Mauritius Golden Visa: New $1M Program with 5-Day Processing

Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam has officially unveiled the operational framework for Mauritius’s highly anticipated Golden Visa. The program, designed to attract elite global capital, features a US$1 million investment threshold and a remarkably fast five-working-day processing target.

Approved by the Cabinet on April 10, 2026, the program aims to position the island nation as a premier treasury and family office hub, particularly for those seeking stability amid global regional conflicts.

Investment Tracks and Eligibility

Unlike traditional residency programs, the Mauritius Golden Visa is built on a written commitment to invest at least US$1 million within the first 12 months of arrival. The Economic Development Board (EDB) will monitor these investments closely, focusing on five high-growth sectors:

Fintech & Artificial Intelligence
Biotechnology
Renewable Energy
Global Treasury Operations

While the visa provides a multiple-entry permit valid for two years (renewable), it does not automatically grant access to the local labor market, as holders are expected to focus on their designated investment projects.

Strategic Tax and Real Estate Framework

The program offers significant tax advantages for those who spend more than 183 days on the island. While the standard flat tax rate is 15%, Golden Visa holders benefit from two key exemptions:

Foreign Expenditure: No tax on spending made through foreign credit or debit cards within Mauritius.
Remitted Income: Foreign-source income remitted to local bank accounts is exempt, provided tax was already paid abroad.

To protect local housing affordability, the government has “ringfenced” real estate options. Golden Visa holders are restricted to buying residential properties strictly under existing EDB schemes, such as the Smart City Scheme or Property Development Scheme (PDS), ensuring no upward pressure on the general housing market.

5-Day "Fast-Track" Due Diligence

One of the program’s most aggressive features is its processing speed. The government aims to complete due diligence, including World-Check screenings and Passport and Immigration Office reviews, within just one business week.

PM Ramgoolam emphasized that the program remains fully compliant with FATF and OECD standards, utilizing inter-agency coordination between the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Financial Crimes Commission to ensure the highest integrity.

A Stepping Stone in Mauritius’s Residency Suite

The Golden Visa adds a new layer to Mauritius’s existing investment migration landscape, which includes:

Permanent Residency Permit: US$375,000 investment in real estate (20-year term).
Occupation Permit: US$50,000 business investment (10-year term).

While the Golden Visa itself is not a direct path to citizenship, industry experts view it as a critical “stepping stone.” Holders can later convert to other permits to meet the seven-year continuous residence requirement for naturalization.

As the EDB prepares to publish the final implementation regulations and fee schedules, Mauritius is signaling a bold pivot to capture global operations displaced by international instability, offering a secure and tax-efficient “Plan B” in the Indian Ocean.