Mauritius is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is home to lush greenery, warm weather, and friendly locals. If you are interested in investing your time and money into this great country, read on for more information about what you need to do to become a Mauritian citizen.
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 mi) off the southeast coast of Africa. The Republic of Mauritius also includes the islands of Rodrigues and Agalega. The capital and largest city are found in Port Louis.
Mauritius was first settled by the Dutch in 1638 but abandoned in 1710 because it was deemed uninhabitable due to a 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 which is reflective of its history as a melting pot of cultures. The majority of the population is of Indian descent, with smaller percentages of people with African, Chinese, or European ancestry. Creole is the most widely spoken language but English and French are also official languages.
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What is Mauritius Citizenship?
Mauritius 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)
- Have no criminal record
- Be able to support oneself and any dependents financially
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Different Ways of Obtaining Mauritius Citizenship
- By Birth:
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 restriction. They are also entitled to all the protections and benefits afforded to citizens of Mauritius under the law.
- By Descent:
Mauritius citizenship by descent can be acquired if at least one parent of the applicant is a Mauritian citizen. To apply, the applicant must submit a birth certificate, passport, and proof of Mauritian citizenship of their parent to the nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate. If approved, the applicant will be issued a Mauritian passport.
- By Marriage:
Mauritius 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 they must have lived together in Mauritius for at least one year before applying.
- By Naturalization:
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.
- By Investment:
Mauritius citizenship by investment is available to individuals who make a qualifying investment in the country. There are various types of investments that 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.
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Application Process for Mauritius Citizenship
Mauritius citizenship can be applied for by any person who is of Mauritian origin, or by any person who has been legally resident in Mauritius for at least five years. The application process for Mauritius citizenship is as follows:
- The applicant must submit a completed application form, along with all required supporting documentation, to the Citizenship Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office.
- The Citizenship Unit will review the application and supporting documentation to ensure that all eligibility requirements are met.
- If the Citizenship Unit is satisfied that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements, the application will be forwarded to a Citizenship Board for consideration.
- The Citizenship Board will review the application and may request an interview with the applicant before deciding on whether to approve or deny citizenship.
- Once a decision has been made by the Citizenship Board, the applicant will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
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Frequently Asked 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 all requirements have been met.
Q: What are the responsibilities of being a Mauritian citizen?
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 required.
Q: Are there any disadvantages to being a Mauritian citizen?
There are no real disadvantages to being a Mauritian citizen, although some people may view the country’s relatively high tax rates as a negative aspect.