Mauritius FAQ: Answers to the Most Common Questions from Expats, Investors and Retirees
These are the questions that come up in every conversation about moving to, investing in, or retiring to Mauritius. Collected from the most common queries readers send, answered plainly.
Jump to whatever section matters most to you.
- Visas and permits
- Property and real estate
- Tax and business
- Banking
- Cost of living
- Healthcare
- Schools
- Practical matters
Visas and Permits
Do I need a visa to visit Mauritius?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and most Commonwealth countries can enter visa-free. At the border you will need to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. If you plan to stay longer or work, you will need a permit – not a visa extension.
What is the Premium Visa?
The Premium Visa is a one-year renewable permit for remote workers and self-employed professionals who earn income from outside Mauritius. It costs around Rs 1,500 (~£20) and is processed online. You cannot work for or invoice a Mauritian company on this visa. It is straightforward to obtain and is the most practical option for location-independent workers who want to base themselves in Mauritius without committing to an Occupation Permit.
What is an Occupation Permit?
An Occupation Permit (OP) is a combined work and residence permit for foreigners who want to live and earn in Mauritius. There are three categories: Investor (you set up and invest in a local company), Professional (employed by a Mauritian company) and Self-Employed (you run your own business serving Mauritian clients). Each category has minimum salary or investment thresholds. The Finance Act 2025 updated these thresholds significantly. An OP is typically valid for three years and renewable.
Can I retire in Mauritius permanently?
Yes. The Retirement Residence Permit is designed for non-citizens aged 50 and over who transfer at least $1,500 (or equivalent) per month into a Mauritian bank account. It is a three-year permit, renewable, with no requirement to work. After 10 continuous years of residence you may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. If you are under 50 and financially independent, our FIRE in Mauritius guide covers the visa routes that apply to early retirees.
What is the Permanent Residence Permit?
The Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) grants the right to live and work in Mauritius without a time limit. Under Finance Act 2025 rules, the main route for investors requires a minimum cumulative investment of $375,000 over a 20-year period. There are also routes for long-term Occupation Permit holders and their families. It does not confer citizenship but is the closest thing to permanent settlement short of naturalisation.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Most permits allow you to bring a spouse and dependent children. The Family Occupation Permit covers spouses of main permit holders who want to work in their own right. Children under 24 in full-time education can typically be included as dependants.
Property and Real Estate
Can foreigners buy property in Mauritius?
Yes, within the approved government property schemes. Foreigners cannot freely buy any residential property – purchases are restricted to designated developments. The main schemes are IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme), PDS (Property Development Scheme), RES (Real Estate Scheme), Smart City developments and IHS (Innovation, Heritage and Sustainability) properties. Buying through an approved scheme also qualifies you for a residence permit if the purchase price exceeds $375,000. For a full breakdown, see our guide to Mauritius property schemes for foreigners.
How much does property cost in Mauritius?
Entry-level approved-scheme apartments start around Rs 7 million (~£95,000). Villas in premium coastal developments – particularly in the north and west – range from Rs 15 million to well over Rs 100 million. The permit-qualifying threshold of $375,000 (~Rs 18 million) sits roughly in the mid-market. For a detailed look at regions and price ranges, see where to buy property in Mauritius.
Is it better to rent or buy?
For most new arrivals, renting first makes sense. Property transactions are slow and costs are high – stamp duty, notary fees and legal costs can add 5-8% to the purchase price. Renting for 12 to 24 months lets you work out which area suits you before committing. Our renting vs buying guide covers the decision in detail. For rental market prices and areas, see renting in Mauritius.
Can I rent out my property?
Yes. There is no restriction on renting out an approved-scheme property. However, rental income earned by non-residents is subject to Mauritius income tax. Our rental income guide explains the tax treatment, registration requirements and what to expect from the local rental market.
Tax and Business
What is the income tax rate in Mauritius?
Mauritius has had a progressive personal income tax system since July 2023, when the flat 15% was replaced. The Finance Act 2025 simplified it to three bands (effective 1 July 2025): 0% on the first Rs 500,000 of annual chargeable income, 10% on the next Rs 500,000 and 20% above Rs 1,000,000. No capital gains tax. No inheritance tax. No wealth tax. For higher earners, a Fair Share Contribution of 15% applies on income above Rs 12 million per year (~USD 265,000), but that affects very few expats. For most people on moderate incomes the effective rate lands well under 15%. See the Mauritius tax guide for expats for detail.
Use the Mauritius tax calculator to estimate your own tax liability.
What is the corporate tax rate?
The standard corporate tax rate is 15%. Global Business Companies (GBCs) that meet the substance requirements can access Mauritius’s network of double taxation treaties. Under the OECD Pillar Two rules now in force, large multinationals operating through Mauritius are subject to a minimum effective tax rate of 15% via the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax. See our guide on Pillar Two in Mauritius if this is relevant to your structure.
Is there a VAT in Mauritius?
Yes. Value Added Tax (VAT) in Mauritius is 15%, levied on most goods and services. Businesses with annual turnover above Rs 6 million must register for VAT. Certain categories – basic foodstuffs, certain medicines, exports – are zero-rated or exempt.
How do I set up a company in Mauritius?
The most common structure for a locally operating business is a private company limited by shares, incorporated through the Mauritius Economic Development Board (EDB). Incorporation takes one to three working days online. Foreign shareholders are permitted. You will also need a Business Registration Number and, depending on your activity, sector-specific licences. Our company formation guide covers the process and costs in detail.
What is a GBC?
A Global Business Company (GBC) is a Mauritius-incorporated company that is tax resident in Mauritius but conducts its business primarily outside the country. GBCs are used mainly for holding structures, investment funds and cross-border financial services. They benefit from Mauritius’s 46 double taxation treaties and its wide network of investment protection agreements. GBCs must demonstrate genuine substance in Mauritius – board meetings, local directors, decision-making on the island.
What permits do I need to work as a self-employed foreigner?
You need a Self-Employed Occupation Permit. The Finance Act 2025 updated the rules – see our post on the Self-Employed Permit under Finance Act 2025. The older Self-Employed OP guide covers the general framework. If you earn entirely from overseas clients and do not invoice Mauritian businesses, the Premium Visa may be the more practical route.
Banking
Can I open a bank account in Mauritius as a foreigner?
Yes. Both residents and non-residents can open accounts with Mauritian banks, though the process and requirements differ. As a resident permit holder, a standard current or savings account is relatively straightforward. Non-residents – including people who own property here but do not live here – can open non-resident accounts, though banks will require more extensive documentation and proof of source of funds. Our guide to opening a bank account in Mauritius covers what each bank requires in 2026.
Which are the main banks in Mauritius?
The four largest retail banks are MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank), SBM (State Bank of Mauritius), AfrAsia Bank and MauBank. MCB and SBM have the widest branch and ATM networks. AfrAsia has a strong private banking and wealth management offer. All four offer multi-currency accounts.
Can I pay by card in Mauritius?
Yes. Cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and most formal businesses. Mobile payment platforms – Juice (MCB), my.t money and Blink – are increasingly used for everyday transactions. Cash is still preferred in local markets and by smaller traders. See our guide on going cashless in Mauritius.
Cost of Living
How much does it cost to live in Mauritius?
It depends heavily on your lifestyle and housing choice. A couple living comfortably – renting a decent apartment, eating a mix of local and Western food, running a car – can expect to spend roughly Rs 100,000 to Rs 150,000 (~£1,600-£2,400) per month. Add international school fees for children and that rises significantly. Our cost of living guide for 2026 has detailed budget breakdowns by family type. For couples planning retirement, see retiring in Mauritius on a budget.
Is Mauritius cheaper than Europe?
For housing and domestic services, yes. Noticeably so. Local food, public transport and utilities are inexpensive. But imported goods (European food, alcohol, electronics, cars) are expensive due to high import duties. Healthcare is significantly cheaper than Western Europe for equivalent quality. Most Europeans who relocate find their cost of living drops, sometimes by a lot, depending on lifestyle. If you eat local and skip the imported Brie, the savings are real.
What is the currency in Mauritius?
The Mauritian Rupee (MUR or Rs). As of early 2026, the exchange rate is approximately Rs 54-55 to the euro and Rs 62-63 to the pound sterling. The rupee is freely convertible. There are no restrictions on bringing foreign currency in or out of the country above a declared threshold.
Healthcare
Is healthcare good in Mauritius?
It varies. The public system is free to residents – including expats who hold permits – and provides basic to intermediate care adequately. For serious conditions, surgery or specialist care, most expats and retirees use the private sector. The main private hospitals – C-Care (formerly Clinique Darné), Apollo Bramwell and MedPoint – offer modern facilities and internationally trained doctors at costs well below what you would pay in Europe. A GP consultation in the private sector costs roughly Rs 600-1,500 (~£10-£25). See our full healthcare guide for expats and retirees.
Do I need health insurance?
It is strongly advisable. Private hospital bills, while low by European standards, can accumulate quickly for anything serious. International health insurance (AXA, Cigna, Allianz) is used by most expats. Some Occupation Permit holders are covered by employer schemes. Health insurance is a mandatory cost to factor into your budget before relocating.
Schools
What schools are available for expat children?
Mauritius has a well-established international school sector. The main options follow British, French, Cambridge International or IB curricula. The most popular among expats are the Northfields International High School, L’École du Nord, Le Bocage International School and Institut de l’Enseignement Technique. Annual fees range from Rs 200,000 to Rs 650,000 (~£3,200-£10,500) depending on the school and age group. Most are concentrated in the north and west of the island. Our guide to international schools in Mauritius has 2026 fee ranges and location details.
Practical Matters
What language is spoken in Mauritius?
English is an official language and is used in government, business and formal settings. French is equally prevalent in everyday commerce, media and social life. Mauritian Creole (Morisyen) is the most widely spoken language at home and in informal settings. Most Mauritians switch effortlessly between all three. For practical purposes, English is sufficient everywhere that matters to expats and business visitors.
Is Mauritius safe?
By regional and global standards, yes. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Petty theft happens: bag snatching, opportunistic theft from cars, unattended belongings on beaches. The usual precautions apply. The biggest daily risk for most residents is road safety. Mauritian driving standards vary wildly and road accidents are the leading cause of injury. Drive carefully, especially at night.
What are the public holidays in Mauritius?
Mauritius has around 15 public holidays per year, reflecting its multicultural makeup – national independence, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Chinese celebrations are all represented. The full list, with dates and context, is in our public holidays guide.
What are the flight connections like?
Air Mauritius (the national carrier) and a growing number of European, African and Asian airlines serve Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). Direct flights operate from Paris, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Johannesburg, Dubai and a range of Asian hubs. Journey time from London is roughly 11 hours; from Paris, 10 to 11 hours. Our posts on airlines and routes from Mauritius and new routes in 2026 have the current picture.
Where should I live in Mauritius?
The north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Pereybere) is the most popular area for expats – good infrastructure, beaches, restaurants and a large international community. The west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Black River) suits those who want a quieter, more local feel with access to good surf breaks. The east coast is more remote but has beautiful beaches and some high-end resorts. The central plateau (Quatre Bornes, Curepipe) is cooler, less beachy, and popular with families who prioritise schooling and everyday convenience over sea views. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to Mauritius regions.
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