A 90-day visa-free stay for some passports, the retired non-citizen permit and its income test, the tax account number (TAN) and a bank, with the points where sources disagree marked.
In brief
As of 6 November 2026, several secondary sources say citizens of Russia and Ukraine can enter Mauritius visa-free for up to 90 days, with nothing confirmed for Kazakhstan or Belarus. The residence route most readers ask about is the retired non-citizen permit: age 50 or over, 10 years renewable, with an income transfer to a Mauritian bank account of USD 1,500 a month or USD 18,000 a year in most sources, although one 2026 source says USD 2,000 a month or USD 24,000 a year from August 2026. The tax account number (TAN) is tied to your passport or the Passport and Immigration Office number. We found no official page; check the Economic Development Board and the Passport and Immigration Office.
Before the clock starts: which status are you in?
On Mauritius the first month looks different for a visitor and for a permit holder. A visitor has a limited stay; a permit holder needs a TAN, a bank account and, for the retired non-citizen permit, a regular transfer of income. Health insurance as an entry condition is described differently by different sources and none is official, so ask the embassy before you travel.
If you are looking at buying, the unusual properties in Mauritius article shows the market, and Mauritius for first-time visitors covers the first impression. This page starts after arrival.
- The general version for any country: first 30 days after moving abroad
Days 1 to 3: the entry record and the status decision
Keep the entry stamp and note how many days you are allowed. If you plan to stay beyond the visa-free period, decide in the first days which permit you are aiming for, because the documents and the income evidence take weeks to assemble.
For the retired non-citizen permit our existing article has the full picture: retiring in Mauritius, the permit, pension, tax, healthcare and costs. In short, sources describe a permit for people aged 50 or over, valid for 10 years and renewable, covering a spouse and children under 24, with no gainful employment allowed, and with permanent residence possible after 5 years on the permit.
Week 1: bank account and the income transfer
The retired permit depends on money arriving in a Mauritian bank account: most sources say at least USD 1,500 a month or USD 18,000 a year, with yearly proof of the transfers. One 2026 source says the figure is now USD 2,000 a month or USD 24,000 a year, citing guidelines of August 2026; we could not verify it, so check the Economic Development Board guidance before you plan the transfers.
Which documents a bank asks for at a specific Mauritian bank we did not find. Banks do customer due diligence and may ask for a tax identification number for tax-reporting purposes. For the questions banks ask Russian-speaking customers about the source of funds, see resident accounts abroad.
Weeks 2 to 4: the tax account number and health cover
TAN. Sources agree that a non-citizen's TAN is linked to the identification number from the Passport and Immigration Office or to the passport, and that the Mauritius Revenue Authority can retrieve it that way. They disagree on sequencing: some guides say a passport is enough, one says a non-resident must first obtain a residence permit or a business registration number. Ask the Mauritius Revenue Authority which applies to you before you queue. Banks may ask for the TAN for CRS and FATCA self-certification, according to one guide.
Health. We did not find a rule for health cover for residents, so read health insurance after moving abroad and arrange private cover until you know. Driving, SIM, schools and workers' occupation permits were not researched for this guide; the driving principles are in the driving-licence article.
Deadlines and mistakes that cost a month
- Assuming 90 days visa-free applies to your passport without asking the embassy: Kazakhstan and Belarus were not confirmed.
- Planning the income transfers on one figure when two are quoted.
- Applying for the TAN before the order of steps is clear.
- Working: the retired permit does not allow gainful employment, although investing in a business you do not manage is permitted.
- Quoting a source that is a marketing page: all the numbers here come from secondary sources.
One-page checklist
- Day 1 to 3: entry record, decide which permit, gather proof of income.
- Week 1: bank account, start the monthly transfer.
- Weeks 2 to 4: TAN, private health cover, permit application documents.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check every figure with the Economic Development Board, the Passport and Immigration Office and the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
FAQ
Can I enter Mauritius without a visa as a Russian or Ukrainian citizen? Several secondary sources say yes, for up to 90 days (one says 30 to 90), but none is official; for Kazakhstan and Belarus nothing is confirmed.
How much income does the retired permit need? Most sources say USD 1,500 a month or USD 18,000 a year transferred to a Mauritian bank account; one 2026 source says USD 2,000 and USD 24,000 from August 2026. Check the Economic Development Board.
How old do I have to be? Sources say 50 or over, with a spouse and children under 24 included.
Can I work on a retired permit? No. Gainful employment is not allowed, although investing in a business you do not manage is permitted.
When do I get permanent residence? Sources say a holder can apply after at least 5 years on the permit.