How to qualify for Mauritian citizenship in 2025 — naturalisation, marriage & descent

Mauritian citizenship in 2025 offers political rights, access to one of Africa’s most stable democracies, and visa-free travel to over 140 countries. Unlike residence, citizenship provides a Mauritian passport and full participation in national life. This guide explains naturalisation routes, marriage eligibility, descent rights, and key updates for 2025.

Key terms to understand

• Ministry of Home Affairs — government authority overseeing citizenship applications.
• Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) — final decision-maker for naturalisation and exceptional cases.
• Certificate of Naturalisation — official document granting citizenship.
• Residence requirement — period of lawful stay in Mauritius before applying for citizenship.
• Marriage route — facilitated path for foreign spouses of Mauritian citizens.

Routes to Mauritian citizenship

Foreign nationals can acquire Mauritian citizenship through several pathways. The table below summarises the main routes in 2025:

Step-by-step naturalisation process in 2025

1. Maintain continuous residence in Mauritius for at least 5 years.
2. Gather required documents, including police clearance and proof of income.
3. Submit application to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
4. Attend interviews or provide supplementary evidence if requested.
5. Wait for background checks and verification by the PMO.
6. Receive Certificate of Naturalisation upon approval.

Step-by-step marriage route

1. Reside in Mauritius with a Mauritian spouse for at least 2 years.
2. Submit marriage certificate and proof of genuine relationship.
3. Provide joint financial documents or housing proof if available.
4. Apply through the Ministry of Home Affairs for citizenship by marriage.
5. Await verification of relationship and background checks.
6. Obtain naturalisation certificate once approved.

Citizenship by descent

Children of Mauritian citizens acquire nationality automatically. If born abroad, the birth should be registered at a Mauritian embassy or consulate. In 2025, the government introduced faster digital registration for Mauritian parents abroad, reducing processing times for citizenship confirmation.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport and Mauritian residence permit
• Birth certificate (translated into English or French if foreign)
• Marriage certificate (for spousal applications)
• Police clearance from Mauritius and home country
• Proof of income and financial stability
• Language certificate or proof of integration
• Completed application forms to the Ministry of Home Affairs

Costs and timelines

Application fees are generally MUR 10,000–20,000 depending on route. Processing for naturalisation takes 12–18 months, while marriage-based applications are often finalised in under 12 months. Descent cases are immediate if registered abroad but may take longer if handled through local courts.

Integration and language requirements

While Mauritius does not impose formal language tests, applicants are expected to demonstrate familiarity with either English, French, or Creole. Integration is assessed through residence records, financial stability, and absence of criminal activity.

What changed in 2025

• Online citizenship application portal expanded to all districts.
• Mandatory digital submission of police clearance certificates.
• Faster recognition of descent cases through embassies and consulates.
• Clearer cohabitation rules introduced for marriage-based applications.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before completing minimum residence or marriage period.
• Submitting documents without official translations.
• Assuming permanent residence automatically converts to citizenship.
• Failing to register a child’s birth abroad on time.

FAQ about Mauritian citizenship

• How many years are required for Mauritian citizenship? Ordinary naturalisation requires 5 years of residence, with at least 2 immediately before application.
• Can I get citizenship through marriage? Yes, after 2 years of marriage and residence with a Mauritian citizen.
• Is dual citizenship allowed in Mauritius? Yes, Mauritius generally permits dual nationality.
• Do children of Mauritians get citizenship? Yes, children of Mauritian parents automatically acquire citizenship by descent.
• Who approves citizenship applications? The final decision lies with the Prime Minister’s Office.

Expert opinion

“Mauritian citizenship in 2025 remains accessible through residence, marriage, and descent. Digitalisation and clearer eligibility rules make the process faster and more predictable.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team

Next steps

Explore our platform and check the Residency & Citizenship hub for detailed guides. Visit our main page or go directly to the Residency & Citizenship hub.