Moving to Mauritius from the UK: A Complete Expat Guide

Why Brits Choose Mauritius

Mauritius consistently ranks among the top relocation destinations for UK nationals. The combination of English as an official language, a common-law legal system inherited from British rule, a reliable banking sector, and a warm climate makes the transition less jarring than moving elsewhere in the Indian Ocean region. Around 7,000 British nationals are currently registered as residents on the island.

Visa and Residency Routes

UK passport holders can enter Mauritius visa-free for up to 180 days per year as a tourist. For longer stays or the right to work, you need a formal permit. The main routes are:

• Occupation Permit (OP): Combines a work permit and residence permit in one document. Available for investors (minimum USD 50,000 investment), professionals (employed by a Mauritius-registered company on a salary of at least MUR 60,000/month), and self-employed individuals (annual turnover of MUR 600,000+).
• Retired Non-Citizen Permit: For those aged 50+ who transfer a minimum of USD 1,500 per month into a Mauritius bank account. Renewable every 10 years.
• Premium Visa: A long-stay option introduced for remote workers and retirees allowing a one-year renewable stay without the income threshold requirements of the Occupation Permit.
• Permanent Residence Permit (PRP): Available after three consecutive years on an OP, granting 20-year residency.

Cost of Living

Mauritius is cheaper than the UK for domestic goods, eating out, and household help, but imported goods — including many UK brands — carry significant import duties. A comfortable couple can live well on GBP 2,500–3,500 per month including rent. Private school fees for children are an additional GBP 5,000–12,000 per year depending on the school.

Healthcare

The public healthcare system is free to residents but can be stretched. Most expats take out private health insurance and use private clinics such as Apollo Bramwell Hospital in Moka or Wellkin Hospital in Moka for routine care. Costs are substantially lower than UK private healthcare. Many UK nationals keep their GP registration at home for specialist visits back in Britain.

Banking and Finance

Opening a bank account requires proof of address (a lease agreement works), a valid passport, and your residence permit or premium visa. HSBC, Barclays (rebranded as Absa), MCB, and SBM all serve expats well. Transferring money from the UK is straightforward via Wise or direct SWIFT transfer; most banks accept international transfers with minimal friction.

Where to Live

The north (Grand Baie, Pereybere, Trou aux Biches) suits sociable expats who want to be near restaurants and nightlife. The west coast (Tamarin, Black River) attracts surfers, young families, and those who want a quieter village feel with easy beach access. The central plateau towns of Moka and Curepipe offer cooler temperatures, proximity to the best private schools, and a more Mauritian day-to-day experience.

Practical Steps

• Register with the UK High Commission in Port Louis after arrival.
• Apply for your residence permit through the Economic Development Board (EDB) — the online portal has improved significantly and most applications complete within 5–7 working days.
• Get a local SIM card from Emtel or My.t on arrival; broadband is widely available and speeds have improved dramatically since the arrival of fibre in most residential areas.
• Driving is on the left, as in the UK — your UK licence is valid for one year, after which you must convert it to a Mauritius licence.