If you have a direct family link with a Mauritian citizen, you benefit from the pathway to residence the fastest and most economical of all the options available in Mauritius.

The advantages compared to other permits:

• Lead time : around 3 months (compared to 4 to 6 months for an Occupation Permit)
• No financial investment required : no minimum wage, no real estate investment
• Immediate right to work : without additional work permit
• No annual renewal : valid as long as the marriage lasts
• For kids : automatic citizenship, no application process

This path remains unknown to many expatriates who embark on more complex procedures even though they are entitled to them!

Legal framework and characteristics

The residence permit for a Mauritian spouse is governed by the Section 5(1)(c) of the Immigration Act. This is a specific permit, distinct from the classic Permanent Residence Permit.

Main Features :

• Duration : Valid as long as the marriage is in force (no time limit)
• Lead time : Around 3 months after submission of the complete file
• Competent authority : Passport and Immigration Office (Port Louis)
• Cost : Modest administrative costs (a few thousand rupees)

⚠️ IMPERATIVE CONDITION : The request must must be carried out on site in Mauritius, not from abroad. You will therefore need to arrive in Mauritius with a tourist visa (valid for 60 to 180 days depending on your nationality) to complete the application.

Documents to prepare before your departure

Before leaving for Mauritius, gather the following documents:

1. Request form “Application to Enter Mauritius” (downloadable from passport.govmu.org)
2. Documents of the Mauritian spouse:
   • Mauritian birth certificate (original)
   • Valid Mauritian identity card (copy)
3. Original marriage certificate
   • If the marriage was celebrated outside Mauritius: mandatory apostille
   • If the certificate is not in English or French: sworn translation by an approved translator
4. Criminal record of the country of origin of the foreign spouse
   • Dated less than 6 months
   • With apostille if applicable
5. Bank statements of the last 3 months
   • From the couple's joint account OR
   • From the account of the Mauritian spouse
6. Recent ID photos
   • Passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
   • 4 to 6 photos recommended
7. Valid passport of the foreign spouse
   • Copy of all pages (even blank)
   • Minimum validity of 6 months
8. Address proof in Mauritius
   • Recent CEB (electricity) bill OR
   • Recent CWA (water) bill OR
   • Registered lease agreement
9. Proof of living together (if applicable)
   • Photos of the couple
   • Correspondence
   • Any document attesting to the reality of the marriage

Practical advice : Have all your documents certified and apostilled in your country of origin BEFORE you leave. The procedures are simpler and less expensive than once in Mauritius.

The application procedure step by step

Step 1: Arrival in Mauritius with tourist visa

You enter Mauritius with a classic tourist visa. At immigration, simply explain that you are coming to join your Mauritian spouse and that you are going to apply for a residence permit.

Step 2: Gather additional documents in Mauritius

Once in Mauritius, you must obtain:

• Mauritian address proof (CEB/CWA invoice or lease)
• Bank statements updated if necessary

Step 3: Make an appointment (recommended)

Although not obligatory, it is strongly recommended to make an appointment at the Passport and Immigration Office to avoid long queues.

Contact : +230 260 2073 or piomain@govmu.org

Step 4: Submitting the file to the Passport and Immigration Office

Address : Sterling House, 9-11 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port Louis (Residence Permit section, 8th floor)

⚠️ IMPORTANT : Both spouses must appear together in the office with all original documents.

Schedule : Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed at 3:00 p.m. Friday)

Trick : Arrive early in the morning (from 8:45 a.m.) to avoid queues. Allow 2 to 3 hours on site.

What happens at the counter:

• Checking all your documents
• Quick interview with an immigration officer
• Fingerprinting
• Identity photo on site
• Payment of administrative fees

You will leave with a receipt certifying that your request has been filed.

Step 5: Instruction period (2 to 3 months)

The Passport and Immigration Office examines your file. During this period:

• Your tourist visa remains valid
• You can move freely in Mauritius
• You cannot not yet working (wait for the permit to be obtained)

After 3 weeks without news: contact the office by email (pio_occupation@govmu.org) with your file number.

Step 6: Collecting the permit

Once approved, you will receive a notification (by SMS, email or mail) inviting you to come pick up your permit.

⚠️ Both spouses must appear together again for collection.

You will receive:

• Your resident card (Residence Permit)
• A stamp in your passport

What rights with this permit?

Once your residence permit has been obtained, you benefit from numerous rights:

✅ Legal residence in Mauritius without time limit (as long as the marriage lasts)

✅ Right to work in Mauritius without additional work permit

• You can be an employee
• You can start your business
• No sectoral restrictions

✅ Multiple inputs and outputs of the territory

• Travel freely
• No limitation on the number of outputs
• Valid for the entire duration of the permit

✅ Access to public and private services

• Public health system
• Public schools for your children
• Administrative Services

✅ Possibility of opening a Mauritian bank account

• Resident account (with local interest rates)
• Access to bank loans after a few months

✅ Mauritian driving license

• Conversion of your foreign license
• Or passing the Mauritian license

✅ Vehicle purchase

• Registration in your name
• Local insurance

License renewal

The residence permit for spouse must be renewed periodically (usually every 3 to 5 years, depending on the case).

Renewal procedure:

1. Before expiration : Start the process 2 to 3 months before the expiration date
2. Required documents :
   • The two spouses present themselves at the Passport and Immigration Office
   • Updated passport (with sufficient validity)
   • Up-to-date address proof
   • Recent bank statements
   • Marriage certificate (if requested)
   • Proof of the continuity of the marriage (recent photos, joint bills, etc.)
3. Deadline : 1 to 2 months for renewal

Important : During the renewal period, your old license remains valid until you obtain the new one.

In the event of divorce or separation

The residence permit becomes automatically expires in the event of legal divorce.

Your options:

1. Apply for another type of permit :
   • Occupation Permit (if you have a job or business)
   • Residence Permit (if you meet the investment conditions)
2. Leave Mauritian territory within legal deadlines
3. Apply for naturalization if you meet the conditions (see below)

Towards Mauritian naturalization

After residing under the same marital roof for at least 4 years, the foreign spouse can request the Mauritian citizenship (naturalization).

Conditions for naturalization:

• 4 years minimum of effective common life
• Basic knowledge of English or French
• Good moral character (clean criminal record)
• Intention to reside permanently in Mauritius

Benefits of Mauritian citizenship:

• Mauritian passport (visa-free access to many countries)
• Right to vote
• Mauritian consular protection abroad
• No need to renew your license
• Dual nationality allowed (you keep your original nationality)

Good to know : Mauritius has allowed dual nationality since 2019. You will not have to renounce your original nationality.

Who automatically gets citizenship?

Unlike adults who must apply for a permit, children with at least one Mauritian parent automatically obtain Mauritian citizenship according to precise rules.

Child born in Mauritius:

✅ A child born on Mauritian soil whose at least one of the two parents is a Mauritian citizen automatically obtains Mauritian nationality at birth.

• No application process is necessary
• The child is a Mauritian by right
• All you need to do is register the birth with the civil registry.

Child born abroad:

✅ A child born abroad whose at least one of the two parents is Mauritian born in Mauritius automatically obtains Mauritian nationality.

⚠️ Essential condition : The Mauritian parent must himself having been born in Mauritius to be able to transmit nationality.

Clarification on land law

⚠️ Since September 30, 1995, Maurice removed the right of pure soil.

This means thata child born in Mauritius to two foreign parents does NOT automatically obtain Mauritian citizenship. At least one of the parents must be Mauritian.

The rule of a generation: be careful!

Mauritian law only allows the transmission of citizenship by descent to one generation.

What is allowed: ✅ A child born abroad to a Mauritian parent born in Mauritius → automatic citizenship

What is not: ❌ A child born abroad to a Mauritian parent himself born abroad → NO automatic citizenship

Concrete example to better understand:

👤 Mary is Mauritian, born in Port Louis, Mauritius.

👫 She marries a Frenchman and lives in France.

Lucas, their son, was born in France. → ✅ Lucas automatically obtains Mauritian citizenship (her mother Marie is Mauritian AND born in Mauritius)

👨‍👩‍👧 Lucas grows up in France and has a daughter, Sophie, also born in France. → ❌ Sophie does NOT automatically obtain Mauritian citizenship (his Mauritian parent Lucas was born abroad, not in Mauritius)

Solution for Sophie : She can apply for Mauritian citizenship by naturalization after residence in Mauritius, or Lucas can move to Mauritius before her birth so that she is born in Mauritius and obtains citizenship.

Steps to have citizenship recognized

Although citizenship is automatic, it is necessary to carry out administrative procedures for the to have it officially recognized.

For a child born in Mauritius:

Step 1: Birth declaration

In the 45 days following the birth, you must declare the birth to theMauritian civil status (Civil Status Division).

Or : Civil Status Division, 7th floor, Emmanuel Anquetil Building, Port Louis

Required documents:

• Birth certificate from hospital
• Mauritian identity card of Mauritian parent
• Foreign parent's passport
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Step 2: Obtaining the Mauritian birth certificate

You will receive the child's official Mauritian birth certificate, attesting to their citizenship.

Step 3: Application for a Mauritian identity card

From the age of 16, the child must obtain his/her Mauritian national identity card (National Identity Card), compulsory for all Mauritian citizens.

Or : Passport and Immigration Office, Port Louis

For a child born abroad:

Step 1: Birth registration

You must register the birth with:

• Theembassy or consulate of Mauritius in the country of birth OR
• Directly to Civil Status Division in Mauritius (if you are staying there)

Contact Civil Status Division : +230 201 1727 or civstat@govmu.org

Step 2: Documents to provide

• Child's birth certificate (original + copy)
  • With apostille for international recognition
• Birth certificate of Mauritian parent proving that he was born in Mauritius
  • Essential document to demonstrate eligibility
• Mauritian identity card of the parent
• Marriage certificate parents (if applicable)
  • With apostille if celebrated abroad
  • Sworn translation if necessary
• Passport of the Mauritian parent and the foreign parent

Step 3: Obtaining the citizenship certificate

After examining the file, the Civil Status Division issues a Mauritian citizenship certificate (Certificate of Citizenship) attesting that the child is Mauritian.

Deadline : 2 to 4 months

Step 4: Application for Mauritian passport

Once you have obtained the citizenship certificate, you can apply for the Mauritian passport for your child.

Or : Passport and Immigration Office, Port Louis

Required documents:

• Citizenship certificate
• Child's birth certificate
• Identity photos
• Passport application form

Deadline : 2 to 3 weeks

Board : Even if your child already has another passport, the Mauritian passport greatly facilitates entry and exit to Mauritius and opens access to Mauritian public schools.

Rights of the Mauritian child

A child with Mauritian citizenship enjoys all the rights of a Mauritian citizen:

✅ Permanent residence in Mauritius without any restrictions

✅ Right to study in Mauritian public schools (free up to 18 years old)

✅ Access to public health care (free in public hospitals)

✅ Right to work in Mauritius without a work permit (from the age of majority)

✅ Right to vote from 18 years old (legislative and municipal elections)

✅ Possibility of transmitting citizenship to his own children:

• If the child himself is born in Mauritius: automatic citizenship for his children
• If the Mauritian child is born abroad: he will not be able to transmit citizenship to his children born abroad (one generation rule)

✅ Dual nationality allowed : the child can retain their French nationality (or other) without having to choose

Special case: adoption

A foreign child legally adopted by a Mauritian citizen can obtain Mauritian citizenship according to specific rules.

Terms :

• Adoption must be plenary (full adoption)
• Adoption must be recognized by the Mauritian courts
• Longer procedure (6 to 12 months)

💡 It is recommended to consult a lawyer specializing in family law in Mauritius for international adoptions.

Passport and Immigration Office (Main Office)

For all requests for residence permit for spouse.

Address : Sterling House, 9-11 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port Louis

Section Residence Permit : 8th floor

☎️ Phone :

• Switchboard: +230 260 2073
• Residence Permit Section: +230 211 5830 / +230 260 2213 / +230 260 2087 / +230 260 2090

📠 Fax : +230 210 9322 / +230 211 5553

E-mail :

• General: piomain@govmu.org
• Occupation/Residence Permit: pio_occupation@govmu.org

Website : passport.govmu.org

⏰ Schedule : Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed 3:00 p.m. Friday)

⚠️ Important : For residence permit applications for spouse, both spouses must appear together at the main office of Port Louis, not in the regional sub-offices.

Civil Status Division

For all procedures relating to the citizenship of children and birth registration.

Address : 7th floor, Emmanuel Anquetil Building, Port Louis (Corner of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Street and Jules Koenig Street)

☎️ Phone :

• Main: +230 201 1727
• Information Desk: +230 201 2803
• Other line: +230 201 2279

📠 Fax : +230 211 2420

E-mail : civstat@govmu.org

Website : csd.govmu.org

⏰ Schedule : Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

How to get there?

Both offices are located Port Louis, the capital:

Passport and Immigration Office : Lislet Geoffroy Street, downtown Port Louis district (near Place d'Armes)

Civil Status Division : Emmanuel Anquetil Building, intersection of SSR Street and Jules Koenig Street (city center)

🅿️ Parking : Paid parking lots available nearby (Caudan Waterfront, municipal parking lots)

🚌 Bus : Many lines serve Port Louis from all regions of the island

Practical advice : Meet early in the morning (from 8:45 a.m.) to avoid queues, particularly during busy periods (Mauritian school holidays in December-January, July-August, and end of year). Plan at least 2 to 3 hours on site for the procedures.

✅ Checklist for the residence permit (spouse of Mauritian)

BEFORE leaving for Mauritius:

• [ ] “Application to Enter Mauritius” form downloaded and completed
• [ ] Birth certificate of the Mauritian spouse (original)
• [ ] Mauritian identity card of spouse (certified copy)
• [ ] Original marriage certificate with apostille (if marriage abroad)
• [ ] Sworn translation of the marriage certificate (if necessary)
• [ ] Criminal record of less than 6 months with apostille
• [ ] Bank statements for the last 3 months
• [ ] 4 to 6 recent ID photos (passport size)
• [ ] Valid passport (minimum 6 months) + copies of all pages
• [ ] Proof of living together (photos, correspondence)

Once in Mauritius:

• [ ] Proof of address in Mauritius (CEB/CWA invoice or lease contract)
• [ ] Updating bank statements if necessary
• [ ] Make an appointment at the Passport and Immigration Office (recommended)

Procedure :

• [ ] Arrival in Mauritius with tourist visa
• [ ] Go to the Passport and Immigration Office with the two spouses
• [ ] Submission of the complete file (Sterling House, 8th floor, Port Louis)
• [ ] Obtaining the receipt
• [ ] Waiting 2 to 3 months (file processing)
• [ ] Approval notification
• [ ] Collecting the permit with the two spouses present
• [ ] Start of the right to work in Mauritius!

✅ Checklist for citizenship of a child born in Mauritius

• [ ] Declaration of birth within 45 days to the Civil Status Division
• [ ] Hospital birth certificate
• [ ] Mauritian identity card of Mauritian parent
• [ ] Passport of the foreign parent
• [ ] Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• [ ] Obtaining the Mauritian birth certificate
• [ ] Application for a Mauritian identity card (from 16 years old)

✅ Checklist for citizenship of a child born abroad

• [ ] Birth certificate of the child (original) with apostille
• [ ] Birth certificate of the Mauritian parent proving that he is born in Mauritius
• [ ] Mauritian identity card of parent
• [ ] Marriage certificate with apostille (if celebrated abroad)
• [ ] Sworn translation if documents not in English/French
• [ ] Passport of the Mauritian parent
• [ ] Passport of the foreign parent
• [ ] Registration with the Mauritian Embassy OR the Civil Status Division
• [ ] Obtaining the Mauritian citizenship certificate (deadline: 2-4 months)
• [ ] Application for a Mauritian passport for the child (deadline: 2-3 weeks)

Can we apply for a residence permit for a spouse from abroad?

❌ Not, the request must must be carried out on site in Mauritius. You must arrive with a tourist visa (valid for 60 to 180 days depending on your nationality) and apply once in the country.

How long does it take to obtain the permit?

⏱️ The average delay is 2 to 3 months after submission of the complete file. During this time, your tourist visa remains valid and you can move freely in Mauritius (but not yet work).

Can I work while my application is being processed?

❌ Not, you can only workafter obtaining the license. During the training (2-3 months), you are under a tourist visa and cannot carry out professional activity.

Does my Mauritian spouse have to be present at all stages?

✅ Yes, The two spouses must appear together :

• When submitting the file
• When collecting the permit
• When renewing

This is a legal requirement to prove the reality of the marriage.

Is the residence permit expensive?

💰 Administrative costs are modest, usually a few thousand Mauritian rupees (around €50-100). It is much cheaper than a classic Occupation Permit.

Can I start my business with this permit?

✅ Yes, the residence permit for spouse gives you the right to work without restriction, which includes:

• Be an employee
• Start your own business
• Freelancing
• No sectoral restrictions

What happens in the event of divorce?

⚠️ The license becomes automatically expires in the event of divorce. You then have several options:

1. Apply for another type of permit (Occupation Permit if you have a job)
2. Leave Mauritian territory
3. Apply for naturalization if you have lived under the same roof for 4 years

Can I get Mauritian citizenship?

✅ Yes, after 4 years of effective common life under the same roof, you can apply for Mauritian naturalization. You will retain your original nationality (dual nationality allowed).

Can my child born in France obtain Mauritian citizenship?

✅ Yes, if you (the Mauritian parent) are yourself born in Mauritius. Your child automatically obtains Mauritian citizenship.

❌ Not, if you (the Mauritian parent) were born abroad. In this case, your child will not be able to automatically obtain citizenship (one generation rule).

Is dual nationality allowed for children?

✅ Yes, since 2019, Mauritius has authorized the dual nationality. Your child can therefore keep their French (or other) nationality in addition to their Mauritian one, without having to choose.

Is my child born in Mauritius to two foreign parents Mauritian?

❌ Not, since 1995, Mauritius has abolished the right to pure soil. A child born in Mauritius to two foreign parents does not automatically obtain citizenship. At least one of the two parents must be Mauritian.

How long does it take to obtain a citizenship certificate for a child born abroad?

⏱️ Count 2 to 4 months after submission of the complete file to the Civil Status Division or the Mauritian embassy. Once you get the certificate, it takes another 2-3 weeks for the Mauritian passport.

Do I need to renew the spouse’s residence permit?

✅ Yes, the permit must be renewed periodically (generally every 3 to 5 years). The renewal is done according to the same procedure as the initial request, with presentation of both spouses and updating of the documents.

Can I travel outside of Mauritius with my residence permit?

✅ Yes, the license gives you the right to multiple inputs and outputs. You can travel freely and return to Mauritius as many times as you wish during the validity of the permit.

What should I do if my request is refused?

This is rare for spouses of Mauritians (the approval rate is very high), but if your request is refused:

1. You will receive a letter explaining the reasons
2. You can correct problems and resubmit a file
3. You can appeal to the Minister of the Interior

The most common reasons for refusal: incomplete documents, problematic criminal record, or suspicion of a sham marriage.

Can I sponsor my parents or siblings with this permit?

❌ Not, the residence permit for a spouse is strictly personal. It does not allow you to sponsor other members of your family. Your parents or brothers/sisters will need to apply for their own permit (Residence Permit, Occupation Permit, etc.).

Can my Mauritian child study for free in Mauritius?

✅ Yes, as a Mauritian citizen, your child has access to:

• To public primary and secondary schools Free
• At public universities with reduced fees (or free depending on the sector)
• Mauritian government aid programs and scholarships

Do I have to learn Mauritian Creole to obtain the license?

❌ Not, there is no no language requirement for the residence permit for spouse. English and French are widely spoken in Mauritius.

On the other hand, for the naturalization (after 4 years), basic knowledge of English or French is required.