Residency by Innovation –
Mauritius Innovator Residence Permit

To qualify for the Innovator Occupation Permit, there is no minimum investment requirement.

Applicants must either:

• Submit an innovative project to the Economic Development Board (EDB) for evaluation and approval, or

• Register with an incubator accredited by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC).

Your business plan must show that at least 20% of operational expenditure will go toward research and development (R&D) during the project’s research phase.

Approval depends on one of the following conditions:

• Submission of an innovative project to the EDB for evaluation; or

• Registration with an MRIC-accredited incubator.

Both routes aim to attract entrepreneurs, start-ups, and researchers contributing to innovation, technology, or scientific advancement in Mauritius.

Your business plan must clearly detail all R&D-related expenses, which must represent at least 20% of total operational expenditure during the research phase.

This helps the EDB assess the project’s innovation content and long-term development potential.

Eligible R&D expenditures may include:

• Salaries and direct costs of R&D personnel

• Subcontracted R&D costs

• Prototype and pilot project development

• Software directly used for R&D

• Testing and technical research expenses

Costs not considered as R&D include:

• Land and building purchases

• Capital equipment for production

• General administrative, marketing, or distribution costs.

The Innovator Occupation Permit is valid for 10 years and is renewable based on conditions determined by the Chief Executive Officer of the EDB.

No. You can start your Innovator Occupation Permit application online through the EDB’s e-licensing platform without travelling to Mauritius.

All documents can be submitted digitally, and originals must be presented upon arrival or appointment.

Yes. Permit holders are eligible to acquire residential property in Mauritius under approved schemes, including:

• Property Development Scheme (PDS)

• Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)

• Real Estate Scheme (RES)

• Smart City Scheme

• G+2 apartments

Yes. Dependants, including your spouse, children, and the permit holder's parents, may apply for residence permits to live in Mauritius under your Innovator Occupation Permit for the same validity period.