Your Trusted Guide to Relocating in Mauritius
Frequently Asked Questions
Relocating to Mauritius is an exciting journey—and we know you’ll have questions along the way. Our Frequently Asked Questions page is designed to provide clear, practical answers to help you move forward with confidence.
Residency & Immigration
Apply for a residency permit—options include Property Investment, Retirement, Occupation, Self-Employment, or the Premium Visa. Each has defined requirements.
Purchase property under approved schemes (PDS, Smart City, or Ground +2) for a minimum USD 375,000. Residency valid as long as the property is held.
Applicants aged 50+ transfer USD 2,000/month (USD 24,000/year) into a Mauritian bank. Permits last for 10 years and can be renewed.
For professional, investor, or self-employed categories. Salary thresholds: MUR 50,000 (Pro-Pass) or MUR 250,000 (Expert-Pass).
Initial investment of USD 50,000 and revenue thresholds (e.g. MUR 6M over five years). Renewals possible after meeting conditions.
A renewable 12-month visa for remote workers with foreign income. Local employment is not permitted.
You may include a spouse, children (up to 24), and dependent parents.
After 5 consecutive years on qualifying permits, and meeting financial thresholds.
Yes, it permits dual citizenship for naturalised foreigners.
Yes, registration duty (approx. 5%) and from July 2026 it will be 10%.
Immigration & Bureaucracy
A few weeks to several months depending on permit type and completeness.
Yes—used for mail forwarding and verification purposes.
No—only remote work for overseas clients is allowed.
Yes—for retirees and Premium Visa applicants, private insurance is mandatory.
Valid for 4 weeks; after that, you must apply for Mauritian licence.
Property & Real Estate
Yes, under PDS, Smart City, Ground +2, IRS, or RES schemes.
Registration duty (~5%), notary fees (~1.15%), and agency fees.
Yes—banks offer up to 70% loans (in MUR) to eligible foreign buyers.
No—Mauritius has no capital gains or inheritance tax.
Grand Baie properties may yield 4–6% annually, depending on season and demand.
Banking & Finance
Present passport, proof of residence, visa permit, and source-of-funds documentation.
MCB, SBM, Absa, MauBank, ABC, AfrAsia.
Yes—for currencies including USD, EUR, GBP.
Yes—modern digital platforms are offered by most banks.
Standard rate is 15%, with exemptions on qualifying income.
Education & Family Life
Northfields, IPS, Le Bocage, Lycée des Mascareignes, and others.
Private consultations cost MUR 1,200–3,000; hospitals meet international standards.
Most expat families choose private schools for bilingual curricula.
Yes—both are widely used. Creole is commonly heard in daily life.
Ensure standard vaccinations are updated and carry documentation.
Cost of Living & Lifestyle
Approximately MUR 100,000–200,000 depending on lifestyle.
MUR 35,000–60,000 in popular areas like Grand Baie.
MUR 15,000–30,000 per month for a mid-range lifestyle.
Yes—live-in staff costs range from MUR 8,000–12,000/month.
Yes—low violent crime rates make it a secure destination.
Transportation & Practical Logistics
Grand Baie, Pereybere, Moka, Tamarin, Black River, Cap Malheureux.
Buses and the Metro Express provide service but many expats prefer cars.
My.T, Emtel, and Chili offer mobile and fibre internet options.
Yes—for ease of communication and integration.
Yes—but you must follow strict import permit, vaccination, and quarantine rules.
Business & Employment
Local LTD, GBC (Global Business Company), and Authorized Companies.
Yes—over 40 treaties with various countries.
Yes—for businesses with turnover above MUR 3 million.
Yes—the Premium Visa allows remote work from outside clients.
Mauritius offers streamlined compliance, investor-friendly laws, and a one-stop shop through the EDB.
Healthcare, Insurance & Wellness
Yes—for expiration or premium visa applicants.
Swan, MUA, Cigna, Bupa, AXA, April International.
Yes—pharmacies are common, but prescription brands may vary from abroad.
Advanced insurance plans often cover evacuation to Reunion or South Africa.
Public hospitals meet basic needs, but expats prefer private facilities for quality and speed.
Moving & Customs
Typically waived for used household items imported within six months of arrival under resident permit.
Follow import permit rules, rabies titration, microchipping, and quarantine protocols.
Mauritius voltage is 230V/50Hz. Bring adapters if migrating from regions using 110V.
Occasional, especially during storms—many expats install backup generators or UPS solutions.
Recommended—some areas experience temporary shortages.
Culture & Integration
Generally warm and multilingual, but social integration may require cultural awareness.
English is official; French and Creole are widely used.
Limited compared to big cities—beach trips, sports clubs, and community events are popular.
Yes—multicultural religious festivals occur throughout the year.
Not required, but it improves local interaction and integration.
Digital Nomads & Remote Work
Yes—The Hive, Workshop17, Turbine, and The Ground serve different regions and budgets.
Hot desk memberships range MUR 5,000–10,000/month.
Recommended—combining My.T with Emtel or Wi-Fi router provides consistent connectivity.
GMT+4 aligns well with Europe and Asia; may require adjustment for US clients.
No tax is applied if income is earned and remitted from abroad.
Lifestyle & Practical Tips
Mixed opinions—most locals drink it; expats often boil or use filtration systems.
Yes—electronics and speciality food carry heavy import duties, raising costs.
Most expats drive; buses and Metro Express available but less convenient in rural areas.
Smoking regulated—prices high due to government restrictions.
Yes—often cheaper abroad than buying locally. Consider bringing dual-voltage appliances.
Business & Taxation
Not under investor or occupation permits—though tourism-related businesses may require local partnership.
A levy of 10–25% applies on incomes over MUR 3M annually.
Yes—business associations and clubs welcome expats.
Strong legal infrastructure and investor protection exist through judicial and administrative recourse.
ICT, fintech, tourism, real estate, and logistics via Free Port operations.
Expat Advice from the Community
Yes—but requires patience with bureaucracy and adaptation to local pace.
Imported items can be costly; shopping local is more budget-friendly.
Common issues: power outages, occasional water cuts, and limited availability of some imported products.
Yes—many find appliances and tech cheaper abroad; ensure voltage compatibility.
Limited—most activities are daytime, outdoor, or beach-based.
General Expat Guidance
Avoid politics, religion, and contentious topics in conversation.
Not required; while helpful, many expats complete registration themselves.
Focus on Grand Baie, Cap Malheureux, Moka, and Smart City developments for strong yields.
Generally strong—MCB and other banks offer modern services and stability.
Yes—expats often pay premiums on housing in high-demand neighbourhoods.
Daily Living & Helpfulness
Yes—international work experience is often valued in job applications.
Yes—most leases are formal, with standard clauses. Reviewed by relocation advisors.
Not very—but help from service partners can speed processes.
Generally yes, though occasional minor disruptions may occur. Having backup power/water helps.
Yes—especially if you plan to buy property or start a business.
Lifestyle & Well-Being
Yes—private vets servicing pets include Rabies titration support and health certification.
Yes—but high import duties, licensing, and insurance costs apply.
Yes—professional firms manage tenants, maintenance, and legal compliance.
No—many clubs welcome non-resident expats for a fee.
Limited bike lanes; walking is good locally, but public infrastructure isn’t designed for cyclists.
Final Tips
Yes—strategic location, favorable taxes, and Free Port logistics support cross-border activity.
Not—Mauritius hosts festivals, arts events, and multicultural celebrations year-round.
Yes—in professional and official contexts, English is the default language.
Yes—but integration is enhanced by respect for local norms, effort to learn Creole, and friendly interaction.
Agencies like Prime Living Limited offer end-to-end support—from immigration to property and lifestyle—tailored to your goals.