About the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
Any individual who is not a citizen of Mauritius and intends to spend up to a year in the country as a tourist or professional while working remotely can benefit from the Premium Travel Visa. Additionally, retirees who wish to explore life in the island paradise are eligible. As long as they meet the necessary criteria, applicants can bring their families along.
Digital nomads can take advantage of the Mauritius digital nomad visa, which permits them to reside in the country for a maximum of one year. This allows them to embrace the island’s natural environment while still working remotely. The visa may be renewed by eligible applicants if they choose to extend their visit. Nonetheless, solely three extra months may be requested when seeking an extension.
Under the digital nomad visa of Mauritius, individuals can freely come and go from the country and reside there. The most advantageous aspect of this visa is that applying for it does not require any fees.
Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility
It is advisable to familiarize oneself with the eligibility requirements for the Mauritius digital nomad visa prior to submitting an application. Interested parties must provide evidence of their intention to stay for an extended period of time, as well as adequate insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. Compliance with the following criteria is mandatory for applicants to be considered:
- Applicants must not work in the country or enter the Mauritius labour market.
- The applicant’s source of income must come from a company based outside Mauritius.
- Can provide documentary evidence supporting the application, such as accommodation and purpose of visit.
- Must be able to provide basic immigration requirements.
Everything You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visa
1. What is a digital nomad visa?
A visa for digital nomads permits them to work in a country legally for a longer period than a tourist visa and with fewer obstacles than a work visa.
The digital nomad visa allows for freelancers and digital nomads to remain in their preferred location for a period ranging from 6 months to 2 years, with simple renewal options available.
2. Why get it?
Visa limitations and immigration are two of the primary obstacles faced by digital nomads, as per their account.
Prior to the introduction of digital nomad visas, individuals with this lifestyle had to rely on travel visas. However, these visas typically prohibited individuals from working within the country and had limited stay periods of up to 90 days. As a result, digital nomads and traveling freelancers had to find ways to discreetly work while pretending to be tourists.
Once their travel visa has expired, they are required to visit the immigration office, endure a lengthy waiting period, and pay a fee for a renewal in certain instances. If visa renewal is not permitted, digital nomads might engage in a technique known as a “visa run” whereby they travel to a nearby country for several days before returning to the original country to obtain a fresh travel visa stamp, although some countries may prohibit this practice.
Engaging in these activities will eventually wear out digital nomads who have been doing it for decades, affecting them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you qualify, it’s advisable to submit an application for a digital nomad visa. Doing so will allow you to bypass travel visa limitations, avoid extensive waiting periods at immigration offices, and eliminate the need for visa runs. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a novel environment that can revitalise your creative and productive output.
3. How to get it?
Obtaining a digital nomad visa varies according to the specific procedures and prerequisites of each country. Nevertheless, here’s a basic rundown of how you can secure one.
- Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
- Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
- Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
- Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
- Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!
To discover the qualifications and criteria for each involved nation, access the links provided at the conclusion of this piece.
4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?
The eligibility requirements for a digital nomad visa vary among countries, however, the typical prerequisites for application include the following:
- You are location-independent.
- You can work digitally and remotely.
- You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
- You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
- You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
- You have travel or health insurance.
5. How long does the process take?
The duration of the digital nomad visa application process may range from 3 to 4 months and varies depending on the country of application.
Documents to Submit When Applying for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for the digital nomad visa in Mauritius, you must prepare the following requirements.
- Application form – download the application form online. Fill out completely.
- Passport copy – copy of your passport’s biometric data page.
- Passport-sized photo .
- Copy of a roundtrip airline ticket .
- Travel and health insurance.
- Letter of accommodation – you need to submit a copy of the hotel booking, rental or lease agreement, proof of address in Mauritius, or letter of sponsorship.
- Proof of funds – you need to submit copies of your bank statements for the last three months showing your monthly income. You should earn a monthly threshold of at least $1,500 to qualify for the Mauritius digital nomad visa.
- Additional requirements for dependents – if you are taking your dependents to Mauritius, you must show proof of relationship with them. For instance, if you bring your spouse, you must submit a marriage certificate. If you bring your kids, you must send in their birth certificates.
Applying for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
Are you prepared to seek the Mauritius digital nomad visa? If so, follow these instructions:
- Prepare all the required documents – refer to the list of requirements above and have them ready for the application. Since you will apply for the visa online, you must have digital copies of these requirements.
- Start the online application – once you have all the requirements ready, visit the website of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius to send in your application.
- Submit your application – follow the steps on the website to submit your application for the Mauritius digital nomad visa. Make sure to upload the required documents.
- Wait for the result – it won’t take long to receive a response to your email for your digital nomad visa application. In most cases, you will receive a response within 48 hours.
- Travel to Mauritius – once your application is approved, you can now travel to Mauritius.
Other Mauritius Visa Alternatives
Don’t worry if you do not meet the requirements for the Mauritius digital nomad visa or if your application was turned down. There are alternative visas that allow you to stay in the country for a specific duration.
- Visa-free Entry – many nationalities can enter Mauritius without a visa. For instance, digital nomads holding passports from Australia, Canada, the United States, and many European countries can enter the country visa-free. However, you can only stay in the country for 60 days.
- Tourist Visa – another option is to apply for a tourist visa, which is granted for a short stay for leisure purposes. While using this visa, you are not permitted to conduct business activities in Mauritius.
- Visa on arrival – some nationalities are eligible to apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. However, depending on where you came from, your stay in Mauritius will only be limited. Usually, it’s not more than sixty days.
Paying Taxes in Mauritius as a Digital Nomad
Mauritius boasts of having one of the world’s most minimal tax rates. Both individual and corporate tax ratings stand at 15%. As a digital nomad residing in Mauritius, you can enjoy the benefits of tax exemption. Nevertheless, any income you earn from overseas must be placed in an offshore bank account. This exemption only applies for 183 days; if you remain in the country beyond that, you must comply with the local tax regulations.
Individuals possessing the Mauritius digital nomad visa will need to pay taxes on funds placed in a bank account located in Mauritius. In addition, if a statement is submitted affirming that taxes have been paid in the nation of origin, bank deposits will not be subject to income taxation, offering an extra advantage.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Mauritius
Mauritius is an ideal destination for digital nomads due to various reasons such as its remarkable internet coverage across the island, beautiful beaches, and sub-tropical climate. Despite being classified as African, Mauritius is largely considered as an island haven, and it’s a desire for numerous digital nomads to live in this country for an extended period.
Mauritius boasts over 150 km of coastline housing some of the most stunning white sand beaches in the world. Being a digital nomad in Mauritius means spending most of your time chilling at the beach. Belle Mare, situated on the northeast coast of the island, is among the top-rated beaches in Mauritius. It runs approximately six miles long, providing a panoramic view of a vast lagoon surrounded by resorts fringed with palm trees.
In addition to unwinding on the shore, you can indulge in various aquatic sports during your work hiatus. Mauritius is particularly appealing to those who enjoy scuba diving. The Cathedral in Flic en Flac, located on the island’s western coast, is a well-liked diving spot.
For digital nomads residing in Mauritius, Port Louis is an ideal location given its reputation for stunning French colonial architecture, vibrant dining and shopping options. The average monthly cost of living in Port Louis for a digital nomad amounts to $2,587, which may seem steep, but many reasonably-priced rental options can be found throughout the city. A city centre studio apartment, for example, can be rented for an average of $500 per month.
The digital nomad community in Mauritius is flourishing as an increasing number of individuals from this lifestyle migrate to the country. As a result, numerous coworking spaces have emerged on the island, providing opportunities for professionals to work and interact with other digital nomads. The Hive, Coworking in Port Louis, and Regus are among the top-ranking coworking spaces.
Mauritius boasts of a reliable transportation network, making traveling around the country effortless. The primary streets are well-maintained, and driving is secure. In general, Mauritius is a safe destination, and the residents are welcoming and hospitable to visitors from abroad.
FAQs on the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
How Much Will It Cost to Apply for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa?
The Mauritius Premium Visa comes at no cost to you, meaning it is entirely free with no processing fees required.
How Long Can I Stay in Mauritius while Holding the Digital Nomad Visa?
You can remain in Mauritius for one year with the digital nomad visa, and it can be extended for an additional three months.
How Long is the Processing Time for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa?
Typically, within 48 hours of submitting their visa application online, applicants can expect to receive a response via email.
Can I Bring My Spouse and Kids to Mauritius Under the Digital Nomad Visa?
It is permissible to accompany your dependents with the Mauritius digital nomad visa. Evidence of the relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate, must be provided during the application process.
Can I bring my family members with me?
Several countries’ digital nomad visas permit you to bring your family with you, subject to an extra charge. Anguilla (UK), Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean), Dubai (UAE), and Estonia (EU) are among the nations that enable family members to accompany digital nomads.
What are the typical restrictions I need to be aware of?
The digital nomad visa, acknowledged by certain nations, grants permission to freely roam the streets without encountering any issues.
If you’re not deliberately seeking trouble, having a visa won’t make a difference in getting out of it.
How do I renew my digital nomad visa?
It is quite uncomplicated to renew digital nomad visas, usually involving the payment of a renewal fee. As the visa nears its expiration, one may simply visit the immigration office and request its renewal.
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