Moving to Mauritius from Germany — German Expat Guide 2026

Why Germany nationals choose Mauritius

Germany and Mauritius have a functional double tax agreement, and German nationals represent a growing group among Mauritius's European expat community. The primary attractions for Germans are the combination of a flat 15% income tax (vs Germany's progressive rate up to 45%), zero capital gains tax (vs 26.375% Abgeltungssteuer in Germany), and the warm climate. The German-speaking expat community is smaller than British, French, or South African communities, but growing — particularly in the premium property and remote work segments.

Which permit to use

Recommended route: Premium Visa (remote workers, freelancers), Retired Non-Citizen (age 50+), or Investor Occupation Permit. German professionals offered local roles need the Professional Occupation Permit.

Self-employed German nationals and remote workers use the Premium Visa. German retirees and those with pension income use the Retired Non-Citizen Permit. Those setting up a Mauritius-based business use the Investor OP.

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Start your permit application before leaving Germany — the EDB processes most applications in 5–10 working days for a complete file. See the full Mauritius Residency Permits guide for eligibility details and required documents.

Tax residency and your home country obligations

Germany taxes residents on worldwide income. To break German tax residency: cancel your German residence registration (Abmeldung) and have your primary residence, habitual abode, and centre of economic interests move to Mauritius. The German tax authority (Finanzamt) is strict — particularly about the concept of "extended limited tax liability" (erweiterte beschränkte Steuerpflicht), which can apply to former high-earning German residents for 10 years after departure in certain circumstances. Get specialist advice from a German tax adviser with international experience.

Banking and currency

EUR to MUR: approximately 1 EUR = 47 MUR (mid-2026). German bank accounts can remain open for non-residents. Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and ING all support non-resident status. SEPA transfers to Mauritius accounts are cost-effective.

MCB or SBM for the primary Mauritius account. German accounts can be maintained as non-resident for German-source income. N26 and Revolut work well for German expats needing seamless EUR/MUR switching.

Flights and logistics

No direct Lufthansa Germany-Mauritius route. Common connections: Frankfurt/Munich via Dubai (Emirates, 13–14 hours total), Frankfurt via Doha (Qatar Airways), or Paris CDG direct (Air Mauritius, 11 hours) and then connect. Connections via Réunion and Johannesburg also available from Frankfurt.

Driving and transport

German driving licences are valid in Mauritius for 12 months. Exchange at NTA — no test required. Mauritius drives on the left — the opposite of Germany. Some adjustment period required. Roads are generally good but be alert to potholes on minor roads.

Schools for children

No dedicated German school in Mauritius. Most German expat families choose British curriculum schools (IPS, Northfields) where English and French instruction is available. Children with strong French will do well at École du Centre.

See the full Schools in Mauritius guide for fee tables, enrolment processes, and a complete school directory.

Germany expat community in Mauritius

German-speaking expat community is smaller but growing. DACH (German/Austrian/Swiss) WhatsApp and Facebook groups exist in Mauritius. Regular meetups organised through expat networks. Good integration into the broader European expat community.

Capital gains — the key advantage

Germany charges Abgeltungssteuer at 26.375% (including solidarity surcharge) on all capital gains from shares, funds, bonds, and other capital investments. Mauritius has zero capital gains tax.

For German investors with significant share or investment portfolios, becoming a Mauritius tax resident and no longer subject to German Abgeltungssteuer is one of the most financially significant changes of relocating. However:

If you sell assets within the first year of becoming non-resident while you remain in a German "exit tax" position, German tax may still apply
The Mauritius-Germany DTA provisions on dividends and interest need careful review
German real estate gains remain taxable in Germany regardless of your residence

Get specific advice from a German international tax specialist before liquidating investment portfolios after moving.

German pension (Deutsche Rente) in Mauritius

Your Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) pension continues to be paid after moving to Mauritius. Notify the DRV of your Mauritius address using the Zahlungsnachweise process.

Under the Mauritius-Germany DTA, Article 18 (pensions): German state pension income is typically taxable in Germany (country of source). Private occupational pensions (betriebliche Altersvorsorge, Riester, Rürup) have more complex treatment — some may be taxable in Mauritius as the country of residence, at 15% flat rate.

Germany also applies the "Progressionsvorbehalt" concept, where even if income is exempt from German tax under a DTA, it may affect the progressive rate applied to remaining German-taxable income. This adds complexity to the year-of-departure tax calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to deregister in Germany before moving to Mauritius?

Yes — complete your Abmeldung (deregistration) at your local Einwohnermeldeamt when you leave. This formally records your departure and is the first step in breaking German tax residency. Keep the Abmeldebestätigung document — you may need it for FINANZAMT submissions and to demonstrate non-residency.

Is there a Mauritius-Germany double tax treaty?

Yes — the Mauritius-Germany DTA was signed in 1978 and remains in force. It covers income from employment, business profits, dividends, interest, royalties, pensions, and capital gains (where applicable). The treaty prevents double taxation but both countries retain taxing rights over certain income types (particularly pensions and real estate). The Mauritius MRA and German Finanzamt both have resources explaining the DTA provisions.

Can I still vote in German elections from Mauritius?

Yes — Germans abroad can register to vote in German federal elections (Bundestagswahl). Register with your last German municipality of residence up to 21 days before polling day. You can vote by postal ballot (Briefwahl) from Mauritius. The German Embassy or Consulate in Mauritius can assist with registration queries.

Ready to make the move from Germany?

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