Moving to Mauritius: The Complete 12-Month Checklist

Moving to Mauritius is one of the most life-changing decisions many expats make — and also, with the right preparation, one of the most straightforward. The island has a well-developed expat infrastructure, English and French are universally spoken, and the government has actively streamlined the immigration process over the past decade.

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12 Months Before — The Decision and Research Phase

Decide which visa route is right for you

The most common routes for expats:

• Premium Visa — remote workers, digital nomads, retirees. 1 year, renewable. Apply online.
• Occupation Permit — working for a Mauritius employer or running a Mauritius business. 3 years.
• Retirement Permit — age 50+, USD 1,500/month transferred to Mauritius bank. 3 years.
• PDS Residency — purchase an approved property for USD 375,000+. Permanent residency.

Your visa route affects which bank accounts you can open, whether you can buy freehold property, and how your income is treated for tax purposes.

Research areas and accommodation costs

Area	Character	Monthly rent (2-bed)
Grand Baie / Péreybère	North coast, social, lots of amenities	MUR 30,000–60,000
Flic en Flac / Tamarin	West coast, sunsets, quieter	MUR 25,000–50,000
Moka / Quatre Bornes	Central, cooler, near Wellkin Hospital	MUR 28,000–55,000
Belle Mare / Trou d'Eau Douce	East coast, quietest, best beaches	MUR 35,000–70,000

Research schools if you have children

Most private schools are oversubscribed — start the application process well before your intended arrival date.

• Northfields International School (Tamarin) — English, IB curriculum
• International Lycée Polytechnic — French Baccalaureate
• COAF International School — French/English dual

Start assessing what to ship

International shipping to Mauritius takes 4–8 weeks depending on origin. It's generally worth shipping personal effects if you're relocating long-term — furniture, electronics, and imported goods are expensive on the island.

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6 Months Before

Apply for your criminal record certificate

Required for all visa applications. Processing times vary by country — start early.

Gather financial documentation

Most visas require:

• Bank statements (last 3 months minimum)
• Proof of income (pay slips, pension statements, tax returns)
• Employment contract or business registration documents

Research health insurance options

You must have health insurance to qualify for most visas. Options:

• MEDICOVER Mauritius — best option for long-term residents; widest local network
• Cigna Global / Allianz Care / Bupa International — international policies accepted at all private hospitals

Start the pet export/import process if applicable

Mauritius has strict bio-security requirements:

1. Pets must be microchipped
2. Rabies vaccination (current at time of travel)
3. Rabies titre test — done at an approved laboratory, minimum 30 days before travel
4. Official veterinary health certificate from a government vet
5. Import permit from the Mauritius Veterinary Services
6. 5-day quarantine on arrival in Mauritius

Start this process at least 6 months before your move.

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3 Months Before

Apply for your visa

• Premium Visa: apply at eservices.gov.mu (5–10 business days)
• Occupation Permit: apply through EDB One-Stop Shop (4–6 weeks)
• Retirement Permit: EDB (3–4 weeks)

Book temporary accommodation

Don't sign a long-term lease until you've spent time on the island. Book a furnished apartment or Airbnb for the first 1–3 months. Most expats spend 2–3 months in temporary accommodation before committing to an area.

Research doctors and healthcare facilities

• Wellkin Hospital (Moka) — best overall private hospital
• Fortis Clinique Darné (Floréal) — strong cardiology and surgery
• Clinique du Nord (Grand Baie) — best for north coast residents

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1 Month Before

Notify your home country authorities

• Register your intention to leave as a tax resident (UK HMRC, SARS, French impôts, etc.)
• Notify your pension provider of your new address
• Cancel or transfer UK/EU/SA standing orders and subscriptions

Sort your finances

• Keep a home country bank account operational during transition
• Set up Wise or similar for international transfers during the setup period

Prepare your documentation folder

Keep originals and certified copies of: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate, degree certificates, medical records, pet documentation.

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First Week in Mauritius

Get a local SIM card

Available at the airport (Emtel, Orange, MTML). A local number is needed immediately for landlords, banks, and services. Monthly plans from MUR 300–600.

Open a bank account

Go in person to MCB or SBM with your passport, visa/permit, and proof of accommodation. Allow 1–2 hours for the visit. Full activation typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Register with a GP

Sign up with a private GP clinic before you need one. Most expats register with a GP at Wellkin, Fortis, or a private medical centre near their home.

Drive the island

Spend the first week exploring by car. Understanding the geography — which areas feel like home, travel times to Port Louis — is essential before committing to a long-term rental.

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First Month in Mauritius

Sign a long-term lease

Once you've decided on your area, negotiate a lease (typically 12 months minimum, renewable). Leases are usually in MUR. Get an inventory signed at the start. Typical deposits: 2–3 months rent.

Get your driving licence

UK, EU, South African, Australian licence holders can drive in Mauritius for up to 1 year. To convert to a Mauritius licence, visit the NTA (National Transport Authority) office in Port Louis.

Connect utilities

Electricity (CEB), water (CWA), and internet (Emtel Fibre, My.t, Chili Fibre) are set up through the respective providers.

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First Year — Settling In

Build community

The expat community in Mauritius is welcoming. Facebook groups (Expats in Mauritius, Grand Baie Expats) are genuinely useful for practical questions. Sports clubs (rugby, golf, sailing, kitesurfing) are the most natural entry points for meeting people.

Sort your tax position

Mauritius has a 15% flat income tax rate and double tax treaties with most countries expats arrive from. Use a Mauritius-based accountant for your first year's returns.

Explore beyond the tourist strip

Most expats who leave Mauritius prematurely stayed in the tourist bubble. Push beyond Grand Baie beach bars and resort pools: drive the interior, visit Rodrigues, eat at local restaurants, learn a few words of Kreol.