With the turbulence of conflicts and political changes, more UK citizens are looking for a back-up or secondary residence and many are looking to permanently get out of the UK. The rising taxes, high cost of living, and cold weather add to the daily stresses of many. With its tropical climate, financial stability, safety, quality of life, Mauritius offers welcome relief from many of these stresses. More than just a luxury holiday destination, Mauritius has also grown to be an option for those seeking secondary residence, with relatively easy residency requirements. There is also no CGT for those looking to sell a business. If you are moving from the UK to Mauritius, you can retire, set up a company, invest in a property, work remotely or for a Mauritian company.
Why I moved from the UK to Mauritius
Coming from the UK myself, I initially arrived in Mauritius in 2010 for an extended holiday to see the island, and I have been here ever since. The place is safe and beautiful, and the energy and mindset of everyone is positive and family-oriented, which is great as I have two young daughters. There is a strong private education system and a wonderful way of life for children. In the international schools, you can expect well over 10 nationalities per class, so it’s a great place for them to meet a variety of friends from all over the world.
There is a thriving expat community, low tax, and lots of interesting business opportunities. The real estate market is solid and reliable, and as there is no capital gains tax. As such, many also find it to be a great investment. Mauritius is also one of the most popular jurisdictions to invest into Africa due to the DTAAs and regional treaties. It offers significant tax holidays for Family Offices and low taxes for Funds, among others. As a result, there are always credible businesses setting up here.
Pathways For Moving from the UK to Mauritius
Residence Permit for UK citizens
The residence permit is another option for those moving from the UK to Mauritius long-term. UK citizens can apply for a residence permit by retiring here, investing in a qualified property or as a dependent.
Retirement Permit for UK citizens
If you are looking to retire to Mauritius from the UK, you need to be over 50 and show either a minimum of USD 24,000 or a monthly amount of USD 2,000 in your bank account. Learn more about retiring to Mauritius here.
Residence Permit through Property for UK citizens
Residence Permit for dependents
Dependents moving from the UK to Mauritius are also eligible for a residence permit. They are eligible through the main applicant, whether the latter has applied for an occupation permit or a residence permit. This includes spouse, dependent children under 24 and dependent parents.
Occupation Permit for UK citizens
The Occupation Permit is one of the options for moving from the UK to Mauritius. The occupation permit is for professionals, investors, and self-employed individuals. UK citizens can move to Mauritius by working for a Mauritian company, by setting up a business or by working remotely. More on the requirements for the different categories here.
Investor Permit for UK citizens
The investor permit is for those who are moving from the UK to Mauritius to set up a company. To qualify for the investor permit as a UK citizen, you would also need to invest at least USD 50,000. The permit will be valid for 10 years, and you would be able to renew it upon fulfilling certain criteria. More information here (link).
Self-Employed Permit for UK citizens
If you are moving from the UK to Mauritius as a self-employed, you can apply for the 10-year Self-Employed Permit. To apply for the self-employed permit, you need to operate as a one-person company and invest USD 50,000.
Professional Permit for UK citizens
If you are moving from the UK to Mauritius by working for a Mauritius-based company, you would need to earn a monthly salary of at least MUR 50,000. To be eligible you would need to have professional qualifications and a relevant job title. This is not necessarily the easiest route unless you find a job here.
Mauritius Permanent Residence for UK citizens
If you are moving from the UK to Mauritius and wish to obtain permanent residence, there are several ways. Firstly, UK citizens can qualify for permanent residence through the Occupation Permit or Residence Permit. Alternatively, they can get permanent residence by buying a property of at least USD 375,000 in an approved scheme. Click here to learn about the requirements for permanent residence.
Mauritius Citizenship
Mauritius also offers Citizenship by Investment, in theory which allows eligible individuals to obtain Mauritian citizenship through investment. To qualify for Mauritius citizenship by investment as a UK citizen, you must meet the following requirements:
- You need to have invested a minimum of USD 500,000 in Mauritius.
- You must have lived continuously in Mauritius for at least two years before applying.
It is important to note that while this option exists, getting citizenship is not an automatic entitlement and one should not rely on this route as it is rarely given. There are numerous challenges and we recommend applying for the residency by investment as an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a UK citizen live in Mauritius?
UK citizens can live in Mauritius by retiring, setting up a company, investing in a property, working remotely, or working for a Mauritian company.
Why are Brits moving to Mauritius?
Many Brits are moving from the UK to Mauritius due to high taxes, the high cost of living, and the cold weather. Mauritius offers a tropical climate, safety, financial stability, and a high quality of life, making it a welcome alternative.
How much money do I need to move to Mauritius?
The amount of money you need to earn to live comfortably in Mauritius will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. To live comfortably as a family of 4 in Mauritius, you will need around USD 50,000 to 70,000 per year. This will allow you to afford a good quality of life, including healthy food, and access to good education and healthcare.
Is it easy to move to Mauritius?
Yes, moving from the UK to Mauritius is relatively easy compared to many other countries. The residency requirements are clear, everyone speaks English and the process is accessible whether you are retiring, setting up a company, working remotely, or buying property.
What Can TBI Business Advisors Do For You
- We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
- TBI will advise on the appropriate permit or visa for coming to Mauritius.
- We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations.
- We will assemble the documents and make the application on your behalf.
- TBI can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations.
- We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
- If you need assistance with setting up companies whether as an investor or just creating a business here.
- The directors can act as Commissioner for Oaths.
- We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firms as and when required.
While every effort is made to ensure that the information given is accurate, the information on this site does not contain legal, tax or any other professional advice. We accept no responsibility or liability due to any information or representation, whether accurate or not, relied upon in the contents. It is an information guide to provide the reader with a useful general, but basic understanding of the different considerations. You must seek local legal, tax or other professional advice before relying on the contents of this site.
