Retiring in Mauritius: the complete guide to settling in with confidence

Year-round sunshine, gentle taxation, a peaceful lifestyle: the retirement in Mauritius is attracting more and more French-speaking seniors.

Residence permits, budget, taxes, healthcare: how can you prepare your move to Mauritius in practical terms? In this guide, MJ Développement Maurice brings together all the essential information you need to approach this new stage of life with complete peace of mind.

Key takeaways

• Mauritius attracts retirees thanks to its tropical climate, safety, widespread use of French, and high quality of life.
• The cost of living remains moderate: around 900 to 1,200 € per month for a single person (excluding real estate purchases).
• The retiree permit is available from age 50 with 2000$ in monthly income transferred, health insurance, and a minimum presence on the island.
• Taxation is attractive: a flat 15% rate and no wealth tax or inheritance tax, but French pensions remain taxable in France.
• MJ Développement, a real estate developer, supports your relocation through property solutions that help you obtain a residence permit and secure your expatriation plan.

Why choose Mauritius for your retirement?

Mauritius ticks all the boxes for living your retirement in Mauritius under the best possible conditions!

To start with, the subtropical climate guarantees pleasant temperatures all year round, between 20 and 30°C. In addition, French is spoken everywhere, which removes the language barrier-one of the biggest obstacles for many retired expats.

Then, the country’s safety, cultural richness, and proximity to the ocean create an environment that supports daily well-being. What’s more, according to the World Happiness Report 2025, Mauritius is the happiest country in Africa!

Add to that a well-established French-speaking expat community, and you get a reassuring setting for starting this new chapter.

What monthly budget should a retiree plan for in Mauritius?

The cost of living for a retiree in Mauritius remains very attractive compared with Europe. A retiree living alone can expect a monthly budget of around €900 to €1,200, including everyday expenses.

Here is a detailed estimate:

For retirees who have invested in property, housing costs are naturally reduced, which further improves financial comfort. This is one of the key advantages of retirement in Mauritius for those with European pensions!

What are the steps to obtain the retiree permit?

The conditions for retirees to settle in Mauritius are clearly defined by Mauritian law. There are two main routes available to secure your residency.

The retiree residence permit

This permit, intended for non-citizens aged 50 and over, is issued for a renewable period of 5 years. The conditions are as follows:

• Minimum income: transfer of USD 2,000 per month (USD 24,000 per year) into a Mauritian bank account.
• Physical presence in the country: at least 180 days per year.
• Criminal record check: a clean record extract is required.
• Health insurance: valid medical cover is mandatory.

Taxation of retirement pensions

Mauritius applies a flat tax rate of 15%, but retirement pensions received by foreign residents are not subject to this tax. There is no wealth tax, no inheritance tax, and no CSG.

However, please note: under the France–Mauritius tax treaty, French-source pensions remain taxable in France. Personalised tax advice is recommended before making any decision.

MJ Développement advice: tax matters deserve special attention. Every situation is unique and depends on the nature of your income, your assets, and your status. MJ Développement can refer you to tax experts specialised in expatriation so that your retirement project in Mauritius is fully secure.

Why invest in real estate to prepare for retirement in Mauritius?

Buying a property in Mauritius is much more than a simple wealth investment for a retiree. By purchasing a property in an approved PDS or Smart City development (from USD 375,000), you automatically obtain a permanent residence permit, with no monthly income requirement and no minimum length-of-stay condition.

It is a long-term solution that frees you from the constraints of the standard retiree permit. You become a full owner within a secure legal framework, with the possibility of passing your property to your heirs without inheritance tax.

As Jean Etchepareborde, CEO of the MJ Développement Group, points out: “For a retiree, investing in real estate in Mauritius is often the best way in. It combines the security of a residence permit, capital growth, and the freedom to live without annual administrative constraints.”

How does MJ Développement support your retirement in Mauritius?

Preparing to expatriate for retirement in Mauritius raises many questions. At MJ Développement, a real estate developer based on the island, we offer a dedicated support service for retirees at every stage of the project.

From selecting the right property for your profile (apartment, villa, serviced residence) to advice on taxation and residence permit procedures, our team guides you with in-depth knowledge of the Mauritian market. Our goal: to provide you with a smooth relocation and a daily life that meets your expectations.

Are you considering living your retirement under the Mauritian sun? Contact MJ Développement to discuss your plans and discover the real estate opportunities that match your needs!

Sources :

• L’express.mu, qui relaie une étude du World Happiness Report 2025 : https://lexpress.mu/s/maurice-le-pays-le-plus-heureux-dafrique-543902
• Economic Development Board of Mauritius : https://www.edbmauritius.org/
• Retraite Sans Frontières : https://www.retraitesansfrontieres.fr/destinations/ile-maurice/demarches/
• Expatriation Ile Maurice : https://expatriation-maurice.com/retraite-a-lile-maurice-en-2025-nouvelles-regles-et-opportunites/