Relocate to Mauritius
How to Relocate to Mauritius
A practical, up to date guide to moving to Mauritius. Residence permits, finding a home, schools, healthcare, taxes and the logistics of arriving with a family.
Last updated May 2026
Why people move to Mauritius
Mauritius attracts people for a mix of reasons: stable political environment, year-round warm climate, English and French as working languages, a strong financial sector, and one of the friendlier residency regimes in the region for property buyers and investors.
The country is small, well connected by air, and offers a real day-to-day quality of life with international schools, decent healthcare, and a property market that is open to non-residents under specific schemes.
Residence permits, the short version
There are several routes to residency. The right one depends on your situation: investor, professional, retired, student, or family of a permit holder.
- Property route: buying under PDS, IRS or Smart City for at least USD 375,000 grants a permanent residence permit for the buyer and their family.
- Investor permit: a substantial investment in a Mauritian company.
- Professional permit: a contract with a Mauritian employer above a salary threshold.
- Retired permit: applicable from age 50 with a monthly transfer commitment to a local bank account.
- Self-employed permit: for freelancers and consultants under specific conditions.
Finding a home before you arrive
Most people start with a short-term rental for the first three to six months while they look for the right neighborhood. This is sensible. Mauritius has very different micro-markets within a small island, and what looks good online can feel quite different in person.
Common starting points for expat families: Tamarin and Black River on the West Coast for beach and lagoon, Grand Baie on the North Coast for restaurants and active social life, Moka and Ebène on the Plateau for international schools and tech jobs, Curepipe and Floréal for cooler climate and lower price points.
Schools
There are several international schools serving the expat community. The most well-known are Le Bocage International School near Moka, IPSS in Pierrefonds, Northfields International in the North, Westcoast International in the West, and the French Lycée network.
Plan school applications early. The popular schools have waiting lists for some year groups, and your school choice often dictates which area of the island you should rent or buy in.
Healthcare
Mauritius has free public healthcare and a growing private sector. For expats, private hospitals such as Wellkin (Moka), Apollo Bramwell (Moka) and Fortis Darné (Floréal) are typically used. Local health insurance is available and reasonably priced compared to European or US standards.
For chronic conditions or specialised care, evacuation insurance to Reunion or South Africa is sometimes added. Most general medicine, surgery and pediatrics is well covered locally.
Taxes
Mauritius has a flat 15 percent income tax for individuals, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and a 15 percent corporate tax for most companies. For tax residents, foreign income is taxable only when remitted in some cases. Specific rules apply, so this is an area where professional local advice is well worth its cost.
Property purchases by non-citizens carry a registration duty and land transfer tax. From 1 July 2026 these doubled from 5 percent to 10 percent each. Plan your landed cost accordingly.
Shipping and logistics
Sea freight from Europe takes around six weeks. Air freight is much faster and much more expensive, suitable for essentials only. Most local removal companies coordinate with international shippers.
Customs duties apply to imported vehicles and electronics depending on age and category. New residents under certain permits may benefit from exemptions on a first vehicle and household goods. Confirm your situation in writing before shipping.
A realistic timeline
A typical relocation timeline from decision to settled in:
- Months 1 to 3: research, scouting trip, initial school enquiries, decide on residency route.
- Months 3 to 6: apply for residency, choose first rental, arrange shipping.
- Months 6 to 12: arrive, settle, start school, observe the market before buying.
- Year 2: typically when buyers commit to a long-term home.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to Mauritius without buying property?+
Yes. The professional, investor, retired and self-employed permits do not require a property purchase. Each has its own conditions on income, employment or investment.
What is the cost of living compared to Europe?+
Daily life is generally less expensive than Western Europe, with some exceptions: imported cars, alcohol and electronics are taxed heavily, and quality international schools are comparable to European private school fees.
Do I pay tax on my foreign income?+
Mauritius taxes foreign income on a remittance basis in many cases, but the rules depend on your residency status and source. Get specific advice from a Mauritian tax advisor before transferring assets.
How long does the residence permit take?+
For property buyers under PDS, IRS or Smart City, the residence permit is usually issued within 4 to 8 weeks of completing the purchase. Other permits vary depending on the route.
Where should I start my property search?+
Start with a 3 to 6 month rental in the area you think you want to live, then refine. We can help with both the rental and the eventual purchase. Talk to us about your priorities (climate, schools, beach, work) and we will narrow the shortlist.
Talk to a real estate agent in Mauritius
If this guide raised questions about your specific situation, we can help. Our office is in Curepipe, on Sir Celicourt Antelme Street. We answer in French or English by phone, WhatsApp or email.