Your Complete Guide to Moving to Mauritius
Everything you need to know for a seamless relocation to paradise
By Prime Living Limited
Welcome to Mauritius — Your Island Home
Mauritius is more than just a tropical paradise — it’s a stable, welcoming, and rapidly growing destination for people looking to live, work, retire, or invest abroad.
Situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a vibrant multicultural society. The island combines modern infrastructure with a relaxed island pace, making it ideal for families, entrepreneurs, retirees, and remote workers.
English is widely spoken alongside French and Creole, making communication easy. Mauritius has no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and a competitive personal and corporate tax system.
Residency Options & Visa Requirements
Residency by Investment (Property Purchase)
- Investment threshold remains at USD 375,000 ✔
- Applies to approved schemes: Property Development Scheme (PDS), Smart City Scheme, Ground +2 apartments
- Residency permit valid as long as property is held and maintained
- Eligible for dependent inclusion (spouse, children up to 24, dependent parents)
Residency by Retirement
- Individuals aged 50+
- Must transfer USD 2,000 within 60 days of application, and maintain a minimum transfer of USD 2,000/month (USD 24,000/year) into a local Mauritian bank
- Valid for 10 years, renewable
- Option to apply for Permanent Residency after 5 years, subject to cumulative transfer of USD 200,000+ and 180-day annual stay requirement
Residency by Occupation (Professional Permit)
Now split into two tiers:
- Pro-Pass: minimum salary of MUR 50,000/month (~USD 1,100)
- Expert-Pass: elite professionals earning MUR 250,000/month (~USD 5,500)
- Permit duration: up to 10 years, depending on contract
- Eligibility for Permanent Residency after 5 consecutive years if threshold maintained
Self-Employed / Entrepreneur Occupation Permit
- Initial investment: USD 50,000 (up from USD 35,000)
- First-year revenue threshold: at least MUR 750,000 (~USD 16,500), rising to MUR 6 million (~USD 132,000) cumulative over 5 years
- Renewal criteria: at least MUR 1.5 million (~USD 33,000) per year after the fifth year
- Permits valid for up to 10 years; eligible for Permanent Residency after 5 years if criteria met
Permanent Residency (20-Year Permit)
Eligible after 5+ consecutive years under qualifying permit categories
Performance criteria:
- Professionals: MUR 400,000/month (~USD 8,800) maintained over 5 years
- Self-employed: MUR 3 million/year, or MUR 15 million cumulative (~USD 66,000–330,000)
- Retirees: USD 200,000 in cumulative transfers
- Investors: sustained property holding under qualifying scheme
Additional Notes
- Dependent age limit extended to 24 years (instead of 18) for children
- Introduction of 10% Land Transfer Tax and 10% Registration Duty on residential properties acquired by non-citizens under approved schemes, to apply from 1 July 2026 (properties purchased before that date are exempt)
Settling In — Where to Live and How to Get Started
Popular Residential Areas
- Grand Baie & Pereybere: Vibrant expat hubs with beaches, restaurants, and shopping.
- Moka & Curepipe: Cooler central locations close to schools and hospitals.
- Tamarin & Black River: Surf-friendly west coast with laid-back lifestyle.
- Cap Malheureux & Pointe aux Cannoniers: Quiet luxury seaside villages.
Accommodation Options
- Rentals (short and long-term)
- Buying under government-approved schemes
- Villas, apartments, gated communities
Essentials to Set Up
- Opening a local bank account (required for residency permits)
- Getting a Mauritian SIM card and internet service
- Transport: Car rental, taxis, or buying a vehicle
- Registering with local authorities for residency documentation
Education
International schools offer British, French, and IB curricula.
Popular choices include Northfields, International Preparatory School, and Le Bocage.
Schools typically have good reputations and bilingual teaching.
Healthcare
Mauritius has quality public hospitals and well-equipped private clinics.
Expats often opt for private healthcare insurance.
Leading private hospitals: Fortis Clinique Darné, Wellkin Hospital, C-Care Grand Baie.
Working and Doing Business in Mauritius
Mauritius is a fast-growing financial and tech hub in the Indian Ocean region.
- Company structures: Local companies, Global Business Companies (GBC), and Authorized Companies.
- Tax advantages: Flat corporate tax of 15%, no capital gains or inheritance tax.
- Banking: Modern banking with strong international connections.
- Premium Visa supports remote work and digital nomads.
Everyday Life & Culture
- Multicultural society with a rich blend of Indian, African, European, and Chinese influences.
- Festivals, food, and cultural events celebrated year-round.
- Outdoor lifestyle: beaches, hiking, golf, water sports.
- Strong expat community and active social clubs.
- Cost of living is affordable compared to Europe or the Middle East.
Checklist Before You Move
- Passport & visa documents
- Proof of income or investment funds
- Health insurance
- Accommodation arrangements
- School enrollment (if applicable)
- Bank account setup
Why Choose Prime Living Limited?
- Personalised support from arrival to settling in
- Expertise in residency, property, corporate, and customs clearance
- Multilingual, responsive, and discreet service