Moving to Mauritius

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, from visa and immigration to real estate, setting up a business, and finding a school for your children. We also help foreigners connect with other expats in Mauritius to get to know Mauritius better.

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 a place to live, and guiding you on schooling options. 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 in Mauritius and how to live comfortably here.

Immigration to Mauritius

Immigration to Mauritius can be attained in several ways and the Mauritian authorities have created easy migration policies that greatly appeal to expats. Foreign citizens can gain residence in Mauritius through an Occupation Permit, by retiring in Mauritius or by buying property in Mauritius. If you are looking to move to Mauritius you can choose between a Residence Permit, enabling you to live in Mauritius or an Occupation Permit allowing you to live and work in Mauritius. The Premium visa is a longer term visa that allows foreigners to explore and live in Mauritius before committing to a permanent move. 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?

There are many reasons why people choose to move to Mauritius. Here are just a few:

  • Beautiful beaches: Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear waters.

  • Friendly people: Mauritius is a multicultural country with a warm and welcoming people.

  • Low cost of living: Mauritius has a relatively low cost of living, making it a great place to live and raise a family.

  • Stable political and economic environment: Mauritius is a stable and democratic country with a strong economy.

  • Excellent quality of life: Mauritius offers a high quality of life, with good healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

  • Favourable tax environment: Mauritius has a favourable tax environment for businesses and individuals.

  • Ease of doing business: Mauritius is ranked as one of the easiest countries in the world to do business in.

Types of Permits in Mauritius

If you are planning to move to Mauritius, there are three different types of permits that you may be eligible for: the Occupation Permit, the Residence Permit, and the Permanent Residence Permit.

Occupation 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. The categories under the Occupation Permit are: professional permit, investor permit and self-employed permit.

Residence Permit: The Residence Permit is a permit for retired foreign nationals and dependents of Occupation Permit or Residence Permit holders.

Permanent Residence Permit: The Permanent Residence Permit allows non-citizens to live and work in Mauritius for a period of 20 years. The quick way of getting a PRP is by investing $375,000 in a qualifying business activity in Mauritius. Other ways of getting a PRP are through an occupation permit and a residence permit as a retired non-citizen. 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 with your family

Moving to Mauritius with your family has many advantages for a great 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 provides an enriching environment for your children to grow and thrive, both academically and socially. 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 moving to Mauritius is right for you and your family.

Cost of living in Mauritius

The cost of living in Mauritius 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

Setting up a business in Mauritius is an attractive option due to its stable economy, business-friendly legal framework, and favourable tax environment. 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 want to 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

For those considering moving to Mauritius, investing in real estate is a viable option for non-citizens, whether they hold a residence permit or not. Property acquisition 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 an appealing choice for long-term growth. 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?

Whether or not it is a good idea to move to Mauritius depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. However, there are many reasons why people choose to move to Mauritius, including:

  • 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.
How much money do I need to move to Mauritius?

The cost of moving to Mauritius will vary depending on your lifestyle and budget. However, you can expect to spend around USD 100,000 to 200,000 per year to live comfortably in Mauritius as a family of four. This includes the cost of housing, food, transportation, education, and healthcare.

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. However, you can expect to need to earn around USD 50,000 to 70,000 per year to live comfortably in Mauritius as a family of four. This will allow you to afford a good quality of life, including a nice home, healthy food, and access to good education and healthcare.

Can I live permanently in Mauritius?

Yes, you can live permanently in Mauritius. There are a number of different ways to obtain permanent residency in Mauritius, including:

  • Investing in property: If you purchase a property in Mauritius worth at least USD 375,000, you will be allowed to live in Mauritius as long as you own the property.
  • Investing in business activities: If you invest $375,000 in qualifying business activities, you will be eligible for a 20-year residence permit.
  • Working in Mauritius: If you work in Mauritius on an occupation permit, you may be eligible for a permanent residence permit after three years.
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 or via email to info@tbimauritius.com.

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.