moving to mauritius from south africa

Immigrate to Mauritius: Moving to Mauritius from South Africa

Moving to Mauritius from South Africa brings its own set of considerations. Despite recent challenges with electricity, safety, and stability, it is hard to replace the love you have for your home country. But facing reality, things are likely to get worse, and moving to Mauritius offers relief from many of those stresses.

In Mauritius, you can walk to an ATM at night without worrying about safety. Your kids can go to school without concerns. Banking is secure, and power cuts will not disrupt your daily life. In simple terms, Mauritius offers a much better quality of life. Sure, moving to Mauritius has its challenges. The cost of living, including food and wine, may be higher. The size of the property you can afford might be different, and job opportunities may require adjustment. To know more about the cost of living in Mauritius, read here.

The best way to know if Mauritius is right for you is to experience it first-hand. Consider an extended holiday, rent a villa, and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. You will appreciate the absence of power cuts, the tropical weather, and the beautiful beaches. Take your time to see if Mauritius meets your personal and professional needs. The Premium Visa has been a popular option for many South Africans wanting to test the waters before making a long-term decision. Contact us to discuss the best way to move to Mauritius from South Africa.

 

Immigrating to Mauritius from South Africa

Before you begin immigrating to Mauritius from South Africa, it is important to familiarise yourself with the Mauritius immigration requirements and procedures. Here are the key aspects you need to consider when moving to Mauritius from South Africa:

Occupation Permit

If you are planning to immigrate to Mauritius to work here, you will need to apply for an Occupation Permit. This permit is available for professionals, investors, and self-employed individuals. The specific requirements vary for each category but generally include:

• Providing proof of a valid job offer or investment opportunity in Mauritius.
• Demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience in your field.
• Complying with health and security checks.
• Showing financial capacity to support yourself and any dependents.

Residence Permit

If you want immigrate to Mauritius and live here, you will need to obtain a Residence Permit. As a South African, there are a few ways to obtain a Residence Permit in Mauritius:

1. Through an Occupation Permit: If you hold an Occupation Permit, you will be automatically allowed to live in Mauritius while working on the island.

2. Residency by Investment in Mauritius: South Africans can obtain residency in Mauritius by making a minimum investment of USD 375,000 in specific schemes approved by the Economic Development Board (EDB). These schemes include the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or a Smart City. This option also allows you to work in Mauritius.

3. Mauritius Retirement Permit for South Africans: If you are 50 or older and do not plan on working in Mauritius, you can apply for a Retirement Permit. You can still work for companies outside of Mauritius. Just make sure that you can transfer an average of USD 1,500 per month during your stay. To learn more about retiring in Mauritius as a foreigner, read here.

4. Mauritius Permanent Residence for South Africans: The Mauritius Permanent Residence Permit allows South Africans to live in Mauritius with their family for 20 years. To learn about the requirements, visit this page.

Mauritius Citizenship by Investment

Mauritius offers a Citizenship by Investment program, which allows eligible individuals to acquire Mauritian citizenship through investment. To qualify for Mauritius citizenship by investment as a South African, 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 for citizenship.

It is important to note that while this immigration regulation exists, obtaining Mauritian citizenship is not an automatic entitlement. There are numerous challenges and requirements that must be handled successfully and we recommend the residency by investment as an objective to aim for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can South Africans buy property in Mauritius?

Yes, South Africans can buy and own property in Mauritius. Buying property in Mauritius as a South African is similar to buying property in Mauritius as other foreigners. Click here to learn more about buying property in Mauritius as foreigners. The government has implemented various schemes to encourage foreign investment in the real estate sector. However, it is essential to consult with a reputable real estate agent and make sure to follow all the legal rules.

Can South Africans retire in Mauritius?

South Africans can retire in Mauritius at 50 years old by showing a minimum of USD1500 monthly or USD18,000 in their bank account. The Retirement Permit is for 10 years with an option to apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after three consecutive years of residency. South Africans can also retire in Mauritius on a Premium Visa for 6 months up to a year, by showing at least USD1,500.

Is it cheaper to live in Mauritius or South Africa?

Although living costs, like food, cars, and electricity, can be expensive, a simple lifestyle can still offer a good quality of life. The country provides free healthcare and education, though few expats use these services. While living costs are relatively lower compared to Europe, it may not be the cheapest option for South Africans seeking a high-quality lifestyle. Expenses for relocating, including buying a car, health insurance, household insurance, and others, need to be considered.

For a 4-person South African family (2 children) living in a 3-bedroom villa in a pleasant complex in Grand Baie, and attending private schools, a monthly budget of MUR 100,000 to 200,000 would provide a good but not extravagant life.

Can I bring my family with me when moving to Mauritius from South Africa?

South Africans can move to Mauritius with their family. Spouses, dependent children, and parents can apply for Residence Permits as dependents. The criteria for eligibility and the documents required can differ, so it is essential to carefully examine the guidelines provided by the authorities in Mauritius.

Where is the best place for South Africans to live in Mauritius?

Deciding where to live in Mauritius depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. The North of Mauritius is more developed, with a vibrant nightlife and modern amenities, while the West of Mauritius is quieter and more focused on outdoor activities and nature. Both regions have their own unique charm, and it is worth exploring them both to decide which one is right for you. Read more here.

Are there any restrictions on foreign property ownership in Mauritius?

There are restrictions on property ownership for foreigners in Mauritius. These restrictions include buying land next to the ocean, the minimum amount of money required for property investment and limitations on purchasing agricultural land. Consulting with legal professionals and real estate agents can help you navigate the process smoothly.

Does Mauritius offer dual citizenship?

Yes, Mauritius allows dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your South African citizenship while obtaining Mauritian citizenship. It is important to review the regulations and requirements of both countries to follow the laws of both countries regarding dual citizenship.

 

Moving to Mauritius from South africa with TBI Mauritius

Moving to Mauritius from South Africa is a very personal choice, and it is crucial to think about all aspects of your life and future before starting such an important journey. We, at TBI, have assisted a lot of foreigners in moving to Mauritius from South Africa. We can help transition your business, assist in setting up a company in Mauritius as well as create a bespoke immigration strategy that works for you and your family.

 

What TBI Business Advisors can 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.
  • We 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.

Please contact us via our website, via email to info@tbimauritius.com or via the form below.

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.