Mauritius residence permit: PDS property conditions

Securing a residence permit in Mauritius most often runs through the purchase of an eligible property, from USD 375,000 under the PDS scheme.

MJ Développement Maurice, a property developer based in Mauritius, supports future residents at every stage of the process, from choosing the property to filing the application with the Economic Development Board.

Other statuses also exist, for investors, salaried professionals, self-employed workers and retirees looking to settle on the island for the long term, each with its own income or investment conditions.

Here is everything you need to know about the PDS in Mauritius.

Key facts about the PDS in Mauritius

Item	Detail
Minimum investment	USD 375,000 for a residential property under PDS
Duration of the permit	For as long as the property is held, up to 20 years as permanent residence
Family covered	Spouse and dependent children under 24
Processing time	Around 2 to 6 months after filing
Competent authority	Economic Development Board (EDB)
Right to work	No separate Occupation or Work Permit required

The residence permit through property investment

The route most sought after by foreign buyers runs through the Property Development Scheme, or PDS.

The scheme allows the purchase of a new residential property from USD 375,000, within a development approved by the Economic Development Board.

The permit obtained remains valid for as long as the home is held, and also covers the spouse and dependent children under 24, as set out by the Economic Development Board.

Residence permit and passport for settling in Mauritius

This mechanism shows how choosing to invest in Mauritius also opens the door to lasting legal residence, with no separate application for a work permit.

Once settled, residents benefit from Mauritian taxation, with income and rental income taxed at a flat 15%, no wealth tax and no inheritance duties.

“Many of our clients discover that a single property purchase is enough to obtain the residence permit, with no separate file or procedure, which simplifies their whole relocation project,” says Jean Etchepareborde, Managing Director of MJ Développement.

The other routes to a residence permit

Beyond a property purchase under the Property Development Scheme, several statuses also allow you to reside legally in Mauritius:

The investor Occupation Permit combines work and residence rights, for an investment of at least USD 50,000 in a qualifying activity.
Salaried professional status is granted with an employment contract and a basic salary set by the EDB.
Self-employed workers qualify for this permit with a minimum investment of USD 35,000 in their activity.
The retired resident permit is open from the age of 50, with a regular monthly transfer to a Mauritian bank account.
Permanent residence, valid for 20 years, rewards investors, self-employed workers and retirees who meet income criteria over three years.

Steps to settle legally in Mauritius

An application for a residence permit in Mauritius is filed online, on the Economic Development Board platform.

The file brings together a valid passport, a birth certificate, a recent medical certificate and proof of the bank transfer matching the chosen investment.

This step is part of a wider process to settle in Mauritius, alongside choosing a home and opening a local bank account.

Processing a PDS application in Mauritius follows a clearly marked path:

An approval in principle is issued within around 90 days for a first application.
Payment of the fees and completion of the file take place before that approval expires.
A biometric identification appointment validates the application with the EDB.
The permit is registered and then handed to the applicant, along with their dependants.

This administrative path is an integral part of the steps involved in moving to Mauritius, in the same way as the removal itself or enrolling children in school.

From our experience on the ground: clients who arrange the bank transfer before even filing the application often gain several weeks. The approval in principle is valid for 90 days, a window quickly used up once the property is reserved and funds have to be sent from abroad.

Preparing your move to Mauritius? Get in touch with MJ Développement to identify the PDS development best suited to your residence plans.

FAQ – Residence permit in Mauritius

How long does it take to obtain a residence permit in Mauritius?

Obtaining a residence permit under PDS in Mauritius usually takes between 2 and 6 months after the complete file is submitted to the Economic Development Board. The timeline depends above all on how quickly the bank transfer evidencing the investment is made, and on the availability of the biometric identification appointment.

Does the residence permit allow you to work in Mauritius?

Yes. A residence permit obtained through property investment under PDS removes the need for a separate Occupation or Work Permit. The holder can live, run their affairs and carry out professional activity in Mauritius with no further formalities.

What happens to the residence permit if the property is sold?

A permit tied to the PDS in Mauritius remains valid for as long as the property is held. On resale, the holder loses that right of residence, unless they obtain another status, such as the 20-year permanent residence or an Occupation Permit.

Which family members are covered by the residence permit?

The spouse and dependent children under 24 automatically receive a residence permit linked to that of the main holder. This family cover applies to the Property Development Scheme as well as to the other permit categories issued by the Economic Development Board.

Do you have to live in Mauritius permanently to keep the permit?

No. There is no minimum period of presence required to keep a residence permit tied to a property investment. The holder retains the status for as long as they own the eligible property, even when splitting their time between several countries.