
An Overview of Africa’s Residency and Citizenship by Investment Programs
Starting at as little as US$35,000, gaining residency or citizenship in Africa is within easy reach for foreigners.
Mauritius Permanent Residency Program for Investors provides immediate permanent residency status for approved applicants who invest a minimum of US$375,000 in a designated real estate project.
After seven years of continuous residency (five years for nationals of Commonwealth countries), applicants are eligible to apply for permanent residence permits in Mauritius.
Applicants who invest at least US$500,000 are eligible for fast-track naturalization in two years, though stricter physical residence requirements apply in this case.
To qualify for this program, applicants must invest at least US$375,000 in one of the following real estate investment categories:
Applicable fees:
Upon initial approval, applicants obtain temporary residence permits in Mauritius. The permit is valid for 10 years and is renewable as long as the investment is upheld, and applicants must prove “ongoing contribution” to the economy.
The Mauritian Economic Development Board (EDB) will conduct a review of permit holders at the five-year mark to ensure that applicants meet the required contribution levels. Applicants that fail to meet these benchmarks risk getting their permits revoked.
Applicants may apply for permanent residency after meeting the required minimum period of uninterrupted residence:
In both cases, applicants must have 12 months of continuous residence in the final year before making their application.
Applicants who increase their investment amounts to US$500,000 are eligible for fast-track naturalization in two years, provided they remain physically present in Mauritius for two consecutive years without any absence from the country.
The processing and approval of citizenship can take up to 12 months. Applicants need to have good knowledge of English, French, or a local language, and there are no restrictions on dual citizenship.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Applications for this program may be directed to Economic Development Board.
Legislation upon which this program is based Immigration Act 2020 Section 5A(5) and 9(3).
As noted in the program qualifications above, an investor can qualify for this program with a local property purchase above the minimum investment threshold. View eligible properties curated by IMI and our real estate partners:

Starting at as little as US$35,000, gaining residency or citizenship in Africa is within easy reach for foreigners.

The Mauritius Investor program offers immediate PR and a two-year path to a first-rate citizenship in a low-tax, safe, and tropical country.

Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius – a country whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to Schengen, the UK, and
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.