Investing in a luxury villa in Mauritius not only allows you to acquire a prestigious property in a paradise setting, but also to obtain a permanent residence permit. This residency permit offers the opportunity to live year-round on the island, enjoying an exceptional natural environment, with magnificent beaches, lagoons, and mountains.
In addition to a refined lifestyle, this investment offers real estate appreciation and attractive tax benefits, including the absence of wealth tax or inheritance tax. Living in Mauritius guarantees access to modern infrastructure, a quality healthcare network, and a welcoming international community.
Discover our latest real estate projects to obtain your residence permit
How to access residence in Mauritius?
A foreign national can apply for resident status in Mauritius by applying for a residence permit. There are two types: business visas and tourist visas, which can last for a maximum of 2 to 6 months per year . This type of visa is issued by the embassy or consulate in your home country and is ideal for both business and leisure travel.
To stay longer than 6 months or even 365 days a year, you must obtain a long-stay visa. To do so, you must become a homeowner and purchase real estate. Applying for permanent residency is done at the same time as applying for authorization to purchase a property through real estate developments. This is often the preferred choice for retirees looking to build their assets by purchasing luxury real estate in Mauritius.
It is possible to apply for a residence permit in Mauritius for foreigners married to a Mauritian, and who subsequently wish to obtain Mauritian nationality or apply for family reunification. As for expatriates, they are authorized to make a temporary stay, the duration of which is determined by their employment contract. To do so, they must apply for a specific residence permit.
Conditions for becoming a permanent resident
Those who want to permanently settle in Mauritius to enjoy its sunshine, its charming population and the many advantages it has to offer, it is advisable to make a real estate investment under the RES, IRS, IHS or PDS scheme.
Since the government decided to open the Mauritian real estate market to foreigners through these more flexible, but regulated, acquisition schemes, they are now eligible to obtain a permanent residence permit.
A residence permit for everyday luxury
To obtain a residence permit with no time limit, you must invest in a high-end real estate project (luxury villa with a multitude of high-end services) worth more than USD 375,000. Permanent residency is granted to the owner and his dependents for as long as the property remains in his possession. As soon as he resells the property and no longer has any assets in his name in Mauritius exceeding the stated value, the title is canceled.
Acquiring a property in Mauritius is done in full ownership, meaning the buyer has the right to rent or sell it freely. Renting out a prestigious property can be very profitable. Property tax is included in the property’s acquisition cost. However, the buyer must pay an income tax of 15%, which will be calculated on the income received by their tax household. Mauritius has signed a tax treaty with some thirty countries, eliminating double taxation. In addition, properties you buy in Mauritius are exempt from inheritance tax, wealth tax, and capital gains tax.
The different residence permits in Mauritius
The nature of the permit depends on the purpose of your presence on Mauritian soil.
You need an investor permit if you have made an initial investment of $100,000 to launch your business. Starting a business can also include purchasing real estate. You will then need to demonstrate annual revenue of $100,000.
The self-employed worker permit therefore only applies to self-employed professionals such as freelancers, liberal professionals, and individual self-employed entrepreneurs. In addition to the initial investment of $30,000, they must be able to generate an annual profit of more than $600,000.
Seniors are the primary clients interested in a pied-à-terre and a retirement permit in Mauritius. The island’s peaceful living environment, political stability, and mild climate encourage them to spend their retirement there. The Mauritian government’s requirements are designed to appeal to this very wealthy segment of the retirement population. To reside in Mauritius and receive their pensions with a retirement permit, all you need is to be at least 50 years old and provide proof of a regular income of at least USD 40,000 per year.
Steps to apply for permanent residence
The Board of Investment is the only Mauritian administration authorized to receive and process applications for residence permits in Mauritius. Applications can be submitted online. The application is carefully reviewed, making it important not to make any mistakes, particularly when filling out the application form. It is also important not to omit or forget any documents (valid passport, valid birth certificate, criminal record extract less than 3 months old, medical certificate issued on site after the visit, etc.). A permanent residence permit is valid for 3 years. You must renew your application to obtain a new 10-year permit.
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