A Welcoming Living Environment and Quality of Life
A true paradise for tourists, Mauritius is one of the most sought-after destinations due to its attractive living environment. It offers numerous sports and cultural activities (water sports, golf courses, tennis, excursions, hiking, swimming with dolphins, sunbathing under coconut trees, festivals, shows, dance club, gym, etc.), year-round festivals, hundreds of historical sites, some of the most beautiful beaches, turquoise lagoons, fine sandy beaches, a botanical and tropical garden. The main island is easy to access thanks to its international airport. Its highly developed road and maritime network allows it to open up all the suburbs, fishing villages, towns and islands.
Mauritius is a paradise island in the Indian Ocean with white sandy beaches, lush landscapes, and a tropical climate. But for expats and retirees from European countries, Mauritius also offers the promise of a lower cost of living.
The notion of good living in Mauritius is very subjective. The alimony that French retirees receive, for example, can allow them to maintain the same standard of living as in France or Reunion Island, or even better. To prepare a French breakfast, fresh white bread from the local baker is only 17 Rs, a dozen eggs around 70 Rs. Even with a small pension or a fairly limited budget, it is possible to live decently in Mauritius provided you adopt the Mauritian lifestyle: shopping at local markets, reducing restaurant meals, opting for less expensive leisure activities such as swimming, etc.
Housing is a major expense for households moving to Mauritius. Renting a two-bedroom apartment in the city for a family costs a minimum of 25,000 rupees. Buying real estate is a perfect solution if you don’t live on the island year-round, as it offers the option of using rental management. Investing in real estate allows foreign owners, among other things, to obtain a permanent residence permit. Capital gains on resale are not taxed, and the property is acquired in full ownership.
Buying real estate in Mauritius is a very advantageous project for foreign nationals. It allows them to avoid double taxation with countries that have signed a tax treaty, to avoid inheritance tax and to benefit from tax advantages. This tax haven is favourable to the Mauritian luxury real estate market (luxury villas in residences, apartments in real estate programs, etc.). Rental investment is indeed capable of generating rental income subject to IR.
Environment and Safety in Mauritius
The streets and public places of Mauritius are relatively calm and peaceful. You can walk around in peace, provided you keep an eye on your personal belongings (camera, phone, bag) and do not display your valuables in public. Of course, like everywhere else, the major Mauritian cities such as Flic en Flac, Port Louis, Tamarin, and Grand Baie are very lively but pleasant and welcoming, thanks to measures in place to ensure public order and security.
Some safety instructions must be followed to avoid burglaries and other types of attacks: certain areas should be avoided after 8 p.m. , do not hitchhike and in any case the buses run until 8 p.m. otherwise there are night taxis, be vigilant and check the opening times of the holiday rental.
Holiday homes, such as luxury villas for rent furnished or for seasonal rentals by the sea in Mauritius for long stays, are most often enclosed within a compound and often have a security service with surveillance cameras and an emergency response team.
Mauritian political stability also contributes to maintaining peace and having a low crime rate. Mauritius then becomes an excellent choice for spending retirement in the sun, for investing in luxury real estate with complete peace of mind, for settling permanently or for expatriation.
To avoid getting into trouble, it’s advisable to strictly adhere to the local dress code. Mauritians do not wear skimpy clothing or beachwear in the city, on the street, or in public places. Swimsuits are reserved for the beach, but be careful, as full-body tanning and topless swimming are prohibited.
Living in Mauritius means enjoying a calm and welcoming environment. Mauritian nightlife is often festive, enhanced by a multi-ethnic population. Mauritian cities are known for their cultural melting pot, expressed through diverse cuisine and artistic activities.
Employment and Average Salary in Mauritius
For foreigners wishing to live in Mauritius, finding a job is at the top of the list of things to do. Word of mouth is one of the most effective methods in Mauritius. Today, Mauritius boasts a skilled and competent workforce in cutting-edge fields such as IT, industry, communications, tourism, and technology. However, it still recruits foreigners for certain very specific positions that require specific skills. Trades related to these sectors are particularly favoured.
Despite an increase in Mauritian incomes over the past decade, a significant portion of the population still lives on a relatively low average salary. In 2019, the minimum monthly salary was Rs 20,225, or €514.80, while the average gross salary was $814 per month. Given these figures, foreigners who earn more at home can only be advised to consider expatriation in order to maintain the same salary level and other benefits. Expatriates only pay 15% income tax.
Born in Mauritius, I have a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. I have nearly 12 years’ experience in marketing, public relations and communications. Passionate about meeting people, creativity and business growth, I am results-oriented. My goal is to guide communication to touch the hearts and minds of customers. My motto is: “Treat others as I would like to be treated.”
