Do you dream of year-round sunshine and a soft tax environment? Moving to Mauritius attracts many expats every year, drawn by the quality of life and the stability of this Indian Ocean country. The process is accessible to foreigners through several residence permits tailored to each profile.
MJ Développement Mauritius presents the conditions, procedures, budget, and best practices for a successful relocation, whether you are a professional, investor, or retiree.
Key takeaways
| Key Info | In Brief |
| Main Permits | Occupation Permit, Retired Permit, Premium Visa |
| Retired Permit | From age 50, with a minimum monthly income of USD 2,000 |
| Taxation | Flat rate of 15%, double taxation avoidance agreements |
| Procedures | Official NELS platform, online application folder |
| Processing Time | Approximately 2 months after submitting a complete file |
Why move
to Mauritius?
Moving to Mauritius combines an exceptional lifestyle with concrete advantages. Having become a premier expatriation destination for Europeans and professionals worldwide, the island brings together several key assets that influence the decision:
- An exceptional living environment: tropical climate all year round, pristine beaches, and daily safety.
- An attractive tax framework: a flat 15% tax rate and double taxation avoidance treaties with numerous countries (including France).
- Seamless integration: French and English are widely spoken, embedded within a welcoming Mauritian culture.
- A stable environment: ideal for starting a business, investing, or enjoying a peaceful retirement, regardless of your project’s duration.
Good to know: Expatriating to Mauritius also means joining a vibrant, well-established international community. Making friends is easy, thanks to warm Mauritian neighbors and expats from all over the world. The joy of outdoor living all year round, widespread use of French and English, and cultural proximity make this destination a choice of both heart and reason.
Residence permits
for relocation
To settle in Mauritius long-term, several types of residence permits are available depending on your situation. The right choice depends on your age, professional activity, and life goals. After several consecutive years of legal residency, a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit even becomes accessible to foreign nationals.
The Occupation Permit for Professionals and Investors
The Occupation Permit combines a work and residence permit for active professionals. Investors can obtain it with a minimum investment of USD 50,000 in a Mauritian company; professionals need a local employment contract meeting specific minimum salary requirements; and entrepreneurs qualify through their own registered activity. Valid for up to 10 years, it also grants residency rights to immediate family members.
The retired Permit from age 50
The Retired Permit is designed for foreign nationals aged 50 and over. Applicants must justify a monthly income of at least USD 2,000, equivalent to USD 24,000 transferred annually into a Mauritian bank account. Issued for 10 years, it allows you to live on the island year-round, though it does not authorize local salaried employment.
The premium visa for extended stays
The Premium Visa authorizes a stay ranging from 6 months to 1 year, and is renewable. It is tailored for long-term tourists, remote workers, and digital nomads. It offers an excellent opportunity to test island life with your family before committing to a long-term project. The visa holder must be supported by foreign-sourced income and cannot enter the local labor market.
Procedures and
budget estimates
Applications for moving to Mauritius are handled online via the official NELS platform, which centralizes all requests. Expect approximately 2 months of processing time once a complete file is submitted, and it is highly recommended to start your preparations at least 3 months prior to arrival. Here are the main steps:
- Gather your documents: passport, proof of income and accommodation, and a medical certificate.
- Submit your application online on the NELS platform and pay the official processing fees.
- Open a Mauritian bank account to transfer the funds required by your specific permit.
- Prepare your relocation: secure housing, arrange private health insurance, and enroll children in school if applicable.
Our advice: Plan an installation budget that goes beyond just the permit fees. Factoring in accommodation, a vehicle, private health insurance, and the first few months of living expenses, it is best to have a comfortable financial cushion. A couple can live very comfortably starting from €2,500 per month, though costs vary depending on the region and chosen lifestyle. Getting professional guidance can secure every step of your journey!
Housing and Daily
Life in Mauritius
Once your permit is on track, finding the right property becomes the top priority for a successful relocation to Mauritius. Notably, purchasing real estate within officially approved property schemes for foreigners can automatically grant residency rights.
Expatriates generally cluster in the North, around Grand-Baie, and in the West, spanning from Tamarin to Flic-en-Flac and Rivière Noire, all highly prized for their beaches. The center of the island, around Curepipe, appeals to families looking for a cooler climate due to its higher altitude.
This is precisely where MJ Développement designs its signature residences, such as Eko Savannah in Tamarin on the west coast, or Mythic Suites & Villas in Grand Gaube in the north. These projects are engineered to blend a tropical art of living with premium on-site services and strong rental potential.
Regarding daily life, the island features an excellent private healthcare system, tailored insurance options, top-tier international schools for children, and a wide array of local services managed by notoriously welcoming Mauritians.
Our field experience: At MJ Développement, we support families from Europe and across the globe at every stage of their relocation. Before departure, we help them assess and validate their project with clear insights so they can move serenely. On-site, the blend of Mauritian culture, English and French spoken daily, and accessible premium services facilitate smooth integration, whatever the project’s timeframe. Many clients tell us they have found a genuine quality of life here, far removed from the stress of the rest of the world!
Thinking about settling in Mauritius but not sure where to start? From choosing the right permit to finding your future home, the MJ Développement team accompanies you every step of the way. Let’s discuss your expatriation project today!
FAQ – Moving to Mauritius
To move to Mauritius, you must obtain a suitable residence permit: an Occupation Permit for professionals and investors, a Retired Permit from age 50, or a Premium Visa for extended stays. Each permit sets its own specific criteria regarding income or investment thresholds.
To live comfortably in Mauritius, a couple should plan a budget of around €2,500 per month. The Retired Permit specifically requires a minimum monthly income transfer of USD 2,000. Your overall cost of living will ultimately depend on your housing choice, geographical region, and lifestyle.
Yes, foreign nationals can work in Mauritius by obtaining an Occupation Permit or a work permit tied to a specific employment contract. Conversely, the Retired Permit and the Premium Visa do not allow local salaried employment, requiring holders to live exclusively on foreign-sourced income.
Yes, purchasing real estate within a government-approved program designated for foreigners, above a certain financial threshold, can grant permanent residency rights. This is a very popular pathway for expats wishing to combine a solid investment with long-term settlement on the island.
An expat who qualifies as a tax resident in Mauritius is subject to a flat income tax rate of 15%. Double taxation avoidance agreements (such as the Franco-Mauritian treaty) prevent double taxation, and foreign-sourced income not repatriated can benefit from favorable tax regimes. Tailored tax advice is always recommended based on your personal situation.
Yes, Mauritius is an ideal destination for families. High-quality international schools welcome children in both French and English, the Mauritian culture is incredibly family-friendly, and the country remains very safe. Many expatriates move here with their families specifically to enjoy this high quality of life.
The official visa or permit application takes about 2 months to process, meaning you should start planning your relocation at least 3 months before your target departure date. Permit validity ranges from 1 year for a Premium Visa up to 10 years, with permanent residency options accessible after several years of continuous legal stay.