Mauritius Retirement Visa

We are a relocation and immigration consultancy and we help foreigners retire in Mauritius, whether through the Mauritius retirement visa or another suitable residency pathway.

To get a Mauritius retirement visa, applicants must be at least 50 years old and show either a monthly income of USD 2,000 or savings of USD 24,000. This covers the main applicant and any dependants. The permit, known officially as the Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit, lasts 10 years, is renewable, and after 5 years holders can apply for a 20 year permit. There is no minimum stay requirement, so it works well as a second residency for foreigners who want flexibility without committing to full time relocation.

Here at TBI Mauritius, we have over 13 years of experience helping foreigners relocate and retire in Mauritius. Our team guides you through the full retirement visa application, from verifying bank statements to preparing and submitting all required paperwork to the Economic Development Board (EDB). While it is possible to apply directly, the EDB has strict standards around document format and presentation, and applications from abroad are often delayed when requirements are not met precisely. We make sure everything is in order before submission, and we bring in reliable partners for other relocation matters when needed.

Mauritius Retirement Visa Benefits

No minimum stay requirement. One of the most practical advantages of the Mauritius retirement visa is that there is no minimum stay requirement, making it a realistic second residency option for foreigners who split their time between countries.

Remote work is permitted. Holders can work for foreign employers or clients while living in Mauritius, without needing an additional work permit.

Right to invest in Mauritius. Holders of the retirement visa can invest in Mauritius based businesses, provided they do not draw a salary or employment benefits from those businesses.

Pathway to a 20 year permit. After 5 years on the retirement permit and having transferred at least USD 200,000 to Mauritius during that period, holders become eligible to apply for a 20 year long stay permit. Funds can be brought in as monthly, quarterly, or lump sum payments, giving holders flexibility in how they meet this requirement.

Quality of life. Mauritius has a highly regarded private healthcare system, a low crime rate, a stable political environment, and a well established expat community. English is widely spoken and the cost of living, while not the cheapest in the region, is reasonable relative to the lifestyle on offer.

Eligibility and Financial Requirements

Age. Applicants must be at least 50 years old.

Income or savings. Applicants must show either a monthly income of USD 2,000 or savings of USD 24,000 in a bank account in their country of residence.

Opening a local bank account. Once the permit is issued, holders must transfer at least USD 2,000 into a Mauritian bank account within 60 days. This is a mandatory requirement.

Ongoing transfer obligation. Holders must continue transferring either USD 2,000 per month or USD 24,000 per year into their Mauritian bank account for the duration of the permit.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Minimum age: 50 years

• Income requirement: USD 2,000 a month or USD 24,000 in savings

• Permit validity: 10 years, renewable

• Application fee: USD 1,000 for the main applicant and USD 400 per dependant

• Minimum stay: none

• Remote work: permitted

• Processing time: 3 to 6 weeks

• Permanent residence: 20 year permit after 5 years plus USD 200,000 transferred

How to Apply for the Mauritius Retirement Visa

Step 1: Submit your application online. The application is submitted through the EDB online portal. We prepare and review all your documents, anticipating any potential issues and ensuring everything meets the EDB requirements before submission. We time the application carefully around your planned arrival date, so the 90 day travel window works in your favour and your application stays valid throughout the process. We also verify the documents of your dependants.

Step 2: Wait for approval in principle. Processing typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Once successful, the EDB issues an approval in principle. We keep you updated throughout and handle any follow up queries from the EDB on your behalf.

Step 3: Travel to Mauritius within 90 days. Once you receive approval in principle, you must travel to Mauritius within 90 days. We help you plan your travel and arrival, and can assist with accommodation arrangements for your visit.

Step 4: Upload updated documents. Before your appointment, updated documents including a recent medical report, bank statements, and visa stamp must be uploaded to the EDB portal. We manage this step for you, including arranging a medical appointment, and make sure everything is in order.

Step 5: Attend your EDB appointment. We accompany you to your appointment at the EDB office, where your original documents are verified. Once completed, your 10 year retirement permit is issued. We also assist with your dependants application at the EDB.

Cost of the Mauritius Retirement Visa

The EDB application fee is USD 1,000 for the main applicant and USD 400 for each dependant. On top of the fee, you must meet the financial requirement by transferring USD 2,000 a month or USD 24,000 a year into a Mauritian bank account. You should also budget for supporting costs such as your police clearance certificate, medical report, and document preparation, which vary by country. We give you a clear breakdown of the full cost before you commit.

Living in Mauritius as a Retiree

Mauritius is one of the most popular places to retire in the region. Retirees benefit from a warm climate, modern healthcare, a safe and stable environment, and a bilingual English and French community. Many retirees choose to buy a home through residence by property investment or explore the wider lifestyle on our living in Mauritius and moving to Mauritius guides.

Best Places to Retire in Mauritius

Where you choose to live shapes your retirement in Mauritius. The north and west coasts are the most popular with foreigners for their amenities, beaches, and easy access to private healthcare, while the central plateau and the quieter south suit those who want cooler weather, lower costs, or a slower pace. Popular areas to retire in Mauritius include:

• Grand Baie (north). The most cosmopolitan area, with a large expat community, restaurants, shopping, and clinics nearby. Higher cost, very social.

• Tamarin and Black River (west). A relaxed coastal lifestyle with a drier climate, popular with active retirees and outdoor lovers.

• Flic en Flac (west). A long sandy beach, a strong French speaking community, and better value than the north.

• Moka (central). Cooler and quieter, close to Wellkin Hospital and good amenities, favoured by those who prefer an inland base.

• Mahebourg and the southeast. Peaceful, rural, and the lowest cost, ideal for retirees seeking calm and authenticity.

For a fuller breakdown of each area, see our guide to the best areas to live in Mauritius.

Retiring in Mauritius as a South African

Mauritius is one of the most popular places for South Africans to retire. It sits a short direct flight of around four hours from Johannesburg, shares a similar time zone, and has a large, well established South African community. The same Mauritius retirement visa rules apply: you must be at least 50 and show a monthly income of USD 2,000 or savings of USD 24,000.

• There is a double taxation agreement between Mauritius and South Africa, which can affect how your pension and income are taxed. See our Mauritius tax guide and take specific tax advice.

• Transfers of funds from South Africa should be planned with your bank and tax adviser, as foreign transfer allowances apply.

• Check whether your existing South African medical aid extends to Mauritius, or arrange private health insurance before you arrive.

We help many South African retirees move to Mauritius each year. Learn more about relocating to Mauritius.