Expatriation to Mauritius
Thinking about moving to Mauritius to live and build your business? Between choosing the right permit, handling tax obligations in your home country, opening bank accounts and finding accommodation, the process can quickly become overwhelming without proper guidance. We support you at every step so your transition goes smoothly.
Residence permits for entrepreneurs and professionals
Mauritius offers several types of permits suited to different expatriate profiles. We help you identify the one that best fits your situation.
Occupation Permit - Investor
For entrepreneurs investing in a company operating in Mauritius. This permit combines work authorisation and residence title, with full flexibility to manage and grow your business on the ground.
- Minimum initial investment of USD 100,000
- Initial duration of 3 years, renewable
- Right to work and manage the company
- Dependants included (spouse and children)
- Access to permanent residence after 3 years
Occupation Permit - Self-Employed
Designed for self-employed workers and consultants who want to operate from Mauritius. This permit allows you to invoice both Mauritian and international clients.
- Minimum annual turnover of USD 20,000
- Initial duration of 3 years, renewable
- Self-employed activity in Mauritius
- Dependants included
- Flexibility in choice of activity
Premium Visa
The ideal residence title for digital nomads, remote workers and retirees. You live in Mauritius while earning foreign-source income, with no restrictions on remote professional activity.
- One-year duration, renewable
- No legal minimum income requirement
- Remote work for foreign clients authorised
- Dependants included
- Simplified procedure and fast processing
Permanent residence
Accessible after 3 years under an Occupation Permit or through a real estate investment in an approved scheme (IRS, RES, PDS, Smart City). Permanent residence offers an unlimited right of stay and long-term tax stability.
- Real estate investment from USD 375,000 (PDS)
- Or 3 years under Occupation Permit
- 10-year right of stay, renewable
- Dependants included
The expatriation process, step by step
A structured and personalised support so that every step of your move is under control, with no surprises.
Feasibility analysis and strategy
We assess your personal, professional and tax situation. We identify the most suitable permit and analyse the tax implications in your home country (exit tax, tax treaties, filing obligations). Together we define a realistic transition timeline.
Residence permit acquisition
We prepare and file the application with the Economic Development Board (EDB). Preparation of supporting documents, forms and files. We follow up with the authorities until approval. Average timeline: 4 to 8 weeks depending on permit type.
Practical setup
Personal bank account opening, housing search, international school enrolment, health insurance subscription, local driving licence. We coordinate all these steps with our trusted local partners.
Tax compliance setup
Tax registration with the MRA, TAN (Tax Account Number) acquisition, advice on filing obligations in Mauritius and your home country. We set up a clear and compliant tax strategy for your first year of residence.
Post-installation support
We continue to support you after your move: permit renewals, annual tax filings, legal and strategic advice. A dedicated contact remains available for any questions throughout your stay in Mauritius.
Ready to prepare your move?
We analyse your situation and identify the best path for your move to Mauritius. No commitment.
The Mauritian tax framework for expatriates
One of the most attractive and transparent tax environments for expatriates and international entrepreneurs.
Income tax
Base personal income tax rate (marginal rate of 25% above certain thresholds)
Capital gains
No capital gains tax on disposal (shares, real estate, crypto) for individuals
Inheritance tax
No inheritance tax or wealth tax in Mauritius
Resident taxation
- Mauritian-source income taxed at 15%
- Remitted foreign-source income taxed at 15%
- Non-remitted foreign-source income not taxed
- Tax residency acquired after 183 days
Points of attention
- Check obligations in home country (exit tax)
- Tax treaties to avoid double taxation
- Local social contributions (CSG, NSF)
- Estate planning before expatriation
Living and working in Mauritius
Beyond the tax and professional advantages, Mauritius offers a genuine quality of life for expatriates and their families.
International education
French schools (Lycée La Bourdonnais, École du Nord), British schools and International Baccalaureate programmes. Quality education from nursery to high school.
Health and wellbeing
Private clinics to international standards (C-Care, Wellkin Hospital). Access to qualified specialists and quality care. International health insurance recommended.
Infrastructure and connectivity
High-speed fibre optic, modern road network, international airport with direct links to Europe, Africa and Asia. Time zones compatible with Europe and Asia.
Safety and stability
One of the safest destinations in Africa. Stable democracy since independence, strong rule of law, low crime. A reassuring environment for families.
French-speaking community
French is one of the official languages along with English. The French-speaking community is very active. Integration is natural for francophone expatriates.
Premium lifestyle
Pleasant tropical climate year-round, exceptional beaches, golf, water sports, multicultural cuisine. A rare work-life balance.
Which residence permit to choose for moving to Mauritius?
The Occupation Permit (OP) is the go-to permit for entrepreneurs looking to settle long-term. It combines a work authorisation and a 3-year residence title, and opens the path to permanent residence. For an investor, the minimum is USD 100,000 invested in a company operating in Mauritius. For self-employed, you need to demonstrate annual turnover of at least USD 20,000.
The Premium Visa is better suited for digital nomads and remote workers who want to live in Mauritius without operating a local business. It is valid for one year, renewable, and does not require an investment amount. However, it does not provide access to permanent residence.
In all cases, the quality of the application is decisive: proof of income, business plan, bank statements, criminal record check. An incomplete or poorly presented file can lead to a refusal or considerable delays with the EDB.
Who is expatriation to Mauritius for?
When it makes sense
Entrepreneur with international activity
You run an online business or serve clients in multiple countries, and you are looking for a competitive tax framework with genuine quality of life.
Investor in Africa or Asia
Mauritius sits at the crossroads of these markets. You set up your operational base while remaining close to your investments.
International freelancer or consultant
You work remotely for foreign clients and want to benefit from the Mauritian tax framework while enjoying a pleasant environment.
Family seeking quality of life
Safety, international schools, pleasant climate, French-speaking community: Mauritius ticks many boxes for expatriate families.
When it's NOT the right fit
Purely tax-driven expatriation
If your only goal is to pay less tax without actually relocating, it will not hold up. Tax residency requires 183 days of effective presence.
Regulated activity in Europe
If your activity requires licences or approvals specific to a European country, your expatriation will not change these regulatory constraints.
Unprepared complex estate
Real estate in France, SCI shares, life insurance: you must anticipate the exit tax and estate implications before leaving.
Common mistakes when expatriating
The most frequent errors we see among people planning their move.
Leaving without planning for exit tax
In France, transferring your tax domicile triggers exit tax on unrealised capital gains above EUR 800,000. You must plan for it and file within the deadlines.
Opening a bank account too late
Mauritian banks have strict KYC procedures. Starting the process after arrival can block your settlement for several weeks.
Thinking the Premium Visa covers everything
The Premium Visa does not allow you to work for a Mauritian entity or manage a local company. If that is your goal, you need an Occupation Permit.
Neglecting health coverage
The Mauritian public health system is limited. Private international health insurance is essential to access quality clinics.
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Frequently asked questions about expatriation to Mauritius
Answers to essential questions to prepare your professional and personal move to Mauritius.
L'Occupation Permit (OP) est un permis combiné travail et résidence qui permet aux étrangers de vivre et travailler à Maurice. Il existe trois catégories : Investisseur (investissement minimum de 100 000 USD), Self-Employed (chiffre d'affaires minimum de 20 000 USD par an) et Professionnel (salarié d'une société mauricienne avec un salaire minimum). L'OP est délivré par l'Economic Development Board (EDB) pour 3 ans, renouvelable. On prépare tout le dossier et on suit les échanges avec l'EDB.
Le Premium Visa est un titre de séjour d'un an (renouvelable) pensé pour les travailleurs à distance, les retraités et les personnes qui vivent de revenus étrangers. Il ne permet pas de travailler pour une entité mauricienne, mais vous pouvez résider à Maurice tout en travaillant à distance pour des clients ou employeurs étrangers. Il n'y a pas de revenu minimum imposé par la loi, mais on vous demandera des justificatifs de revenus réguliers. C'est le visa idéal pour les freelances, entrepreneurs du numérique et digital nomads.
En tant que résident fiscal mauricien, vous êtes imposé sur vos revenus de source mauricienne et sur les revenus étrangers rapatriés à Maurice. Le taux est de 15 % (avec un taux marginal de 25 % au-delà de certains seuils). Il n'y a pas d'impôt sur les plus-values, pas de droits de succession, pas d'impôt sur la fortune. On devient résident fiscal après 183 jours de présence physique dans l'année. Attention, il est important d'analyser les implications dans votre pays d'origine avant de partir.
C'est accessible dès que vous avez un Occupation Permit ou un Premium Visa. Les banques mauriciennes (MCB, SBM, AfrAsia, Bank One, HSBC) appliquent des procédures KYC rigoureuses. En général, elles demandent un passeport valide, un justificatif de domicile à Maurice, un justificatif de revenus et une lettre de référence bancaire. Comptez 2 à 4 semaines selon la banque. On vous oriente vers celle qui correspond le mieux à votre profil et on vous aide à monter le dossier.
La qualité de vie est vraiment au rendez-vous. Un climat tropical agréable toute l'année, un bon niveau de sécurité, des cliniques privées aux standards internationaux et des écoles internationales (français, anglais, IB). L'infrastructure est moderne : fibre optique, réseau routier correct. Le coût de la vie reste compétitif par rapport à l'Europe, pour un cadre de vie premium. La communauté d'expatriés est dynamique et cosmopolite. Et le français étant langue officielle avec l'anglais, l'intégration est naturelle pour les francophones.
Ready to structure your project in Mauritius?
Book a free strategy call with our team. We'll review your tax, legal and personal situation, and walk you through concrete options for your project.