Can any foreigner buy property in Mauritius, regardless of nationality?

Yes. Mauritius imposes no nationality restrictions. Citizens of any country may purchase property through the approved schemes, subject to EDB authorisation and the relevant minimum price thresholds.

Is there a minimum price to buy property in Mauritius as a foreigner?

For PDS and Smart City schemes the minimum is USD 375,000. For G+2 ground-floor apartments there is no fixed scheme minimum, but a purchase of MUR 6 million or above qualifies for a residence permit.

Can a foreigner buy land in Mauritius?

Foreigners cannot purchase bare land independently. Land ownership is only permitted as part of an approved scheme development where the land forms part of the overall property unit being purchased.

How long does the buying process take in Mauritius?

From signing the Promise of Sale to completing the Deed of Sale typically takes two to four months, with EDB approval accounting for most of that time. Well-prepared applications with complete documentation move faster.

Are there ongoing costs after buying property in Mauritius as a foreigner?

Yes. Non-citizens pay an annual land tax surcharge of MUR 10,000. PDS and Smart City developments also charge annual maintenance or homeowners association fees, which vary by development.

Can I rent out my property in Mauritius if I am not living there full time?

Yes. Foreign owners may rent their property on short-term or long-term bases. Rental income earned in Mauritius is subject to local income tax, and owners should register with the Mauritius Revenue Authority.

Where can I search for approved scheme properties available to foreign buyers?

PropertyFinder.mu lists PDS, Smart City, and G+2 properties across the island with filters for scheme type, location, and price range.

Buy Property in Mauritius as a Foreigner:

Can a Foreigner Buy Property in Mauritius?

Yes, foreigners can legally buy property in Mauritius, but only through specific government-approved schemes or designated property types. The rules are clear, the process is transparent, and in many cases a qualifying purchase automatically unlocks the right to live on the island. This guide covers every route available, the costs involved, and the practical steps to get from interest to title deed.

What Are the Legal Routes for Foreign Property Ownership?

Mauritius does not operate a fully open market for non-citizens. Instead, the government channels foreign buyers into regulated frameworks that protect local land ownership while attracting international investment. There are four main pathways.

1. The Property Development Scheme (PDS)

The PDS replaced the older IRS and RES schemes in 2015 and remains the most popular route. Developments approved under the PDS are purpose-built residential communities that foreigners can buy into freely, with no minimum acreage restriction on the development itself.

Minimum purchase price: USD 375,000 (or equivalent in another currency)
Residency benefit: A purchase at or above this threshold grants the buyer, their spouse, and dependants a residence permit valid for the duration of ownership
Property types: Villas, apartments, penthouses, and townhouses within gated estate communities

2. The Smart City Scheme (SCS)

Smart Cities are large mixed-use urban developments combining residential, commercial, and leisure zones. Foreigners may purchase residential units within approved Smart City projects.

Minimum purchase price: USD 375,000 triggers the automatic residence permit
Appeal: Live-work-play environments with modern infrastructure, often near business hubs

3. Integrated Resort and Hotel Residences (IRS Legacy Stock)

Some older IRS-era properties still trade on the secondary market. These carry the same USD 375,000 threshold for residency eligibility and are treated similarly to PDS stock for legal purposes.

4. Ground Floor Apartment Scheme (G+2 Buildings)

Foreigners may purchase ground-floor apartments in buildings of at least two upper floors (G+2 construction) located outside the approved scheme framework. This is the most accessible route by price.

Minimum purchase price: No fixed minimum set by the scheme itself, though the EDB recommends confirming eligibility on a case-by-case basis
Residency benefit: Purchases of MUR 6 million (approximately USD 135,000) or more qualify for a residence permit
Restriction: Only ground-floor units in qualifying buildings are eligible

What Taxes and Costs Should Foreigners Budget For?

Understanding the total cost of acquisition prevents surprises at the notary's office.

Cost Item	Rate or Amount
Registration duty	5% of purchase price
Notary fees	Approximately 1-2%
Title deed transcription	0.5%
EDB authorisation fee	USD 1,000 (non-refundable application)
Agent commission	Typically 2-3%, paid by seller
Annual land tax (non-citizen surcharge)	MUR 10,000 per year for non-citizens

Mauritius has no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax, which makes long-term property holding financially attractive compared with many European or Asian jurisdictions.

Do I Need Government Approval to Buy?

Yes. All foreign purchases must be authorised by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius. In practice, for PDS and Smart City purchases the developer handles the EDB application on the buyer's behalf. For G+2 apartments the buyer typically engages a local notary to manage the process.

Approval timelines average four to eight weeks once the full documentation pack is submitted. Required documents generally include:

Certified passport copies
Proof of source of funds
Bank reference letter
Sale agreement (Acte de Vente or Promise of Sale)
EDB application form

Which Areas Are Most Popular With Foreign Buyers?

Location choice in Mauritius often comes down to lifestyle preference. The island is small enough that no area is truly remote, but each coast has a distinct character.

Grand Baie and the North

The north is the social heartbeat of the island. Grand Baie offers restaurants, marinas, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. PDS developments here tend to command premium prices but hold value well.

Tamarin and the West

The west coast attracts surfers, families, and buyers seeking a more relaxed pace. Tamarin and Black River have seen significant Smart City investment in recent years. Sunsets over the lagoon are a genuine selling point.

Belle Mare and the East

The east coast is quieter, greener, and home to some of the island's finest beaches. Luxury villa estates here are popular with buyers from France and South Africa.

Beau Champ and the South-East

Home to one of Mauritius's most celebrated Smart City projects, the south-east appeals to buyers who want space, nature, and world-class golf within the same development.

For a full searchable inventory of approved scheme properties across all regions, visit PropertyFinder.mu.

Does Buying Property Give Me the Right to Live in Mauritius?

Yes, under the conditions described above. A qualifying purchase at USD 375,000 or above (PDS, SCS) grants a residence permit automatically. The permit covers the primary buyer, spouse, and financially dependent children. It remains valid as long as the property is owned and does not require renewal unless ownership changes.

For G+2 purchases above MUR 6 million, a separate residence permit application is made to the Passport and Immigration Office, but approval is considered routine for eligible purchases.

Residence permit holders may also apply for an Occupation Permit (work permit) separately if they intend to operate a business or take employment in Mauritius.

What Is the Step-by-Step Buying Process?

Define your budget and scheme type. Decide whether a PDS villa, Smart City apartment, or G+2 unit best suits your goals.
Engage a local notary and, if needed, a buyer's agent. The notary is a legal requirement in Mauritius for property transfers.
Sign a Promise of Sale (Promesse de Vente). This is a binding preliminary contract. A deposit of 10% is standard.
Submit the EDB application. Your notary or the developer's legal team coordinates this.
Receive EDB approval. Typically four to eight weeks.
Sign the Deed of Sale (Acte de Vente) before a notary. Funds transfer and title registration complete on the same day.
Apply for your residence permit (if applicable and not automatically issued through the developer).