Foreigners who wish to settle in Mauritius should first of all obtain a residence permit.
The procedure is done through the Investment Board.  There are two types of residence permits:

1. Residence Permit granted to non-citizen retirees

Conditions

The applicant should undertake to transfer to his or her bank account based in Mauritius at least US $ 40 000 a year or the equivalent amount in a convertible foreign currency.
The residence permit is valid for a period of three years.
The Permanent Residence Permit
After having lived on the island for three years, a retired non-citizen may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit if an annual bank transfer has been carried out. 

2. “Occupation Permit” is granted to 3 professional categories

The “Occupation Permit” allows a foreigner to live and work in Mauritius.

Conditions

1. Investor: the proposed business is expected to generate an annual turnover exceeding MUR 3 millions 
2. Employee: the basic salary should exceed MUR 30 000
3. Self employed: the expected gross annual income of the business should exceed MUR 600, 000

Permanent Residence Permit

Only the investors and self-employed may apply for a permanent residence permit, provided that:
In the case of an investor: the turnover of the business has exceeded MUR15 million during each of the previous three years.
In the case of a self-employed person: the gross income of the business activity has exceeded MUR 3 million during each of the previous three years.

For further information

Occupational Permit Unit
Board of Investment/Passport & Immigration Office
4th Floor, Sterling House,
Lislet Geoffroy Street,
Port Louis - Republic of Mauritius
Tel: 211-8234 - Fax : 208-8160
Email : op@investmauritius.com or piomain@mail.gov.mu
Website : www.investmauritius.com or http://passport.gov.mu

According to the Passport Office, Mauritius had 28070 non-citizens holding an “occupation permit” at the end of 2006.  There are 6013 non-citizens who have obtained their residence permit by marrying a Mauritian.