Moving to Mauritius from Switzerland: 2026 Guide
Switzerland and Mauritius share a reputation for stability, discretion and financial sophistication, and a steady flow of Swiss residents — and internationally mobile people living in Switzerland — choose the island for its climate and lower cost base.
Residency routes
Swiss nationals use the same routes as other foreigners: the retirement permit (50+), property from USD 375,000, the occupation permit, the premium visa, or the USD 1 million Golden Visa.
Tax: Mauritius versus the Swiss forfait
Many wealthy foreigners in Switzerland live under lump-sum (forfait fiscal) taxation, which can cost several hundred thousand francs a year. Mauritius offers a different bargain: a 0–20% scale, no capital gains or inheritance tax, and a remittance basis on foreign income — typically at a far lower absolute cost, with a warmer climate. Switzerland generally does not tax capital gains on private wealth and has no worldwide exit tax, so departure is usually cleaner than from Germany or France, though cantonal rules and any Swiss-source income need checking.
The treaty and next steps
A Switzerland–Mauritius double taxation agreement is in place. As always, the benefits depend on genuinely ceasing Swiss tax residence — see our tax residency guide. Read the full relocation guide and get in touch.
How does Mauritius compare with Swiss lump-sum taxation?
Swiss forfait taxation can cost several hundred thousand francs a year. Mauritius offers a 0–20% scale with no capital gains or inheritance tax and a remittance basis, usually at a much lower absolute cost, in a warmer climate.
Is leaving Switzerland for tax purposes complicated?
It is generally cleaner than leaving Germany or France: Switzerland does not tax private capital gains or impose a worldwide exit tax. You still need to end cantonal/federal residence properly and check any Swiss-source income.
Sources & further reading
Figures are summarised for general guidance and were correct at the time of writing; tax and immigration rules change, so we confirm the current position for your circumstances before you act.
More insights
Related reading
What the UK–Mauritius treaty covers — residence tie-breakers, dividends, interest, pensions and gains — and how it helps people and businesses.
How UK nationals are taxed after moving to Mauritius — leaving UK residence, UK-source income, the treaty and the Mauritian remittance basis.
The 183-day and 270-day tests, the domicile rule, the remittance basis for foreign income, and how to obtain a Tax Residence Certificate — explained clearly.
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