Moving to Mauritius from the USA: What Americans Need to Know
Mauritius is an appealing base for Americans seeking a safe, English-speaking, low-tax island lifestyle. Immigration is straightforward — but US tax law makes the American case genuinely different, and it is vital to understand the catch before you move.
The catch: US citizenship-based taxation
The United States taxes its citizens and green-card holders on their worldwide income wherever they live. Moving to Mauritius does not end your US federal filing obligations. There is also no comprehensive US–Mauritius income tax treaty, so you cannot rely on treaty relief the way you could moving between treaty countries. You can still reduce US tax using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit, but you must keep filing US returns (and FBAR/FATCA reports). Where Mauritius clearly helps is escaping US state tax and offering a low local tax burden and lifestyle — not escaping US federal tax. Take advice from a US cross-border accountant.
Residency routes
Americans use the standard routes: retirement (50+), property from USD 375,000, the occupation permit, the premium visa for remote workers, or the Golden Visa.
Life on the island
English is an official language, the legal system is common-law, healthcare and schooling are good, and time zones work reasonably for US remote work in the mornings. See the cost of living and moving guide, then contact us.
Do Americans still pay US tax if they live in Mauritius?
Yes. The US taxes citizens and green-card holders on worldwide income regardless of where they live, and you must keep filing US returns. You can reduce the bill with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit, but Mauritius mainly helps with US state tax, local tax and lifestyle, not US federal tax.
Is there a US–Mauritius tax treaty?
There is no comprehensive US–Mauritius income tax treaty, so Americans cannot rely on treaty relief. A US cross-border tax adviser should structure your move.
Can US citizens get residency in Mauritius?
Yes, through the same routes as other foreigners — retirement, property investment, occupation permit, premium visa or Golden Visa. Immigration is straightforward; US tax compliance is the part to plan carefully.
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.
Get in touch
Speak to an adviser
Tell us where you are and where you want to be. We'll set out the cleanest route — honestly, and with realistic timelines.