Moving to Mauritius

Why Mauritius?

Mauritius attracts more relocating families, retirees, and remote workers every year — and the reasons go beyond the obvious tropical backdrop. The island has built a genuinely compelling package for those seeking an alternative to high-tax, high-crime, or high-cost environments in Europe, South Africa, or Australia.

• Tax: A flat 15% income tax rate on remitted income, zero capital gains tax, and zero inheritance tax. For high earners and investors, the savings are material.
• Safety: Consistently ranked as Africa's most peaceful country. Violent crime affecting expats is rare.
• Language: English is the official language of government and business; French is the dominant social and media language. Both are widely understood.
• Climate: Tropical maritime — warm year-round, no harsh winters, and a well-developed cyclone warning system during the November–April season.
• Location: Strategic Indian Ocean hub — 4 hours from Johannesburg, 5 hours from Delhi, 11 hours from London. Air Mauritius and international carriers connect well.
• Infrastructure: Reliable fibre internet (up to 500Mbps), private hospitals of international standard, and multiple international schools.

Who moves to Mauritius?

The expat community is diverse, though broadly falls into four profiles. Understanding which one you are helps you choose the right permit and set realistic expectations.

Retirees

Often from South Africa, the UK, or France. Drawn by the combination of low tax, affordable private healthcare, year-round warmth, and safety. The Retired Non-Citizen Permit suits this group, requiring a monthly transfer of at least USD 1,500 and available from age 50.

Remote workers and digital nomads

The fastest-growing group post-2020. The Premium Visa was designed for them — a clean 1-year renewable status that lets you live in Mauritius and continue working for foreign employers. Tech professionals, consultants, and location-independent business owners dominate this category.

Business owners and investors

Setting up a Mauritius company (managed and controlled from the island) and obtaining an Investor Occupation Permit. Mauritius is also a major holding jurisdiction for African investments, given its network of 46 double tax treaties.

Employed professionals

Joining a Mauritius-registered company on a Professional Occupation Permit. Financial services, hospitality management, and technology sectors recruit internationally.

Permit routes at a glance

All permits are processed by the Economic Development Board (EDB). There is no general "residency by bank balance" route — every permit ties to an activity or investment.

For the full breakdown of each route, eligibility, and the EDB application steps, see our Mauritius residency permits guide.

The relocation process — step by step

Most successful moves follow a similar sequence. Skipping steps (particularly getting a physical address before the permit application) is the most common cause of delays.

Step 1: Decide on your permit route (weeks 1–2)

Match your situation to the table above. If you're unsure, the EDB's pre-screening service and independent immigration advisers can help. This decision also shapes your tax position, so get advice early.

Step 2: Arrange accommodation (weeks 2–4)

The EDB requires a Mauritius address in your permit application. Find a furnished rental before you arrive — or make your first trip to Mauritius specifically to sign a lease. Popular expat areas: Grand Baie (north, social), Flic en Flac (west, family), Tamarin (west, lifestyle), Moka (central, Smart City). Expect to pay MUR 35,000–110,000/month for expat-grade rental properties.

Step 3: Apply for your permit via EDB (weeks 3–8)

Submit online at the EDB e-Services portal. Key documents: passport, Mauritius address proof, proof of income or investment, police clearance certificate (allow 4–6 weeks to obtain from your home country — this is the most common delay), and health insurance covering Mauritius.

Step 4: Ship possessions (weeks 4–10)

New residents are entitled to import household goods and personal effects duty-free within the first 12 months of obtaining their permit. Use an international removals company with Mauritius experience. Sea freight takes 4–6 weeks from Europe/South Africa.

Step 5: Collect residence card and set up banking (weeks 8–12)

Once EDB approval arrives (typically 10–21 working days after complete submission), collect your residence card from the Passport and Immigration Office in Port Louis. Then open a bank account — MCB and SBM are the main expat-friendly banks. Allow 2–4 weeks for full KYC approval.

Step 6: Register car and exchange driving licence

You can drive on your foreign licence for the first 12 months. After that, exchange it at the National Transport Authority (NTA) — no driving test required for most nationalities. To register a locally purchased vehicle you need your residence card and proof of address.

What it costs to live in Mauritius

Mauritius is often described as "affordable" — which is only half true. Local food, services, and accommodation can be excellent value. Imported products, alcohol, new cars, and school fees are significantly more expensive than in Europe.

Finding a home

For most new arrivals the first 3–6 months in a furnished rental makes sense — it lets you explore areas before committing to a long lease or purchase.

Renting

Search on lexpressproperty.com and atoze.mu, or use Facebook groups ("Mauritius Expat Property Rentals"). Estate agents Knight Frank, Pam Golding, and Finest Residences all have English-speaking staff. Standard lease: 12 months, 2–3 months' deposit, utility bills separate.

Buying

Foreign nationals can only purchase property within government-approved schemes (PDS, Smart City, or G+2 apartments). The main benefit: buying at USD 375,000+ triggers a Residence Permit. For a full buying guide, including costs and the PDS/Smart City breakdown, see our property buying guide or browse listings on PropertyFinder Mauritius.

Healthcare and schools

Healthcare

Private health insurance is required for all permit applications and practically essential for quality care. The main private hospitals — Wellkin (Moka), Apollo Bramwell (Moka/Black River area), and Clinique Darné (Floréal) — offer good general, specialist, and surgical services. Serious cases are often evacuated to South Africa or Réunion. Budget USD 150–350/month for comprehensive family cover.

Schools

International schools cover both the British (Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level) and French (Baccalauréat/IB) curricula. Key schools: IPS (Floréal, Cambridge), Northfields (Pamplemousses, Cambridge), École du Centre (Quatre Bornes, French/IB), Lycée Labourdonnais (Mapou, French). Apply 6–12 months ahead — the better schools have waiting lists. Annual fees: MUR 180,000–380,000 per child.

What no one tells you

Experienced expats consistently mention a few things that catch newcomers off guard:

• Island fever is real. Mauritius is 65km × 45km. After 6–12 months, some people find the limited options (restaurants, venues, activities) repetitive. Plan trips off-island.
• The bureaucracy can be frustrating. Permit renewals, bank account setup, and vehicle registration all involve queues and paperwork. Budget time, not just money.
• Red tape compounds if you arrive without a permit. You cannot start most official processes without your residence card. Get your permit before you arrive.
• Imported goods are expensive. Good local produce is cheap. Anything imported — wine, cheese, electronics, branded clothing — is typically 40–80% more expensive than in Europe.
• But: the community is warm. The expat community in Mauritius is genuinely welcoming. Facebook groups, local clubs, and events mean most people have a social life within weeks of arriving.