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.

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting. There is so much to think about, from packing your belongings to finding a new home to getting settled in. This is where TBI Mauritius comes in. We are a team of expert relocation advisors in Mauritius, helping you navigate every step of your move to Mauritius. We provide relocation services, from visa and immigration to real estate, setting up a business, and finding a school for your children.

Our Relocation Services Include:

Visas and permits: We help you determine the right visa or permit for moving to Mauritius and assist with the application process.
Relocation assistance: We help you with all aspects of moving to Mauritius, including finding accommodation, guiding you on schooling options and pet relocation. We also provide guidance on cars, tax and insurance.
Business setup: We can help in setting up your business in Mauritius and connect you with partners for advisory, tax and accounting, and legal services.
Property search: We can help you find accommodation, based on your budget, needs, and preferences. We also provide advice and guidance regarding real estate investment in Mauritius.
Settling in assistance: We help you settle into Mauritius by helping you set up utilities such as opening a bank account. We also provide guidance on the cost of living and how to live comfortably here.

Immigration to Mauritius

Immigration to Mauritius can be attained in several ways: Foreigners can emigrate to Mauritius by working here, retiring or by buying property. To move to Mauritius, you can choose between the Residence Permit, Occupation Permit or Permanent Residence Permit. The Premium visa is a long-term visa that allows foreigners to live in Mauritius for 1 year. With years of experience as immigration experts in Mauritius, we can guide you through the best option of moving to Mauritius.

The Immigration Act Mauritius

The Immigration Act Mauritius contains most of the relevant law for those considering moving to Mauritius. To gain a residence permit through purchasing property in Mauritius, the minimum investment is USD 375,000. The Immigration Act also states that the Investor Permit and the Self-Employed Permit is valid for 10 years while a Permanent Residence Permit, for 20 years. The Immigration Act Mauritius gives the legal framework for the various Occupation Permits and Residence Permits.

Why move to Mauritius?

More and more foreigners are considering moving to Mauritius for the following reasons:

Dynamic economic growth: Projections indicate a robust 4.2% economic expansion in 2024, drawing entrepreneurs and investors.
Favourable business environment: With a stable legal framework and a competitive 15% corporate tax rate, Mauritius consistently ranks among the top African nations globally for business facilitation and governance.
Diverse cultural experience: Immerse yourself in Mauritius’s rich culture, affordable living, quality healthcare, safety, and access to international education.
Business opportunities: From establishing businesses to investing in real estate and FinTech innovations, Mauritius offers a spectrum of avenues for growth and prosperity.
Happiness destination: Renowned as Africa’s top happiness destination, Mauritius blends lucrative business potential with personal fulfillment.

Types of Permits in Mauritius

Residency options when moving to Mauritius include the Residence Permit, Occupation Permit and the Permanent Residence Permit.

The Occupation Permit is a combined work and residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Mauritius for a maximum period of ten years, renewable under specific conditions. Working professionals, foreign investors and self-employed individuals can apply for the Occupation Permit.
The Residence Permit is for foreign retirees and dependents of Occupation Permit or Residence Permit holders. Foreign retirees over 50 can apply for the Retired Permit in Mauritius
The Permanent Residence Permit allows non-citizens to live and work in Mauritius for 20 years. One way of getting permanent residence is by investing $375,000 in a business activity in Mauritius. Other ways of getting permanent residence are through an occupation permit and a retirement permit. This would mean being a holder of the permit for at least 3 years and meeting other conditions. Read more on the conditions here.

Moving to Mauritius As A Family

Moving to Mauritius as a family has many advantages for a good family life. The country has a range of international schools that provide a high-quality education with a global perspective. Mauritius also has a low crime rate, ensuring the safety of your family. With a focus on family-friendly activities and a strong sense of community, Mauritius is a great place to raise a family. Mauritius also has several family-friendly hotels for those who are looking for a family trip to Mauritius. As relocation advisors in Mauritius, we can help you decide if choosing Mauritius as your new family’s home is the right decision.

Cost of living

The cost of living is known to be generally more affordable than Western Europe or North America. Accommodation costs can range from USD 500 to USD 5000 per month, depending on location and amenities, while education costs can vary. Government-run schools are free, but international private schools may be costly. Other essentials like food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare are relatively affordable. For a family of four, a monthly budget of approximately MUR 100,000 to 200,000 provides a comfortable, non-extravagant life in Mauritius.

Setting up a business in Mauritius

Moving to Mauritius is attractive to investors and entrepreneurs due to its stable economy, business-friendly legal framework, and favourable tax policies. The country offers a variety of licenses, including the Global Business License (GBL), making it easy to establish different types of businesses. Additionally, Mauritius has a thriving fintech sector. To set up a business, you will need to register your company, select the right license, and understand the tax implications. You may also consider property investment and the advantages of operating in Mauritius. Here, at TBI Mauritius, we can help you choose the right business structure, register your company, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits.

Property Investment in Mauritius

Moving to Mauritius can be lucrative for investors looking to invest in real estate, whether they hold a residence permit or not. Property investment can take various forms, including through companies, trusts, foundations, or sociétés, with the Property Development Scheme (PDS) being a popular choice. To qualify for a residence permit, a minimum investment of USD 375,000 in residential property is necessary. Smart Cities, known for their eco-friendly living spaces, also attract foreign investors. Mauritius’s stable environment, tax benefits, and legal protections make real estate investment a reason to relocate to Mauritius. We can connect you with trusted real estate agents and relevant authorities to help you explore property investment options based on your budget, preferences and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a good idea to move to Mauritius?

Moving to Mauritius may be a good idea due to its:

Strong economy: Mauritius has a stable economy with low unemployment and inflation rates.
Low crime rate: Mauritius has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.
Beautiful climate: Mauritius has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round.
Friendly people: Mauritians are known for being friendly and welcoming to people from all over the world.
Multi-lingual country: Mauritius is both an English-speaking and French-speaking country, making it easy for foreigners to settle in.

Can I live permanently in Mauritius?

Foreigners can choose any one of the options to live permanently in Mauritius:

Buy a property worth at least USD 375,000 which will allow you and your family to live in Mauritius as long as you own the property.
Retire in Mauritius on the 10-year Retirement Permit and apply for a permanent residence permit after 3 years.
Invest at least USD 375,000 in a business activity to qualify for a permanent residence permit.
Work in Mauritius on an occupation permit and apply for a permanent residence permit after 3 years.

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in 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 to earn 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.

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.