Expatriating to Mauritius: everything you need to know for a successful move

Exceptional quality of life, attractive taxation, political stability: the expatriation to Mauritius is appealing to more and more French nationals every year.

Administrative formalities, budget, housing, integration: how do you turn this plan into reality? This guide brings together all the steps you need to confidently prepare your new life in the tropics. An overview with MJ Développement Maurice.

Key takeaways

• The Mauritius attracts expats thanks to its quality of life, political and economic stability, and attractive taxation (a maximum rate of 15%, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax). 
• Several residence permits are available depending on your profile: investor, employee, remote worker (Premium Visa), retiree, or property buyer. 
• Real-estate investment in an approved scheme (PDS, Smart City) from 375,000 USD makes it possible to obtain a long-term residence permit. 
• The cost of living is lower than in France, with moderate monthly expenses for housing, food, transport, and healthcare. 
• MJ Développement supports expats with property selection, administrative procedures, and settling on the island. 

Why move to Mauritius rather than elsewhere?

Mauritius combines rare advantages for an expatriation project. Are you considering an expatriation for retirement in Mauritius? A career change? The country makes integration easier thanks to a welcoming French-speaking population and a legal system inspired by French law.

In addition, the economic and political stability of Mauritius-ranked as Africa’s leading economy by the World Bank in terms of ease of doing business-provides a reassuring environment. Add one of the most favorable tax systems in the world (15% maximum tax rate, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax), and it becomes clear why residence applications on the island are surging.

Michaël Ruel, President of the MJ Développement Group, is convinced: “Mauritius offers a way of life many expats describe as ideal: a calmer daily routine, a well-preserved natural environment, and purchasing power that lets you make the most of every day!” 

What are the steps to move to Mauritius?

The requirements for expatriating to Mauritius depend on your profile and your plans. Here are the main pathways to residency, managed by the Economic Development Board (EDB). 

Residence permits by profile

• Occupation Permit Investor: to set up or take over a business in Mauritius (minimum investment of 50,000 USD; annual turnover requirements apply). 
• Occupation Permit Professional: for employees with a contract with a Mauritian company (minimum salary requirement applies). 
• Premium Visa: for remote workers wishing to live in Mauritius while working for a foreign employer (valid for one year, renewable). 
• Retired Permit: for those over 50 with a minimum monthly income of 1,500 USD. 
• Residence permit through real-estate investment: available from 375,000 USD in an eligible property (PDS, Smart City, R+2). 

Permanent residence through real-estate investment

Buying a property under the PDS (Property Development Scheme) or Smart City regime is the most direct route to obtaining a permanent residence permit in Mauritius.

From 375,000 USD, you and your family benefit from the right to reside in Mauritius for as long as you remain the owner. The formalities are handled through the EDB; allow two to three weeks for processing.

MJ Développement tip: choosing the right real-estate scheme determines your resident status in Mauritius. Support from the research phase helps you target properties eligible for a residence permit and secure all administrative steps in parallel with your purchase. 

What budget should you plan for an expatriation to Mauritius?

The cost of living in Mauritius remains significantly lower than in France. Here is an estimated monthly budget for a couple:

How does MJ Développement support you in your move to Mauritius?

Expatriating to Mauritius is a life project that requires preparation. That’s why MJ Développement, a real-estate developer in Mauritius, supports you at every step: selecting properties eligible for residence permits, assisting with expatriation procedures in Mauritius, connecting you with tax and legal experts, and providing practical advice for settling on the island.

Our team has known the Mauritian market inside out for over 10 years and helps you turn your project into a concrete reality, with no unpleasant surprises.

Thinking about moving to Mauritius? Contact MJ Développement to discuss your plans and discover real-estate opportunities that will make your move easier.

Sources :

• Economic Development Board of Mauritius, portail officiel des permis de résidence — https://www.edbmauritius.org
• Sotheby’s International Realty Mauritius, « Nationalités des expats à l’île Maurice », 2025 — https://sothebysrealty.mu/fr/reside-magazine/nationalites-expats-ile-maurice/
• Banque mondiale, classement Doing Business — https://www.worldbank.org