eligibility criteria, to live in Mauritius for an extended period of time. This type of visa is usually valid for a period of 10 years and can be renewed after its expiration.2. What are the requirements to obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius?
The specific requirements to obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius may vary, but generally applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Be at least 50 years old
– Show proof of adequate financial resources (such as a pension or investment income) to support oneself during their stay in Mauritius
– Provide evidence of health insurance coverage
– Undergo a medical examination and provide a clean bill of health
– Submit a police clearance certificate from country/countries where the applicant has resided for more than 12 months during the last 10 years
– Fulfill any other specific requirements set by the Mauritian government, such as investing in real estate or making a deposit into a local bank account
3. Can I work on a retirement visa in Mauritius?
No, retirement visas do not allow holders to engage in paid employment or business ventures while residing in Mauritius. However, retirees can still start their own business as long as they have obtained an Occupation Permit from the relevant authorities.
4. What are the benefits of obtaining a retirement visa in Mauritius?
Some potential benefits of obtaining a retirement visa in Mauritius may include:
– Living in one of the most beautiful and stable countries in the world
– Enjoying a high quality of life with access to modern amenities and services
– Exemption from personal income tax on foreign income
– Ease of doing business for those interested in starting their own company
– Access to affordable healthcare services
– Relatively low cost of living compared to other developed countries
2. Am I eligible for a retirement visa in Mauritius?
To be eligible for a retirement visa in Mauritius, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Age Requirement: You must be at least 50 years old.
2. Minimum Income: You must prove that you have a regular monthly income of at least USD 2,500 or its equivalent in other major currencies.
3. Health Insurance: You must have health insurance coverage during your stay in Mauritius.
4. Good Character: You must provide a clean criminal record and pass a background check.
5. Investment Requirements: You are required to make an initial investment of at least USD 50,000 in the name of the main applicant or USD 40,000 each in case of joint applicants.
6. Proof of Accommodation: You must show proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Mauritius.
7. Subsistence fees: A bank deposit equivalent to USD 5,000 for one applicant and an additional USD 2,500 per dependent is required to cover subsistence expenses while on the island.
8. Proof of Retirement Status: You need to provide proof that you are retired and no longer working full-time, such as a retirement letter or statement from your employer.
9. Payment of Fees: A non-refundable application fee and processing fee must be paid when submitting your application.
Note that meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval for a retirement visa, as the final decision lies with the Mauritian authorities.
3. What are the requirements for a retirement visa in Mauritius?
To obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: Applicants must be at least 50 years old.
2. Financial stability: Applicants must have a regular income of at least USD 1,500 per month or a lump sum payment of at least USD 25,000 per year.
3. Health insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay in Mauritius.
4. Good character and no criminal record: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin and any other countries where they have resided for more than six months in the past 12 months.
5. Proof of accommodation: Applicants must provide proof of accommodation in Mauritius, such as a rental agreement or property ownership documents.
6. Proof of funds: Applicants must provide proof that they can support themselves financially while living in Mauritius.
7. Application fees: A non-refundable application fee is required for processing the retirement visa application.
Note: The requirements may vary depending on which category the applicant applies under (retired non-citizen or retired non-citizen dependent). It is recommended to check with the Mauritian embassy/consulate for specific requirements based on individual circumstances.
4. Can I work on a retirement visa in Mauritius?
Yes, it is possible to work on a retirement visa in Mauritius. However, permission to work must be obtained from the Prime Minister’s Office and there are certain restrictions on the types of work that can be done.5. How long does it take to get a retirement visa in Mauritius?
The processing time for a retirement visa in Mauritius varies based on the individual’s circumstances and completion of all required documents. It can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks for the application to be processed and approved.
5. How long does the retirement visa application process take in Mauritius?
The retirement visa application process in Mauritius typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned date of arrival in the country.
6. Is there an age restriction for obtaining a retirement visa in Mauritius?
Yes, in order to obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius, the applicant must be at least 50 years old.
7. Do I need to show proof of financial stability to obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius?
Yes, you will need to show proof of financial stability in order to obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius. The exact requirements may vary depending on the type of retirement visa you are applying for, but generally, you will need to provide proof of sufficient income or savings to support yourself during your retirement years in Mauritius. This could include bank statements, investment accounts, pension statements, property ownership documents, or other evidence of financial resources. It is important to consult with the Mauritian embassy or immigration authorities to confirm the specific financial requirements for the retirement visa you are seeking.
8. Can I bring my spouse or dependents on my retirement visa in Mauritius?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and dependents on your retirement visa in Mauritius as long as they meet the requirements for dependent visas. They will need to submit a separate application and provide proof of their relationship to you, proof of financial support, and any other required documents. Your dependents will also need to go through the same medical screening process as you do for your retirement visa.
9. Do I need to have health insurance to obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius?
Yes, you will need to have valid health insurance in order to obtain a retirement visa in Mauritius. It is a requirement for all long-term visa holders in Mauritius to have adequate health insurance coverage. This is to ensure that you are able to access medical care and treatment in case of any illness or emergency during your stay in the country.
10. Can I own property on a retirement visa in Mauritius?
According to the Immigration Act of 1975 and the Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act of 1980, non-citizens can own property on a retirement visa in Mauritius as long as they meet certain conditions. These conditions include:
1. Obtaining a “Residential Property Permit” from the Board of Investment (BOI) before purchasing any property.
2. The property must be classified as a “residential unit” and should not exceed one acre in size.
3. The non-citizen must use the residence for their personal occupation only, and cannot use it for commercial or rental purposes.
4. The purchase price of the property must be at least USD 500,000 or its equivalent in another currency.
5. The non-citizen must declare their intention to retire in Mauritius and provide evidence of their financial means to support themselves and their dependents.
6. The retired person must have a valid residence permit.
It is important to note that foreigners are not allowed to buy agricultural land or land belonging to sugar estates, except with the approval of the Minister responsible for Land Affairs.
Overall, owning property on a retirement visa in Mauritius is possible but there are specific guidelines and regulations that must be followed. It is recommended to consult with an expert such as a lawyer or real estate agent who specializes in foreign ownership in Mauritius before making any property purchases.
11. Are there any taxes associated with having a retirement visa in Mauritius?
No, there are no taxes specifically associated with having a retirement visa in Mauritius. However, retirees are still subject to other taxes such as income tax, property tax, and Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases. Make sure to consult with a financial advisor for more information on tax regulations in Mauritius.12. Can I apply for permanent residency on a retirement visa in Mauritius?
No, permanent residency cannot be obtained through a retirement visa in Mauritius. The retirement visa is only for individuals who wish to retire and live in Mauritius for a temporary period of time. Permanent residency can only be obtained through other means such as investment, employment, or marriage to a Mauritian citizen.
13. How long is the validity of the retirement visa in Mauritius?
The validity of the retirement visa in Mauritius is for a maximum period of 10 years, subject to renewal every 3 years.
14. Am I allowed to leave and re-enter the country on a retirement visa in Mauritius?
Yes, you are allowed to leave and re-enter Mauritius on a retirement visa as long as your visa is still valid. However, if your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new one before re-entering the country. It is recommended that you speak with immigration officials or your embassy for specific requirements and procedures.15. Is there a minimum time requirement for staying in Mauritius on a retirement visa?
Yes, the minimum time requirement for staying in Mauritius on a retirement visa is 180 days per calendar year.
16. Are there any restrictions on working or volunteering while on a retirement visa in Mauritius?
There are no restrictions on working or volunteering while on a retirement visa in Mauritius. However, it is important to note that the purpose of the retirement visa is for individuals to spend their retirement years in Mauritius without engaging in any gainful employment. Thus, any work or volunteering should not be the primary reason for staying in the country and should not interfere with the individual’s retirement lifestyle.