Moving to Mauritius
We guide you through every step of moving to Mauritius—from visa and permit applications to real estate, business setup, school guidance, and settling in.
Permits for moving to Mauritius
| Permit / Visa | Requirements | Duration | Permanent Residence Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirees 50+ Retirement Permit For those aged 50+ wishing to retire in Mauritius. | USD 2,000/month to a local bank account | 10 years, renewable | Eligible after 5 years + USD 200,000 total transferred to Mauritius — grants a 20-year long-stay permit. |
| Property Residence by Property Investment Purchase in an approved scheme (PDS, IRS, RES, Smart City) for USD 375,000+. | USD 375,000 minimum property purchase | As long as property is owned | Immediate PR on purchase — maintained for as long as the property is owned. |
| Working Professionals Investor Permit For entrepreneurs investing in a Mauritius-incorporated business. | Set up company + USD 50,000 business investment. MUR 1.5M turnover (Year 1); MUR 20M total by Year 5; MUR 5M/year from Year 6 for renewal. | 10 years, renewable | Qualify for 20-year PRP with MUR 15m annual turnover or MUR 75m cumulative over 5 years. |
| Working Professionals Self-Employed Permit For freelancers and consultants serving foreign clients from Mauritius. | Register as self-employed + USD 50,000 transferred to a Mauritius bank account. MUR 750K/year from Year 1; MUR 6M total by Year 5; MUR 1.5M/year from Year 6 for renewal. | 10 years, renewable | Qualify for 20-year PRP with MUR 3m annual income or MUR 15m cumulative over 5 years. |
| Working Professionals Professional Permit For professionals with a confirmed job offer from a Mauritius employer. | Job offer required. Min. salary MUR 30,000/month | Up to 10 years, renewable | Qualify for PRP with a salary of MUR 400,000/month sustained for 5 consecutive years. |
| Remote Work Premium Visa (Digital Nomad) Live and work remotely from Mauritius for foreign employers or clients. | Min. USD 1,500/month from a foreign employer or clients | 1 year, renewable | Does not lead to permanent residence. ⚠ May be cancelled in the June/July 2026 budget — verify before applying. |
We handle the entire permit process on your behalf
TBI Mauritius assists through the entire application process, from assessing your eligibility and preparing your documents to submitting the application and accompanying you to the EDB appointment.
Mauritius as a Jurisdiction for Residency, Investment & Business
Philip Tsalikis, director of TBI Mauritius and a British lawyer based on the island, presented at the IREX conference in Dubai in February 2026. The presentation covers Mauritius as a stable, well-regulated jurisdiction, going beyond its reputation as a holiday destination.
Topics include the main residency pathways available when moving to Mauritius: the retirement visa, residency by property investment, the investor permit, the self-employed permit, and the occupation permit. Philip also covers the tax advantages of living in Mauritius and the international banking options available to residents.
Permit application process - step by step
- Police clearance certificate — this can take a few days to 1–2 weeks depending on your country
- Personal documents — passport, birth certificate
- Employment documents where applicable — job offer letter, contracts, professional qualifications
- Investor Permit: A Mauritius company must be incorporated. We introduce you to a reliable company formation provider suited to your structure and needs. Domestic companies typically take a few days; GBC (Global Business Company) structures take 4–6 weeks.
- Self-Employed Permit: You apply for a Self-Employed BRN (Business Registration Number), a simpler process with no full company incorporation required. We bring in a local accounting firm to handle the registration on your behalf at no extra cost.
- Bank statements showing proof of funds
- Medical reports
- Any additional documents requested by the EDB
Expat Cost of Living in Mauritius — 2026 Guide
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | |||
| Rent — 2–3 bedroom apartment | USD 500–900 / mo | USD 1,200–2,500 / mo | USD 3,000–6,000 / mo |
| Luxury villa | — | — | USD 3,500–15,000 / mo |
| Food & Groceries | |||
| Groceries (family of 4) | USD 400–600 / mo | USD 700–1,000 / mo | USD 1,500+ / mo |
| Street food / local eatery | USD 2–5 / person | — | — |
| Restaurant meal | USD 8–12 / person | USD 20–40 / person | USD 60+ / person |
| Upscale restaurant (meal for 2) | — | USD 80–130 | USD 200+ |
| Utilities & Connectivity | |||
| Electricity | USD 20–65 / mo | USD 65–130 / mo | USD 200+ / mo |
| Water | USD 6–11 / mo (higher if you have a pool) | ||
| Internet (fibre broadband) | USD 25–45 / mo | ||
| Mobile phone (prepaid) | USD 10–30 / mo | ||
| Transport | |||
| Car rental (including petrol) | USD 300–400 / mo | USD 500–700 / mo | USD 900+ / mo |
| Public transport (bus / metro) | Bus fares Rs 17–47 per trip; metro Rs 52 end-to-end (Port Louis to Curepipe) | ||
| Fuel (petrol & diesel) | Prices are government-regulated and updated periodically. Check current rates at the State Trading Corporation (STC) before budgeting. | ||
| Healthcare | |||
| Private health insurance (family of 4) | USD 200–300 / mo | USD 300–500 / mo | USD 600+ / mo |
| GP / specialist consultation | ~Rs 2,000 per appointment. Hospital stays at private clinics can exceed Rs 100,000 — comprehensive health insurance is strongly recommended. | ||
| Education | |||
| International / private school fees | Up to USD 1,200 / mo depending on school and curriculum | ||
| Estimated monthly total — family of 4 | USD 1,800–2,500 | USD 3,500–5,500 | USD 8,000–15,000+ |
Exchange rate approx. 1 USD = 46.94 MUR (April 2026). Costs vary significantly by location — Grand Baie and Tamarin are generally the most expensive areas; interior towns such as Moka, Rose-Hill, and Quatre-Bornes offer more affordable options.
Tax in Mauritius for Expats — What You Need to Know
The above is for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax in Mauritius is a complex and personal matter — we recommend consulting a qualified Mauritius-registered tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation. For a full overview of the Mauritius tax system, visit our Mauritius Tax page →
Best Areas to Live in Mauritius for Expats
The most cosmopolitan area on the island. Vibrant expat community, excellent amenities, restaurants, and shopping. Best variety of international schools nearby.
Laid-back beach town with a strong surf culture and growing expat community. Excellent for water sports enthusiasts and active outdoor lifestyles.
Popular beach town with a strong French expat community. Beautiful long sandy beach, warm west coast climate, and lower costs than the north.
Upscale residential suburb favoured by families. Excellent international schools, Bagatelle and Tribeca mall nearby, cooler temperatures, and a quieter residential feel.
Quieter, more rural, and authentically Mauritian. Stunning natural scenery and a slower pace of life. Ideal for retirees seeking peace and lower costs.
Known for its stunning lagoon, white sandy beaches, and a relaxed pace of life. Less developed than the north or west but with a growing number of upscale properties and resorts nearby.
Property Investment in Mauritius
As of the 2025/2026 budget, foreigners can only purchase residential property in Mauritius within EDB-approved schemes. Buying outside these schemes is no longer permitted. The main options are:
- Property Development Scheme (PDS) — The primary framework for foreigners. Includes villas, apartments, and penthouses in integrated resort-style developments across the island. Well-regulated with strong buyer protections built into the scheme conditions.
- Smart City Scheme — Modern integrated urban developments combining residential, commercial, and leisure spaces. Foreigners can also acquire serviced land within a Smart City, provided they build within 5 years.
- IRS and RES (Legacy Schemes) — The Integrated Resort Scheme and Real Estate Scheme predate the PDS and still exist within established developments. Secondary market purchases in these schemes carry the same residency benefits.
- Ground + 2 Apartments — Foreigners can purchase apartments in buildings of at least ground plus 2 floors anywhere in Mauritius for a minimum of MUR 6 million. This does not confer residency rights unless the purchase exceeds USD 375,000.
Purchasing a property in an approved scheme for a minimum of USD 375,000 grants immediate permanent residence to the buyer and their dependants. This is one of the most straightforward residency pathways available when moving to Mauritius.
- The residence permit is valid for as long as the property is owned
- No prior permit is required before purchasing
- The permit allows the holder to live and work in Mauritius without a separate occupation permit
- Dependants (spouse and children under 24) are included under the same permit
- If purchasing through a company or other entity, the residency benefit can be nominated to an individual
Foreign direct investment in Mauritius real estate reached USD 530 million in 2024, a 13% increase from the prior year, reflecting strong and sustained demand from buyers across France, South Africa, the UK, Switzerland, and Germany.
Read our full guide to residency by property investmentThe purchase process in Mauritius is well-regulated and straightforward when guided correctly. The key steps are:
- Select a property in an EDB-approved scheme — villas, apartments, or penthouses depending on your budget and lifestyle
- Sign a Reservation Agreement (CRP — Contrat de Réservation Préliminaire) and pay a deposit into a notary escrow account to reserve the unit
- Obtain EDB authorisation — your notary submits proof of funds, passport copies, and KYC documents. This typically takes a few weeks
- Sign the Deed of Sale (Acte de Vente) before a Mauritian notary
- Residence permit issued upon completion of the purchase
TBI provides comprehensive support at every stage of the process, whether purchasing as an individual, through a company, or via a trust, guiding clients through each legal, financial, and procedural step.
Property in Mauritius spans a wide range. Entry-level Ground + 2 apartments start from MUR 6 million (approximately USD 130,000), while beachfront villas in premium PDS developments can reach several million dollars. In practice, finding a property in an approved scheme for under USD 500,000 is becoming increasingly difficult.
- Registration and transfer duties apply on all purchases and are set to increase from July 2026 for foreigners buying in approved schemes
- Notary fees are payable on the transaction
- No capital gains tax on the eventual sale of the property
- No inheritance tax on transfer of property upon death
Through our sister company, Oakbridge Mauritius, a boutique real estate agency specialising in high-end properties, we offer access to a refined portfolio of luxury villas, exclusive developments, and premium investment opportunities across the island. Oakbridge's market knowledge and personalised approach complement TBI's broader expertise in relocation, business advisory, and legal structuring.
Whether purchasing as an individual, through a company, or via a trust, we guide our clients through each legal, financial, and procedural step to ensure a secure and efficient acquisition.
Visit Oakbridge MauritiusMoving to Mauritius as a Family
Mauritius has a strong selection of international and private schools offering British, French, IB, and other curricula. Key schools include:
- Northfields International High School — Part of the global Inspired group (joined August 2024). Offers IB Middle Years, IGCSEs, IB Diploma, IB Career-related programme, and specialised plans. Located in the north.
- Le Bocage International School (LBIS) — Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Mauritian Ministry of Education. Offers IB Middle Years, IGCSEs, IB Diploma, and BTEC. English and French as first languages, Spanish taught in Forms 1–3.
- IPS (International Preparatory School) — IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme for children aged 3–11. Prepares pupils for Northfields or Le Bocage.
- Westcoast International Secondary School (WISS) — Cambridge Lower Secondary in Forms 1–3, IGCSEs in Forms 4–5, IB Diploma in Form 6. Campuses in Cascavelle and Flic en Flac.
- Telfair International Primary School — Follows the British National Curriculum for children aged 5–11.
- Dukesbridge — English-medium international-style curriculum. Multiple campuses across Mauritius. Caters for ages 6 months to 11 years.
- French-curriculum schools — Including École du Nord and Lycée Labourdonnais for families following the French education system.
Mauritius has a two-tier healthcare system. While public healthcare exists and is accessible to residents, we strongly recommend that all expats use private medical facilities and take out comprehensive private health insurance before arriving.
Public healthcare: There are five major regional public hospitals, two district hospitals, and six specialized hospitals. Public facilities are free for Mauritian citizens, but non-citizens are billed for services. Public hospitals can be bureaucratic with longer wait times.
Private healthcare: Mauritius has more than 30 private clinics offering a high standard of care. Key facilities include Wellkin Hospital (Moka), Moka Eye Hospital, and Clinique Darné. Mauritius is increasingly recognised as a medical tourism destination.
Health insurance: We recommend getting coverage in place before you arrive. Options include local insurers (SICOM, Swan Life, CIM Finance) and international providers (Cigna, AXA, Allianz). For South Africans, check whether your existing medical aid has an extension for Mauritius. TBI can introduce you to a suitable health insurance provider based on your needs.
Read our full guide to healthcare in MauritiusMauritius is consistently ranked the safest country in Africa and among the top 30 safest countries globally. Violent crime is rare. The primary concerns for residents are opportunistic burglary and petty theft, not a significant issue for those living in residential estates or developments with standard security.
Walking alone at night is comfortable, particularly in the North and West where most expats are based. Children can attend school and move around with confidence. The multicultural, English-French bilingual society is welcoming and community-oriented.
In the Global Retirement Report 2025, Mauritius ranked 2nd globally out of 44 countries (score: 89.24/100), excelling particularly in Safety & Integration (5th globally) and Procedure (3rd globally).
Mauritius has strict biosecurity laws for pet importation. Plan at least 3 to 4 months ahead — the process cannot be rushed. Key requirements include:
- Age: Puppies and kittens must be at least 7 months old to be eligible for relocation
- Import permit: Required from the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security — must be obtained at least 3 months before departure
- Microchipping: Must be completed prior to or at the same time as the rabies vaccination, conforming to ISO standard
- Vaccinations: Rabies plus standard vaccinations required (dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis; cats: feline enteritis, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus)
- Sterilisation: All cats and dogs must be sterilised before entry — no exceptions
- Travel: Pets must travel as manifest cargo only — not in cabin or as excess luggage
- Health certificate: Issued by a licensed vet within 48 hours of departure
- Quarantine: Minimum 5 days on arrival in Mauritius
- Prohibited breeds: Include American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, and Staffordshire Terrier
After settling in, dogs must be registered with the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW). TBI can connect you with specialist pet relocation services.
Read our full guide to pet relocation in MauritiusLogistics
Most expats ship household goods to Mauritius by sea freight. A standard 20-foot container from the UK or Europe typically takes 3 to 5 weeks and costs USD 2,500 to 5,000. A 40-foot container costs USD 4,000 to 7,000. The main port of entry is Port Louis.
Duty-free import allowance: Permit holders are entitled to import household goods and personal effects duty-free once, within the first 12 months of arrival, provided the items are used and not for resale. This exemption can represent significant savings and should be planned carefully before your move.
Mauritius drives on the left. Roads are generally in good condition, though traffic in Grand Baie and Port Louis can be congested during peak hours. A car is essential for most expats, particularly those living outside walking distance of towns.
- Driving licence: Foreign licences can be used for up to one year. After that, you convert to a Mauritius licence through the National Transport Authority (NTA) with minimal paperwork for most nationalities
- Buying a car: New cars attract high import duties in Mauritius, making them significantly more expensive than in Europe or South Africa. Second-hand vehicles are the most practical and popular choice
- Renting a car: A good option when you first arrive while you settle in and assess your longer-term needs
Opening a Mauritius bank account is a requirement for all permit applications. Accounts can be opened remotely before you arrive on the island. The main banks used by expats are MCB, Absa, Investec, and AfrAsia. Other options include the State Bank of Mauritius (SBM), HSBC Mauritius, and Bank One.
If opening an account remotely, banks require a minimum deposit:
- Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) — min. deposit USD 500,000
- Absa Bank Mauritius — min. deposit USD 10,000
- Investec — min. deposit USD 50,000
You will typically need a valid passport, proof of address, proof of source of funds, and sometimes a bank reference letter. TBI guides you through the banking process as part of our relocation service.
Mauritius has good broadband and mobile internet infrastructure. Fibre broadband is available in most urban and suburban areas through providers including My.T (Mauritius Telecom), Emtel, and Chili Fibre. Speeds of 50 to 200 Mbps are standard for residential connections. Mobile data is widely available and affordable across the island.
Mauritius has two main seasons. Understanding them is important when choosing where to live and when to plan your move.
- Summer (November to April): Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. This is also cyclone season. Mauritius is affected by tropical cyclones roughly every 2 to 5 years, though direct hits are rare. The north and west coasts are more sheltered and receive less rainfall in summer.
- Winter (May to October): Temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C on the coast. This is the most pleasant time to visit and relocate. The south and east coasts tend to be windier and wetter year-round due to the south-east trade winds.
- North and West (Grand Baie, Tamarin, Flic en Flac): Driest and sunniest year-round, most popular with expats.
- Central Plateau (Moka, Curepipe): Cooler and wetter. Temperatures can drop to 14°C on winter evenings.
How TBI Mauritius helps
Fill out the form below or email us at info@tbimauritius.com and we will arrange a call to understand your situation and explain how we can help.
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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.