Investor Category · EDB Mauritius

The Investor Category
programme — Republic of Mauritius

Legal basis, EDB requirements, document set and indicative timing. For qualified investors only.

Revision dated 20 May 2026.

What is the Investor Permit

The Investor Permit is an immigration document issued by the Economic Development Board of the Republic of Mauritius. It confers three rights on a foreign national at the same time:

• the right to reside in the Republic of Mauritius;
• the right to conduct business on the territory of the country;
• the right to carry on investment activity through a registered Mauritian company.

The Investor Permit is intended for foreign investors who invest in a registered Mauritian company and take part in its activity.

Principal features

• The permit combines three statuses in a single document: residence permit, work authorisation and business activity authorisation;
• The permit may extend to dependants — spouse and dependent children;
• The permit is issued by the Economic Development Board in accordance with the current immigration and corporate legislation of Mauritius.

Principal conditions of the Investor Category

The foreign investor must:

• invest in a Mauritian company;
• be a shareholder, director or otherwise participate in the management of the business;
• meet the requirements of the EDB and of the immigration authorities;
• carry on activity that creates economic value for the Republic of Mauritius.

Within our structure

The investor:

• acquires a participation in the issuer (an operating Mauritian technology company) on the terms of a Subscription Agreement;
• becomes a shareholder of the company and is entered into the Companies Registry of Mauritius;
• subject to satisfying the requirements of the legislation, applies for an Investor Permit through the Economic Development Board.

commerce.mu provides administrative and organisational support for the preparation and submission of documents to EDB Mauritius.

EDB baseline requirements

Documents required for submission

The complete file is agreed individually with EDB Mauritius. The baseline list is as follows:

• Completed EDB Investor Category form (OP/PR);
• Certified copy of the passport (with at least six months of validity remaining);
• Birth certificate / marriage certificate (for dependants);
• Police Clearance Certificate from the country of residence over the previous six months;
• Medical certificate (on the EDB form);
• Evidence of the source of funds (KYC) — statements and tax filings;
• Corporate documents of the investee company: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association, registry extract;
• Subscription Agreement / Share Purchase Agreement as evidence of the investment;
• Bank statement evidencing the transfer of funds to the company's account.

Indicative timing

The timings shown are indicative and based on the typical practice of the EDB. The decision to issue a permit is taken by EDB Mauritius at its discretion; specific timings cannot be guaranteed.

• Weeks 1–2: signature of the SPA / Subscription Agreement, KYC;
• Weeks 2–3: transfer of funds through an escrow agent;
• Weeks 3–6: preparation and submission of the file to the EDB;
• Months 2–4: EDB review, with possible requests for additional documents;
• Months 3–6: issuance of the permit on a positive decision.

Rights of the permit holder

• Residence and employment in the Republic of Mauritius;
• Inclusion of family members through a dependant permit;
• Eligibility to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit after three years, subject to conditions;
• Opening of bank accounts with Mauritian banks;
• Purchase of real estate under the IRS / RES / PDS / Smart City schemes;
• Mauritian tax residence where the relevant criteria are met (more than 183 days in the year or centre of vital interests).

Advantages of the Mauritian jurisdiction

• English Common Law — the legal system is based on English common law, with modern local adaptations, providing a high level of protection for business and investors;
• Network of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) — more than 45 international agreements, including with India, the UAE, Singapore and South Africa;
• A stable political and economic system — an independent parliamentary democracy since 1968, one of the most stable jurisdictions in Africa;
• English and French — the official languages of business and legal documentation;
• A neutral jurisdiction — Mauritius maintains a neutral international position and is open to international business;
• Access to African and international markets — a member of COMESA, SADC and IORA, with access to the fast-growing markets of Africa and the Indian Ocean;
• International mobility — holding a Mauritian Investor Permit may be considered by consulates when applying for visas to the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, the United States and other international destinations as evidence of lawful residence and source of income (the visa decision is taken by the consulate of the relevant State);
• A high standard of safety and quality of life — Mauritius is considered one of the safest and most comfortable countries in Africa for family living;
• International education — schools and pre-schools on the island offer English and French curricula, including Cambridge, IB and the French Curriculum;
• Universities and international campuses — local and foreign universities operate on the island, including branches of British and French educational institutions;
• A favourable family environment — a mild climate, the ocean, developed infrastructure, healthcare and an international community.

Our role

commerce.mu is an operating Mauritian technology company (Republic of Mauritius), operating in accordance with the Mauritius Companies Act 2001. We offer qualified investors the opportunity to participate in the company on terms agreed in a Subscription Agreement, and we provide support for the preparation and submission of documents to EDB Mauritius. We are not a State authority and we do not take decisions on the issuance of permits.