Why choose Mauritius for expatriation?

Relocating to Mauritius for an Exceptional Quality of Life

Mauritius offers an ideal living environment for expatriates seeking a peaceful setting and a more relaxed pace of life, far from the stress of urban living, where the charm of Mauritian life can truly be appreciated. Its tropical climate, with mild temperatures all year round, allows enjoyment of beaches and water activities in every season.

A Peaceful and Secure Setting

If you're considering relocating to a pleasant and safe country, look no further—Mauritius is perfect for you! The relaxed lifestyle lets you fully enjoy life’s simple pleasures: strolling on the beach, browsing local markets, or simply relaxing at home. Mauritians are welcoming and warm, fostering a strong sense of community.

Mauritius boasts a very low crime rate and offers a safe environment for residents and their families. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), the country was ranked as the 28th safest globally in 2021.

A Tropical Climate and Lush Nature

Unsurprisingly, Mauritius' tropical climate is one of its greatest assets! With mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, Mauritius is a true tropical paradise where water and outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.

The island experiences two main seasons:

• Southern summer (November to April): Hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 27°C to 34°C.
• Southern winter (May to October): Cooler and drier, with pleasant temperatures around 25°C, making it the ideal time for beach outings and water sports.

Mauritius is also a haven for nature lovers, boasting extraordinary biodiversity thanks to its geographical isolation. This has fostered the development of unique endemic flora and fauna.
Several national parks and nature reserves in Mauritius offer visitors breathtaking landscapes in the heart of lush nature. These protected areas showcase the island's incredible biodiversity and are ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty. Here are some of the most notable parks and reserves:

• Black River Gorges National Park
• Bras d’Eau National Park
• Île aux Aigrettes 
• Valley of Colours Nature Park L

Modern, high-quality infrastructure

Mauritius's major cities, such as Port-Louis and Grand Baie, offer all modern amenities: shopping centers, restaurants, cinemas and more. The cost of services such as restaurants, transport and leisure activities is relatively affordable.
The country is home to a large number of international schools, offering high-level educational programs in several languages. Children of expatriates can continue their studies in a familiar environment.

In terms of healthcare, Mauritius has a high-performance system that is on a par with many Western countries. With several private and public hospitals offering quality care, many expatriates in Mauritius choose to take out international health insurance to benefit from the best medical care.

A wide choice of activities

A sportsman's paradise on land and sea and a nature destination par excellence, Mauritius offers a wide range of sporting and cultural activities:

• Hiking at Le Pouce, Morne Brabant or the Black River Gorges
• Beach activities, mountain biking, quad biking, world-renowned golf courses offering spectacular ocean views
• Snorkeling and scuba diving, to discover the exceptional richness of the turquoise waters of the Mauritian lagoon
• Hunting, deep-sea fishing, boat excursions to meet dolphins and sperm whales
• Surfing, sailing or kite-surfing : Mauritius is one of the world's most beautiful destinations for water sports
• Discover botanical gardens, such as the magnificent Jardin de Pamplemousses, or the Odysseo oceanarium
• Mauritius is home to numerous museums that are not to be missed: the Natural History Museum, the Blue Penny Museum, the Aventure du Sucre, the Aapravasi Ghat, the Musée du Thé in Grand Bassin, and more.

Mauritius: a mixed culture open to the world

Mauritius is a veritable melting pot, where populations of Indian, African, Chinese and European origin live side by side, blending ancestral traditions with modern influences. Colonial history has also left its mark on Mauritius' cultural heritage.
This cultural richness is one of the country's major assets, and a major factor in its appeal to expatriates!

A unique language and culture

• Language: Mauritian Creole is the most widely spoken language on the island, but English and French are also widely spoken.
• Religious festivals: the island's many religious communities celebrate their festivals with great fervor, offering visitors the opportunity to discover Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions.
• Arts and literature: the Mauritian art scene is dynamic and constantly evolving. There are painters, sculptors, writers and musicians who draw inspiration from the cultural diversity of Mauritius.

A rich and dynamic cultural life

Throughout the year, many cultural events are organized in Mauritius, such as music festivals and art exhibitions. Added to this are the many popular festivals celebrated each year on the island.
Numerous cultural associations are present throughout the country, allowing expatriates to meet locals and immerse themselves in Mauritian life. 

To find out more about Mauritius' cultural agenda, visit the cultural page of ile-maurice.fr.

The richness of Mauritian gastronomy

Traditional Mauritian cuisine is a fusion of flavors, spices and creativity. It is a true testament to the cultural diversity of Mauritius.
There's something for everyone:

• Dholl Puri
• Mauritian dumplings
• Samoussas
• Gato Pima
• Biryani
• Curry
• Rougail, etc. 

In Mauritius, every meal is a culinary adventure! Discover our restaurant of revisited Mauritian specialties!

Mauritius' tax advantages for expatriates

Mauritius has a simple, harmonized tax system that is highly favorable to foreign investors. With the aim of attracting new expatriates, the Mauritian authorities have set up a number of schemes enabling foreign nationals to become property owners in Mauritius.

A (very) low tax burden

Thanks to the double taxation treaty signed with France in 1980, French expatriates in Mauritius benefit from very attractive tax advantages:

• Tax on professional and rental income capped at 15%
• Corporate income tax and value-added tax (VAT) capped at 15%
• No social security contributions (CSG/ CRDS) or taxation on dividends
• No property tax or residence tax on real estate located in Mauritius
• Exemption from capital gains tax on the resale of real estate located in Mauritius.
• Exemption from inheritance tax (if the beneficiaries are resident in Mauritius for tax purposes)

Buying a property in Mauritius

The purchase of a property in Mauritius, generally with a minimum value of US$375,000, enables the buyer and his or her family to obtain a Mauritian permanent residence permit.
Settling in Mauritius by investing in Mauritian real estate is therefore possible thanks to several schemes:

• The Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS): the IRS allows you to invest in residential complexes with a wide range of top-of-the-range amenities, with a minimum investment of US$375,000.
• Real Estate Scheme (RES): RES projects offer a wide range of residences located in luxury residential complexes.
• Property Development Scheme (PDS): the PDS scheme enables investment in luxury residential properties with top-of-the-range amenities and leisure facilities. The PDS scheme, which aims to replace the IRS and RES, simplifies investment in Mauritian real estate for foreign nationals, enabling them to settle in Mauritius without having to apply for a permit.
• Rez-de-Chaussée + 2 étages (R+2): this scheme allows investors to invest in a condominium apartment in a building with at least 2 floors.

Straightforward administrative procedures for settling in Mauritius

The process of obtaining a Mauritian residency permit is generally fairly straightforward, especially for property investors and retirees.
Eligibility requirements vary according to the type of permit applied for. Generally speaking, applicants are required to have sufficient financial resources, accommodation and health insurance.
A number of specialized agencies offer a range of services to help you with the administrative formalities involved in moving to Mauritius.

The proximity of many countries to discover

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius' geographical position makes it an ideal base from which to explore neighboring destinations.
The country is served by numerous international airlines, offering direct flights to Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Flights between Mauritius and neighboring countries are therefore generally short and inexpensive.

There are many destinations to choose from in Mauritius:

Neighboring islands:
 

• Seychelles: a paradise archipelago renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters
• Maldives: an archipelago of thousands of private islands, offering an idyllic setting for luxury holidays
• Reunion: this French island in the Indian Ocean offers spectacular volcanic landscapes and hiking trails
• Madagascar: an island-continent, famous for its unique biodiversity and wild landscapes

South Africa: a must-see destination for nature and wildlife lovers
India and Sri-Lanka: a change of scenery guaranteed in these mystical destinations, for those seeking authenticity and a change of scenery.
Southeast Asia: countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia are easily accessible from Mauritius.