Are you a digital nomad looking for a new place to call your temporary home? Mauritius might just be the answer. Being an island nation located off the southeast coast of Africa, Mauritius has been the destination for many travelers looking to unwind at the beach or with an ocean view.

Recently, they introduced their digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to migrate there for an extended period of time. In this article, we’ll explain how this visa works, the requirements, and how to apply for it.

The Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa

The Mauritius digital nomad visa (DNV) is a new visa category designed to attract remote workers and foreign currencies to the island. It generally allows remote workers and digital nomads to live and work in Mauritius for up to one year. This is because the visa is only valid for a year.

Fun fact: You don’t have to be a digital nomad to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. It’s available to retirees and any remote workers. Plus, you can also relocate with your family members.

Benefits of Working in Mauritius as a Digital Nomad

There are many upsides to working and living in Mauritius. Some of them include;

1. It’s a beautiful island: Starting from the most obvious reason, Mauritius has a ton of beautiful beaches and lagoons. So it’s an opportunity to enjoy a thorough work-life balance. This country also has a vibrant culture and wonderful people you’ll be sure to encounter on your way.
2. Tax Exemptions: Unlike most countries issuing digital nomad visas, there’s no income tax on foreign incomes. This means that you’re automatically exempted from paying taxes. In our books, it means more money to spend on jet skiing, parasailing, and just enjoying your new home. However, if you’re staying in the country for more than 183 days, you will have to start paying taxes.
3. Inexpensive living costs: Since it’s on an island, the cost of living in Mauritius is relatively low, especially compared to other digital nomad destinations like Portugal. While Port-Louis might be the most expensive city because it’s the capital, there are cheaper alternatives like Moka and Tamarin, which are also digital nomad spots.
4. Security: Mauritius has a very stable government and political climate. Even their economy is similar, so the safety in Mauritius is guaranteed. You will have no problems during your stay there.

Who is Eligible to Apply for this Visa?

Eligibility criteria vary, especially if you’re not on the list of countries eligible for this visa. However, the most important criterion is that you have a stable remote job with a monthly income of at least $1,500.

Eligible African countries include; Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Burundi, Gabon, Rwanda, Barbados, Seychelles, Benin, Lesotho, Uganda, Chad, DRC, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cape Verde, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Gambia, South Africa, and Angola.

If your country isn’t on the list, you will have to first apply for a tourist visa. Then when you get to Mauritius, apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.

Application Checklist or Requirements for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa

Before applying for this visa, be sure to meet the following criteria or checklist.

• Bank statements to prove that you earn at least $1500 monthly. If you are traveling with dependents, you need $500 extra per dependent.
• Proof of remote work, e.g., contracts, pension, business registrations, etc
• Travel and health insurance
• Be a citizen of the approved 114 countries
• A valid passport
• Return Airline tickets (6 months to one year)
• Accommodation in Mauritius
• Proof of dependents, e.g., marriage and birth certificates
• A clean criminal record

How to Apply for the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa

If you’re ready to apply for the Mauritius DNV, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Since the entire process is online, it takes a few minutes once you have all your documents ready.

1. Gather all the relevant documents. Since you’ll have to upload all of the documents online, it’s important to have all the requirements we listed above ready. Be sure they have official stamps and are translated into either English or French.
2. Apply for the visa online here. Once you land on this page, click on ‘Apply,’ create an account, and apply for the visa there.
3. Once you submit your application, wait for approval. It could be anywhere from 48 hours to three weeks. Once your application has been approved, you’ll get an email either confirming or denying your application.

Once you meet the requirements, it’s very rare for your application to be denied. However, in the unlikely event that it happens, we recommend reviewing your documents to be sure they are correct and applying again.

PS: There are no application fees for the Mauritius DNV when you apply directly. However, if you use travel agencies, your application might be subject to certain fees.

Before Moving to Mauritius

Once your application is approved, here are a few things we think will help make your stay even better.

Brush up on your French skills. While English is widely spoken, French is still the major language on the island. So it’s nice to be able to understand the locals.

Get a reliable foreign account: The last thing you need in a foreign country is money problems. This is why we recommend getting a foreign account with Grey. With your Grey app, you don’t have to worry about receiving payments from your employers, sending invoices on time, or even converting your money.

The Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa is a great opportunity for remote workers looking to relocate to an inexpensive, secure country. However, while applying for this visa, be sure you have your foreign payments on lockdown with Grey to avoid any hiccups along the way. Create a free account here.

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