Employer of Record Guide in 
Mauritius

Mauritius offers incredible talent in a business-friendly environment, but navigating local employment laws and compliance requirements can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to hire confidently and compliantly in this thriving Indian Ocean hub.

Capital City

Port Louis

Currency

Mauritian rupee (₨)

Languages

English, French, and Mauritian Creole

Population size

1,243,741
OVERVIEW

Key stats and facts

With its strategic location, multilingual workforce, and competitive 10% tax rate, Mauritius has become a magnet for global businesses seeking skilled professionals in tech and finance. The island's economic centers like Port Louis are home to growing pools of software engineers, data analysts, and AI specialists ready to join your team.

Major economic hubs

Port Louis, Curepipe, Vacoas-Phoenix, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes

Skills in demand

Software Engineer, Data Analyst, AI Specialist, Cybersecurity Expert, Cloud Computing Specialist

Currency

Mauritian rupee (₨)

Language

English, French, and Mauritian Creole

GDP per Capita

$12,025.38 USD per capita

Standard Tax Rate

10% federal

Your EOR guide in 
Mauritius

Understanding Mauritius' employment framework is key to building a successful team on the island. From sector-specific minimum wages to mandatory contributions and generous leave policies, here's what every employer needs to know about compensation and compliance.

Minimum Wage

Mauritius operates a sector-based minimum wage system with rates varying by industry:

Sector Monthly Minimum Wage (MUR) Effective Date
General Workers 15,000 Current
Security Guards 16,500 Current
Domestic Workers 17,110 Current
Agricultural Workers 15,500 Current

Note: Minimum wage rates are reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on economic conditions.

Payroll Cycle

  • Monthly: Standard practice across most industries
  • Payment Date: Must be paid by the last working day of each month
  • Currency: All salaries must be paid in Mauritian Rupees (MUR)

Individual Income Tax

Mauritius operates a progressive income tax system:

Annual Income (MUR) Tax Rate
Up to 325,000 0%
325,001 to 1,500,000 10%
Above 1,500,000 20%

Tax Residency Criteria

Individuals are considered Mauritian tax residents if they:

  • Reside in Mauritius for 183 days or more in a calendar year
  • Have their permanent home in Mauritius
  • Are Mauritian citizens working abroad for the government

Employer Payroll Contributions

Employers must contribute to several mandatory schemes:

Contribution Type Employer Rate Employee Rate Total
National Pension Scheme 6% 3% 9%
National Savings Fund 2.5% 2.5% 5%
Training Levy 1% - 1%
Portable Gratuity Fund 4.5% - 4.5%
Total Employer Cost ~14% 5.5% 19.5%

Note: Contribution rates apply to gross salary up to specified ceilings.

Working Hours

  • Standard Work Week: 40-45 hours across 5-6 days
  • Daily Limits: 8-9 hours per day maximum
  • Rest Periods: Minimum 30-minute break for shifts over 6 hours
  • Weekly Rest: Minimum 24 consecutive hours per week

Overtime Pay

  • Threshold: Hours worked beyond standard working hours
  • Rate: 1.5× the normal hourly rate
  • Maximum: Limited overtime hours to protect employee welfare
  • Calculation: Based on basic salary excluding allowances

Bonus Payments

  • 13th Month Salary: Mandatory annual bonus equivalent to one month's basic salary
  • Performance Bonuses: Additional discretionary bonuses may be provided
  • Payment Timing: 13th month bonus typically paid in December

Full-Time vs Part-Time

  • Full-Time: Employees working 40+ hours per week
  • Part-Time: Employees working fewer than 40 hours per week
  • Benefits: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits based on hours worked

Vacation Leave

  • Minimum Entitlement: 20-22 days of paid annual leave
  • Accrual: Earned monthly throughout the year
  • Carry Forward: Limited carry-forward to following year (typically 5 days maximum)
  • Payout: Unused leave must be paid out upon termination

Sick Leave

  • Entitlement: 15 days of paid sick leave per calendar year
  • Medical Certificate: Required for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days
  • Chronic Conditions: Extended sick leave may be available for serious illnesses
  • Accumulation: Unused sick leave typically does not carry forward

Maternity Leave

  • Duration: 14-16 weeks of paid maternity leave
  • Eligibility: Available to all female employees
  • Payment: Funded through National Pension Scheme
  • Job Protection: Position must be held during leave period

Parental Leave

  • Paternity Leave: 4-5 days of paid leave for fathers
  • Adoption Leave: Similar provisions for adoptive parents
  • Timing: Must be taken within specified period after birth/adoption

Bereavement Leave

  • Duration: 3 days of paid leave for immediate family members
  • Extended Family: Additional unpaid leave may be granted
  • Documentation: Death certificate may be required

Personal & Family Leave

  • Family Responsibility: Limited paid leave for family emergencies
  • Special Circumstances: Additional leave may be granted at employer discretion
  • Advance Notice: Required where possible

Summary

Leave Type Duration Paid? Funding
Annual Leave 20-22 days/year Yes Employer
Sick Leave 15 days/year Yes Employer
Maternity Leave 14-16 weeks Yes Government
Paternity Leave 4-5 days Yes Employer
Bereavement 3 days Yes Employer
Family Emergency Varies Partially Employer

Termination Types

Termination With Cause:

  • Serious misconduct, theft, or breach of contract
  • No notice or severance required
  • Must be substantiated with evidence

Termination Without Cause:

  • Redundancy, restructuring, or performance issues
  • Requires proper notice and severance payments
  • Must follow fair dismissal procedures

Notice Period Requirements

Notice periods based on length of service:

Length of Employment Notice Period
Less than 6 months 1 week
6 months - 2 years 30 days
2 - 5 years 60 days
5+ years 90 days

Severance Pay

  • Calculation: Based on length of service and final salary
  • Minimum: 15 days' pay per year of service
  • Maximum: Varies by employment contract and circumstances
  • Payment: Must be paid within 30 days of termination

Probationary Periods

  • Duration: 3-6 months for most positions
  • Notice: Reduced notice requirements during probation
  • Extension: May be extended with mutual agreement
  • Performance: Regular evaluation required during probation

Final Pay Requirements

  • Timeline: Final pay must be issued within 7 days of termination
  • Components: Includes salary, accrued leave, and severance
  • Deductions: Only lawful deductions permitted

Anti-Discrimination & Retaliation Laws

Protected characteristics include:

  • Race, colour, and ethnic origin
  • Gender and pregnancy
  • Religion and political beliefs
  • Disability and age
  • Trade union membership

National Holidays (2025)

Holiday Date Type
New Year's Day January 1 Public
Abolition of Slavery February 1 Public
Chinese Spring Festival February 10 Public
Maha Shivratri February 26 Religious
Independence Day March 12 National
Ugadi March 30 Religious
Labour Day May 1 Public
Eid-ul-Fitr March 31 Religious
Assumption of Mary August 15 Religious
Ganesh Chaturthi August 27 Religious
Divali October 20 Religious
All Saints Day November 1 Religious
Christmas Day December 25 Public

Holiday Pay Rules

  • Eligibility: All employees entitled to holiday pay
  • Rate: Normal daily wage for each public holiday
  • Working on Holidays: Double pay plus compensatory day off
  • Religious Observances: Employees may substitute religious holidays

Required Documents for Employment

  • Employment Contract: Must include salary, duties, working hours, and termination clauses
  • Work Permit: Required for non-Mauritian citizens
  • Tax Registration: National Identity Card or Tax Identification Number
  • Bank Details: For salary payments
  • Educational Certificates: Verification of qualifications
  • Medical Certificate: For certain positions

Language Requirements

  • Official Languages: English and French
  • Working Language: English predominantly used in business
  • Local Language: Mauritian Creole widely spoken
  • Documentation: Contracts may be in English or French

Background Checks & References

  • Criminal Record: Police clearance certificate may be required
  • Employment History: Previous employer references
  • Educational Verification: Degree and certificate authentication
  • Professional Licences: Industry-specific certifications where applicable

Data Protection & Privacy

  • Data Protection Act: Governs collection and processing of personal data
  • Consent: Required for data collection and processing
  • Storage: Secure storage and limited retention periods
  • Cross-Border: Restrictions on data transfer outside Mauritius

IP Assignment & Confidentiality

  • Work Product: Employer owns work created during employment
  • Confidentiality: Non-disclosure agreements commonly used
  • Non-Compete: Limited enforceability under Mauritian law
  • Trade Secrets: Protection of proprietary information

Onboarding Timeline

Step Timeline
Job offer accepted Day 0
Work permit application (if needed) Day 1-30
Employment contract signed Day 3-5
Tax registration completed Day 5-7
Bank account setup Day 7-10
Payroll registration Day 10-14

Worker Classification: Employee vs Contractor

Employees:

  • Work under employer control and supervision
  • Receive regular salary and benefits
  • Subject to employment law protections
  • Employer withholds taxes and contributions

Independent Contractors:

  • Operate independently with minimal supervision
  • Invoice for services provided
  • Responsible for own taxes and social contributions
  • No employment law protections

Classification Tests:

  • Level of control and supervision
  • Integration into business operations
  • Financial risk and investment
  • Exclusivity of relationship

Unionisation & Collective Agreements

  • Trade Union Rights: Protected under Mauritian law
  • Collective Bargaining: Common in certain industries
  • Strike Rights: Legal with proper procedures
  • Union Membership: Cannot be compulsory

Cultural Norms & DEI Expectations

  • Multicultural Society: Respect for diverse backgrounds and religions
  • Work-Life Balance: Family time highly valued
  • Communication Style: Polite and respectful approach preferred
  • Hierarchy: Moderate respect for authority and seniority

Remote Work Considerations

  • Legal Framework: Limited specific remote work legislation
  • Equipment: Employer responsibility for work tools
  • Health & Safety: Duty of care extends to home offices
  • Tax Implications: May affect tax residency status

What Borderless AI Handles

When you hire through Borderless AI in Mauritius, we manage:

  • Local employment contracts and compliance
  • Payroll processing and tax withholdings
  • Mandatory social contributions
  • Leave management and statutory benefits
  • Termination procedures and documentation
  • Local HR support and guidance

Built-in benefits packages for
Mauritius

When the world is your competition, it pays to incentivize new hires and existing alike. Borderless AI benefits packages typically inlucde:

Medical Insurance

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Dental Insurance

United Healthcare
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Retirement Contribution

United Healthcare
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Life Insurance

United Healthcare
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Vision Insurance

United Healthcare
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