How to obtain Mauritius citizenship, requirements and process

Mauritius is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is home to lush greenery, warm climate and friendly people. If you are interested in investing your time and money in this great country, read on to learn more about what you need to do to become a citizen of Mauritius.

Brief history about Mauritius

Mauritius is an island country located in the Indian Ocean. The main island, also called Mauritius, is about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off the southeastern coast of Africa. The Republic of Mauritius also includes the islands of Rodrigues and Agalega. The capital and largest city are located in Port Louis.

Mauritius was first settled by the Dutch in 1638, but abandoned in 1710 because it was considered uninhabitable due to lack of fresh water. The French took control of the island in 1715 and renamed it Île de France. Mauritius became a prosperous colony thanks to the development of sugar cane plantations. It was conquered by the British in 1810 and remained a British colony until 1968, when it gained independence as a republic within the Commonwealth.

The island has a diverse population reflecting its history as a melting pot of cultures. The majority of the population is of Indian descent, with smaller percentages of people of African, Chinese, or European ancestry. Creole is the most widely spoken language, but English and French are also official languages.

What is Mauritian citizenship?

Mauritian citizenship grants certain privileges, such as the right to hold a Mauritian passport and reside in Mauritius. It also confers certain responsibilities, such as obeying the laws of Mauritius and paying taxes. Here are the benefits:

• The right to live and work in Mauritius indefinitely
• The right to own property in Mauritius
• Visa-free travel to over 100 countries, including the UK, Canada and the Schengen area
• The right to vote and stand for election
• Access to free education and healthcare.

Eligible Requirements for Mauritius Citizenship

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have resided in Mauritius for at least 5 years.
• Be of good character
• Have adequate knowledge of one of the official languages ​​of Mauritius (English, French or Creole)
• Not have a criminal record
• Be able to financially support yourself and your dependents.

Different ways to obtain Mauritius citizenship

Mauritius citizenship by birth is automatically granted to any person born in Mauritius, regardless of the nationality of their parents. This right cannot be taken away and Mauritian citizens are free to live and work in Mauritius without restrictions. They are also entitled to all the protections and benefits that the law grants to citizens of Mauritius.

Mauritian citizenship by descent can be acquired if at least one of the applicant's parents is a citizen of Mauritius. To apply, the applicant must submit a birth certificate, passport and proof of Mauritian citizenship of her parents to the nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate. If approved, the applicant will be issued a Mauritius passport.

Mauritian citizenship by marriage is granted to foreigners who marry a Mauritian citizen. The requirements for this are that the couple must have been married for at least three years and have lived together in Mauritius for at least one year before applying.

Mauritius citizenship by naturalization is open to any foreigner who has resided in Mauritius for a continuous period of at least 5 years, is of good character and can communicate in English or French. The applicant must also have adequate knowledge of the Mauritian way of life.

Mauritius citizenship by investment is available to individuals making a qualifying investment in the country. Various types of investments can be made, including investments in real estate, government bonds, and approved financial products. Citizenship by investment in Mauritius provides access to several benefits, including visa-free travel to over 100 countries, the right to live and work in Mauritius and tax advantages.

Mauritius Citizenship Application Process

Mauritius citizenship can be applied for by any person of Mauritian origin or by any person who has legally resided in Mauritius for at least five years. The Mauritius citizenship application process is as follows:

1. The applicant must submit a completed application form, along with all required supporting documentation, to the Citizenship Unit of the Prime Minister's Office.
2. The Citizenship Unit will review the application and supporting documentation to ensure all eligibility requirements are met.
3. If the Citizenship Unit is satisfied that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements, the application will be sent to a Citizenship Board for consideration.
4. The Citizenship Board will review the application and may request an interview with the applicant before deciding whether to approve or deny citizenship.
5. Once the Citizenship Board has made a decision, the applicant will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.

Frequent questions

Q: How long does it take to become a citizen of Mauritius?

A: It usually takes about 6 months to become a citizen of Mauritius after you have fulfilled all the requirements.

Q: What are the responsibilities of being a citizen of Mauritius?

A: As a Mauritanian citizen, you have the responsibility to obey the laws of the country and respect the rights of others. You are also expected to contribute to the development of the country through civic duties, such as paying taxes and serving on juries when necessary.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to being a citizen of Mauritius?

There are no real disadvantages to being a citizen of Mauritius, although some people may see the country's relatively high tax rates as a negative.