Guides
Relocation guides
Deep, up-to-date guides on every part of the move.
Relocating to Mauritius touches every part of your life — the permit that lets you stay, the tax you'll pay, the bank that holds your money, the clinic you'll register with, the school your children attend and the home you'll rent or buy. Each of the guides below covers one of those pillars in depth, with the current thresholds, processes and practical tips that expats actually need.
Three of them — visas, tax and banking — work differently depending on your passport, so each also has nationality-specific versions. Start anywhere; every guide links through to the others and to the tools that help you plan.
Visas & Residence Permits
Premium visa, Occupation & Retirement permits, residency by investment — which route fits your passport.
Tax & Residency
The 15% flat rate, tax-residency rules, double-taxation treaties and how they apply to your home country.
Banking & Money
Opening an account, transferring funds, currency and what non-residents need before they arrive.
Housing & Where to Live
Renting vs buying, foreign-ownership schemes (PDS, IRS, Smart City) and the best regions for movers.
Cost of Living
Real monthly budgets — rent, groceries, schooling, healthcare and utilities — with a live calculator.
Healthcare
Public vs private care, the clinics expats trust and health-insurance options for residents.
Schools & Education
British, French and IB international schools, fees, admissions and the university landscape.
Shipping & Pets
Container shipping, customs and duty, and the step-by-step process for bringing cats and dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to move to Mauritius?
Relocating to Mauritius is straightforward compared with many destinations. English is an official language, the EDB runs a fast Occupation Permit scheme, and residents pay a flat 15% income tax. The main effort is gathering documents, choosing the right permit, and arranging housing. Most well-prepared applicants complete the move within three to six months.
Do I need to speak French to live in Mauritius?
No. English is an official language used in government, courts and business, so you can handle permits, banking and contracts in English. That said, most Mauritians speak French and Creole daily, so a little French makes everyday life, shopping and friendships much easier. Many expats arrive with no French and pick it up gradually over their first year.
How long does relocating to Mauritius take?
Plan for three to six months from decision to arrival. Gathering documents and choosing a permit takes a few weeks, and the EDB typically processes an Occupation Permit application within about four to eight weeks once files are complete. Shipping belongings and importing pets add time. Many people first visit visa-free for up to 90 days to scout before committing.
Can foreigners buy property in Mauritius?
Yes, but purchases are channelled through approved schemes such as PDS developments and Smart City projects, rather than open land. Buying a qualifying property worth at least USD 375,000 can also grant Residence Permit eligibility for you and your dependents. Standard local homes outside these schemes generally remain restricted, so most foreign buyers choose EDB-approved developments.
Is Mauritius safe and good for families?
Mauritius is politically stable and among the safest countries in Africa, with low violent crime and a relaxed island pace. Families benefit from reputable international schools, private clinics, warm weather year-round and safe beaches. Petty theft exists as anywhere, so normal precautions apply. The welcoming, multicultural population and strong expat community make settling in with children comparatively easy.