Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa: What You Need To Know

Over 1,300 kilometers off the southeast coast of Africa lies the tropical island of Mauritius.

This is the typical paradisiacal destination that so many digital nomads crave, with sun-soaked sands, turquoise waters, and a large dose of African culture.

But what is the Mauritius digital nomad visa situation like? While you may not expect these far-flung shores to be a thriving destination for remote workers, you may be surprised.

In this guide, we’ll be exploring the digital nomad visa in Mauritius, as well as the best places to lay roots, and the cost of living, to help you determine whether it’s the right place for you.

Wondering if you need a visa for Mauritius? Check out iVisa.

Visas in Mauritius

Most people can travel to Mauritius for up to 90 days without needing to obtain any type of visa. This includes residents from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as all EU citizens.

There are a handful of countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry, which include Afghanistan, Libya, and Laos.

Residents from any of these countries will need to obtain a visa-on-arrival, which lasts either 14 days or 60 days depending on your country of residency.

If you have made use of the Mauritius digital nomad visa or your visa-free entry to the island and have decided to stay there long-term, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit.

You can qualify for this by making an investment, obtaining land, securing employment, or through retirement.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Mauritius digital nomad visa is called the “Premium Travel Visa” and allows remote workers and entrepreneurs, as well as travelers, retirees, and professionals, to remain on the island for up to a year.

After the year has passed, those that qualify can also apply to renew their visa and remain in Mauritius for an additional 3 months.

Mauritius has one of the easiest digital nomad visas in the world as it takes just 48 hours to be approved after completing the simple application process.

You’ll need to fill in a form, as well as provide several documents, such as proof of funds and travel insurance.

You must earn at least US$1,500 per month in order to qualify for the Mauritius digital nomad visa and your company must be established outside of the country.

Another reason the digital nomad visa in Mauritius is considered one of the best is that it is free to apply for, compared to other countries that can charge up to US$2,000 per application.

Another bonus of this scheme is that you are exempt from paying taxes for the first 6 months. However, if you decide to stay any longer, you’ll be classed as a tax resident and charged as such.

Best Places To Live In Mauritius For Digital Nomads

Here are some of the best places for digital nomads in Mauritius to consider living.

Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius and attracts a diverse crowd of locals, expats, and digital nomads to its streets.

While the city was once famed for its thriving port, today it is also a bustling tourist center with plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy.

While this is the busiest part of the island, Port Louis is home to just 150,000 residents, which in city terms, makes it practically a village.

This means that you can choose to live anywhere in Port Louis and be in close proximity to all of the amenities you’re used to.

However, if you live in the center of the city, you can expect your rent to be higher than in the surrounding neighborhoods of Beau Bassin- Rose Hill, or Quatre Bornes.

These towns are perfect for those who prefer a more rural, quieter lifestyle, just a stone’s throw from the city.

Mauritius digital nomads can choose from several coworking spots in Port Louis to change up their environment and make like-minded friends.

Here are some of the best coworking spaces in Port Louis for digital nomads:

• Coworking
• The Ground
• Activ Solutions

Grand Bay

Another popular choice for digital nomads in Mauritius is Grand Bay, located on the northern tip of the island. While this may make it seem out of the way from all the activity happening in Mauritius, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

This cultural town is the perfect spot from which to reach the rest of the island and is also home to a picturesque beach.

Some digital nomads choose to live in Grand Bay, while others make themselves a home in the neighboring Mont Choisy, where there are plenty of new-build homes and real-estate projects to choose from.

Those looking to save a few bucks can opt for the neighborhood of Pereybère, which has a slow and quiet feel to it, perfect for those seeking a little respite from the daily grind.

If you’re concerned about safety, you’ve no need to worry. All of Mauritius is classed as extremely safe, and Grand Bay is no exception.

Here are some of the best coworking spaces in Grand Bay for digital nomads:

• Fast Hub
• Coco Work
• Workshop 17 The Precinct

Tamarin

Those who are more “beach bum” than “city slicker” may choose to stay in the surf town of Tamarin, located on the west coast.

You’ll typically find a good standard of accommodation across the town and it is an affordable destination for those on a budget.

While the slow-paced way of living of its residents may suggest otherwise, Tamarin has high-speed internet and all the other amenities you could need for your digital nomad lifestyle.

Despite its location and small-town feel, there are a couple of coworking spaces in Tamarin for digital nomads to try out. Here, you can see your options:

• Creative Yard
• CoLab

Flic En Flac

Just up the coast from Tamarin is the area of Flic en Flac, which is popular among tourists because of its silky sands and crystal-clear waters.

Surrounded by coral reefs, this is the perfect spot for divers and other water sports enthusiasts to let loose for a few months.

The seas here are calmer than in neighboring Tamarin, making them more suitable for digital nomad families in Mauritius.

Flic en Flac is considered an extremely safe destination for females, young children, and solo digital nomads in Mauritius. However, fewer expats choose to live in this region due to how crowded it can get during the tourist season.

As such, there are no coworking spaces in Flic en Flac. If it’s important for you to develop a sense of community with fellow expats and digital nomads in Mauritius, you may wish to stay in Port Louis or Grand Bay instead.

Cost Of Living In Mauritius

While Mauritius has gained a reputation as an expensive destination, this isn’t entirely true.

While luxury hotel chains are dotted across the island, costing thousands of dollars per night, the overall daily living expenses are more than 40% cheaper than in the U.S.

Those who are dedicated to sticking to a tight budget can get by for as little as US$1,300 per month.

However, this will mean sacrificing some luxuries, such as eating out regularly, and you can expect to live in a smaller, and older, apartment.

Those who prefer more flexibility and comfort can spend up to US$3,000 per month, living in a central apartment, dining out often, and engaging in some tourist activities.

You can expect to pay between US$600 and US$1,200 per month for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.

While digital nomads and remote workers can usually lower their living costs by staying in budget hostels, this isn’t an option in Mauritius. However, there are plenty of hotels that begin around US$25 per night.

You can expect to pay US$5 for a fast food meal, while a mid-range dining experience with three courses typically costs US$16.

Using local transport, such as buses, generally costs less than US$1 each way and a monthly transportation pass costs a little over US$20.

Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads In Mauritius

The Mauritius digital nomad visa makes this African island one of the easiest places in the world for remote workers and entrepreneurs to relax for a year.

Living expenses are relatively low while the quality of life is high, with plenty of beaches, attractions, and festivities to keep you occupied.

However, if you thrive on a fast-paced lifestyle and like to hop between destinations every weekend, you may wish to consider another country.

This is because Mauritius is a small island, and outside of Port Louis, its towns are fairly laid-back and quiet.

If you’ve decided Mauritius isn’t for you, check out these other destinations for digital nomads:

• Czech Republic digital nomad visa
• Iceland digital nomad visa
• Norway digital nomad visa