Occupation Permit - Work & Residence Mauritius

The EDB Occupation Permit application process — step by step, with realistic timelines

Here is what actually happens at each stage of the application, how long each step typically takes, and what you need to prepare. The entire process can be completed remotely.

1. 1
   Before you apply — allow 1 to 2 weeks

   Profile assessment and document preparation

   Before submitting anything to the EDB, confirm which permit category applies to your situation and gather every required document. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications are the leading cause of delays and rejections — and they can add weeks to your timeline.

   Documents typically required at this stage:

   • Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended start date
   • Academic certificates and professional qualifications (notarised copies)
   • Employment contract or signed job offer letter (Professional Permit applicants)
   • Business plan and financial projections (Investor and Self-Employed applicants)
   • Bank statements showing source and availability of funds
   • Police clearance certificate from your country of current residence
   • Passport-sized photographs meeting the EDB's specifications

   Our approach: We review your full document set before you submit anything. This step alone prevents the majority of rejections we see when clients come to us after a first refusal.
2. 2
   Weeks 1–2

   Online application submission via the EDB portal

   Applications are submitted through the EDB's official online portal at edbmauritius.org. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format, within the file size limits specified by the EDB. Once submitted, you receive an acknowledgement number — keep this for tracking.

   At this step:

   • Complete the online application form accurately — errors can trigger a full resubmission
   • Pay the EDB application fee (amount varies by permit type and is subject to change)
   • Ensure your Mauritian employer has also submitted their employer declaration (Professional Permit only)
   • For Investor and Self-Employed permits: include your signed business plan and financial projections
3. 3
   Weeks 2–6

   EDB review and verification

   The EDB reviews your submission and may contact you to request additional documents or clarifications. This is the most variable phase of the process — well-prepared applications with complete documentation move faster; complex cases or missing information add time.

   You can check your application status through the EDB portal at any time. If the EDB requests supplementary documents, you must respond within the deadline they specify — failure to do so can result in your application being paused or refused.

   What happens during EDB review:

   • Background checks are conducted, including criminal record verification and source-of-funds review
   • For Professional Permit applications, the EDB assesses the role against local labour market criteria
   • For Investor and Self-Employed applications, the business plan and projected financials are evaluated
   • The EDB may request original or apostilled documents if only copies were provided
4. 4
   Weeks 4–8 from submission

   Approval decision

   Once the EDB is satisfied that all criteria are met, they issue an approval letter. The overall timeline from submission to approval is typically 4 to 8 weeks for complete, well-prepared applications. Complex cases or those requiring supplementary documents may take longer.

   If your application is refused, the EDB will provide a written explanation. In most cases, refusals are addressable — see the note below on what to do if this happens.

   Good to know: Your adviser is notified at the same time as you. If we are managing your application, we will contact you immediately on receipt of the decision.
5. 5
   After approval

   Permit collection and arrival formalities

   Once approved, you collect your permit card on arrival in Mauritius at the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO). If you are already in Mauritius on a valid visa, collection can be arranged locally. Some applicants request courier delivery of the physical permit card.

   On arrival or at the PIO:

   • Present your EDB approval letter and valid passport at the PIO counter
   • Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken at the PIO
   • For Investor and Self-Employed permits: ensure the required fund transfer (USD 50,000 or USD 35,000 respectively) is completed within 60 days of permit issuance
   • If bringing dependants: ensure Dependant Permit applications are submitted promptly after your own permit is issued