Moving Abroad to Mauritius: A Starter Guide

Is Mauritius a good place to move abroad to?

For many people, yes. Mauritius pairs a stable, English and French speaking society with a warm climate, a growing services economy and a tax system that is genuinely attractive: there is no capital gains tax and no inheritance or estate tax, and personal income tax is progressive rather than punishing. If you are weighing a move abroad and want somewhere safe, well connected and open to newcomers, the island belongs on your shortlist. This guide is a starting point. It orients you before you commit, and it points to our deeper guides for each decision.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Why do people choose Mauritius?

Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, roughly 2,000 kilometres off the south east coast of Africa. It is politically stable, has a functioning legal system rooted in both French and English traditions, and English is the language of government, business and schooling. That combination makes settling in far less daunting than many first movers expect.

The practical draws tend to be:

• A mild, sunny climate and a genuine outdoor lifestyle.
• A relatively low cost of living compared with Western Europe, North America and the Gulf, though imported goods and coastal property can be pricey.
• A benign tax environment: no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and a progressive personal income tax rather than a heavy flat charge.
• Good connectivity, with direct flights to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
• An established expatriate community and a government that actively courts investors, professionals, retirees and remote workers.

None of that makes Mauritius right for everyone. It is remote, the pace is slower than a big city, and salaries for locally employed staff are modest. Being honest with yourself about what you want from a move matters more than any single tax number.

Who does Mauritius suit?

Mauritius tends to work well for four broad groups. Entrepreneurs and investors who can put capital into a Mauritian business. Skilled professionals with an offer from a local employer. Remote workers and digital nomads who earn from abroad and want a base in a friendly time zone. And retirees aged 50 and over who can transfer a regular income to the island. If you fall into one of these groups, there is usually a residence route designed for you.

What are the main residence routes at a glance?

Mauritius channels newcomers through a handful of well defined permits. You do not need to master the detail yet, only recognise which one is likely yours.

Occupation Permit (Investor)

A combined work and residence permit for people investing in a Mauritian company. The minimum initial investment is USD 100,000. The permit is valid for up to 10 years and is renewable.

Occupation Permit (Professional)

For people employed by a Mauritian company. The qualifying threshold is a minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 50,000, now harmonised across all sectors. It is valid for up to 10 years and renewable.

Premium Visa

A one year, renewable visa aimed at remote workers and long stay visitors who earn their income from outside Mauritius. It suits people who want to live on the island without taking a local job.

Retired residence permit

For applicants aged 50 and over who transfer a qualifying monthly sum into Mauritius. Confirm the current amount directly with the Economic Development Board before you plan around it.

Residence through property

Buying an eligible home under an approved scheme, such as the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or a Smart City project, can confer residence for you and your dependants where the purchase price is at least USD 375,000.

For the full mechanics of choosing and applying, see our dedicated guide to emigrating to Mauritius. Because permit figures and conditions change, always confirm the current position with the Economic Development Board (edbmauritius.org) and, on tax, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (mra.mu).

Last reviewed: September 2026.

How is income taxed once I live there?

This is where outdated advice does real harm, so be careful what you read. Mauritius does not levy a flat personal income tax. It is progressive. For the income year from 1 July 2026 the bands are: nothing on the first MUR 500,000; 10% on income from MUR 500,001 to MUR 1,000,000; 20% on income from MUR 1,000,001 to MUR 12,000,000; and 35% above MUR 12,000,000. (Separately, VAT and corporate tax are levied at 15%, but that is not your personal income tax rate.)

Alongside that sit two features people value highly: no capital gains tax, and no inheritance or estate tax. Whether you become tax resident, and how your home country treats your departure, is a bigger question covered in our emigration guide. Always verify the current rates with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (mra.mu).

Last reviewed: September 2026.

What are the first three steps?

You do not need to solve everything at once. Start here.

1. Match yourself to a route. Read the permit summaries above and decide whether you are most likely an investor, a professional, a remote worker, a retiree or a property buyer. This single decision shapes everything that follows.

2. Do a reality check on cost and place. Look honestly at what your target lifestyle costs on the island, and where you would want to live. Our relocation guide covers cost of living and how the north, west and central plateau differ, and our cost calculator helps you sketch a monthly budget.

3. Confirm the current rules and gather documents. Before you spend money, verify permit thresholds with the Economic Development Board and tax treatment with the Mauritius Revenue Authority, then start assembling the standard paperwork (passport, proof of funds or income, background checks). Our step by step emigration guide sets out the sequence and lead times.

A grounded next move

Moving abroad is a sequence of small, checkable decisions, not one leap. Use this guide to place yourself, then go deeper where it counts. Explore our emigration walkthrough for the process, our relocation guide for cost and lifestyle, and our tools to pressure test your budget before you book a flight. Mauritius Relo exists to keep that homework honest.