Dependents and Family
Every Occupation Permit and Residence Permit extends to the holder's immediate family through a Dependent Permit. The dependent's permit runs with the main holder's and ends when it ends.
At a glance
| Spouse | A spouse or common-law partner of the opposite sex, with a marriage certificate or certificate of cohabitation |
|---|---|
| Children | Unmarried dependent children not over 24, including stepchildren and lawfully adopted children |
| Parents | The parents of the main holder |
| Work | Dependents may not engage in gainful activity. A dependent who wishes to work applies for their own Occupation Permit or a work permit |
| Issuing authority | The Passport and Immigration Office determines dependent applications |
| Family Occupation Permit | The former Family Occupation Permit category was abolished in the 2026-27 Budget |
Eligibility criteria are set by the Economic Development Board and revised with each National Budget. The figures on this page follow the EDB Occupation Permit Guidelines issued under section 5(2)(ca) of the Economic Development Board Act 2017, as revised after the 2026-27 Budget, and were last checked against the guidelines in September 2026. We confirm the current criteria with the EDB before any application is prepared.
Sequencing
Dependent applications are filed once the main permit is issued. In practice we prepare the dependent files alongside the main application so that they are lodged immediately after issuance, and the family's permits are issued together within a short period.
Schooling and the practical side
Dependent children need school places, and the good schools in Mauritius fill early. Our concierge service handles school introductions, medical cover and the household arrangements that make the move work for the whole family, not only for the permit holder.
Questions we are asked
Can my dependent spouse work?
Not on a dependent permit. A spouse who wishes to work applies for their own Occupation Permit or a work permit.
Until what age can my children be included?
Unmarried dependent children not over 24, including stepchildren and lawfully adopted children.
Can I bring my parents?
Yes. The parents of the main permit holder are eligible as dependents.
Does an unmarried partner qualify?
A common-law partner of the opposite sex qualifies, with evidence of cohabitation.
Related
Not sure this is the right route?
Most people leave the first consultation with a different route from the one they arrived with. An hour, by appointment, and you leave with a clear view of which permit fits, what it will cost, and how long it will take.