Mauritius, a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, has long been renowned for its fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and extraordinary natural landscapes.
But this enchanting island is not just a dream holiday destination. It has become a haven of peace for many retirees, who come to enjoy their retirement in peaceful surroundings and an idyllic lifestyle.
Mauritius is home to several thousand expatriate foreign retirees, many of whom come from Europe, particularly France and the United Kingdom, as well as from other countries such as South Africa. More and more of them are choosing to settle here to live out their golden years far from the stress and hustle of big cities and Western countries, convinced by the generous advantages Mauritius has to offer.
In fact, the Mauritian government is doing everything it can to encourage foreign retirees to settle in the country, and to make it easier for them to do so. At the end of May 2024, a Mauritian delegation was present in Europe as part of a road show designed to promote expatriation to Mauritius and investment in Mauritian residential property.
So why retire to Mauritius? What are the advantages for a retired expatriate? What are the formalities involved in moving to Mauritius for retirement? What is retired life like in Mauritius?
Discover the 8 good reasons why you should retire to Mauritius!
Retire to Mauritius in an ideal climate surrounded by lush natural surroundings
The island's tropical climate, mild and sunny with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year, offers an exceptionally pleasant living environment, far from the harsh winters and stifling heatwaves.
The natural beauty of the country is incomparable: from heavenly beaches and lush forests to verdant plains and rugged mountains, Mauritius offers an extraordinary array of breathtaking landscapes. These exceptional ecosystems are home to a wide variety of animal and plant species, many of which are endemic to Mauritius and benefit from a conservation programme.
To retire to Mauritius is to enjoy the Mauritian way of life in the midst of an unspoilt natural environment.
The ideal quality of life for retirement in Mauritius
The quality of life in Mauritius is incomparable, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Europe. Its beauty, tropical climate and exceptional biodiversity are not the only reasons: Mauritian social harmony is a reality, making retired life in Mauritius all the more pleasant and fulfilling.
Mauritians are warm and welcoming: here, living together is king. Many of them are fluent in French and English, which makes it easier to talk to others and integrate into an active community life.
The cost of living in Mauritius for retired expatriates is lower than in many Western countries. Accommodation, food and health costs are often more affordable, making it possible to live comfortably in retirement in Mauritius. Public services are also of a very high standard.
Finally, Mauritius is a great place to play!
Whether on land (hiking, cycling, golf, hunting) or in the water (swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, kitesurfing, etc.), the country offers a multitude of leisure activities spread over a small area.
Retire to Mauritius in a wealthy, secure country
Mauritius is renowned for its political stability and security. The country has enjoyed stable and democratic governance since its independence in 1968, which reassures expatriates looking for a safe place to retire.
The Mauritian economy is dynamic and often presented as a model to follow on the African continent. Mauritius is also considered the second richest country in Africa, with a GDP per capita of US$29,164, according to a ranking published at the end of 2023 by the British magazine Global Finance.Finally, Mauritius is a safe country, for locals and expatriates alike. The country's crime rate is relatively low according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), with Mauritius ranked 28th in the world in terms of security in 2021, and 1st on the African continent.
Benefit from Mauritius's excellent healthcare system
The Mauritian health system is of a very high standard and has nothing to envy of the European medical infrastructure: most Mauritian doctors are graduates of European faculties.
There are many private clinics on the island with state-of-the-art medical equipment, offering the same quality of care as European hospitals. What's more, the cost of medical care is more affordable than in Europe or North America, which is a significant advantage for retirees living in Mauritius.
Mauritian public hospitals are accessible and free, for locals and expatriates alike.
Take advantage of the many tax benefits offered by Mauritius
Mauritius has a simple, harmonised tax system that is highly favourable to foreign investors.
Thanks to the double taxation treaty signed with many foreign countries, retired expatriates in Mauritius benefit from very attractive tax advantages:
- Tax on professional and rental income capped at 15%;
- Corporation tax and value added tax (VAT) capped at 15%;
- No social security contributions (CSG/ CRDS) or tax on dividends;
- No property or council tax;
- Exemption of property located in Mauritius from the calculation of Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière (IFI);
- Exemption from capital gains tax on the resale of a property in Mauritius;
- Exemption from inheritance tax (if the beneficiaries are resident in Mauritius for tax purposes).
Investing in Mauritian property for retirement in Mauritius
With a view to attracting a large number of retired expatriates to Mauritius, the Mauritian authorities have set up various schemes to enable foreign nationals to own property in Mauritius.
The purchase of a property in Mauritius, generally with a minimum value of US$375,000, entitles the buyer and his family to a Mauritian permanent residence permit, which allows them to establish their tax residence and live in Mauritius.
Investing in Mauritian property in Mauritius is therefore possible thanks to a number of schemes:
- The Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS): Residential complexes developed under the IRS offer a wide range of very high-end services, with a minimum investment of US$375,000.
- The Real Estate Scheme (RES): RES projects offer numerous types of residences located in exclusive residential complexes. These luxury properties are built on land of less than 10 hectares.
- Property Development Scheme (PDS): The PDS scheme allows investment in luxury residential properties with top-of-the-range leisure facilities and amenities. The PDS simplifies investment in Mauritian real estate for foreign nationals, allowing them to settle in Mauritius without having to apply for a permit. This scheme is intended to replace the IRS and RES.
- Ground floor + 2 storeys (R+2): This scheme allows foreigners to invest in a condominium flat located in a building with at least 2 floors.
If you would like to find out more about the property investment opportunities available to you when you move to Mauritius for your retirement, please contact us!
Retirement in Mauritius made easy
Mauritius offers a ‘retirement permit’ for non-citizens aged 50 and over, which is very advantageous for senior citizens wishing to live out their retirement in Mauritius. This permit is valid for ten years and can be renewed. Family members are also eligible for the same period.
To familiarise themselves with Mauritian life, seniors can also apply for a Premium visa, which is valid for 6 to 12 months and renewable.
Applying for a retirement permit is relatively straightforward, and the Mauritian government does everything it can to facilitate the administrative process. The Mauritian judicial system is independent and takes into account the rights and interests of all, Mauritians and expatriates alike.
Découvrir et s’immerger dans la culture mauricienne, haute en couleurs
How can you not consider Mauritians and Mauritian culture as the main reason for retiring to Mauritius?
The people of Mauritius are welcoming, warm and made up of multiple ethnic and cultural origins.
Over the centuries, the country has been shaped by numerous waves of immigration and encounters between peoples. Europeans, Creoles, Indians, Chinese, Africans... The history and culture of Mauritius are marked by exchanges and influences from all over the world.
These influences are also reflected in Mauritian cuisine, a delicious blend of authentic flavours, spices and creativity. It is a true testimony to the cultural diversity of Mauritius.
This cultural richness alone is an undeniable reason to come and spend your retirement in Mauritius!
Good to know : How can I become a retired expatriate in Mauritius?
To be able to reside as a pensioner in Mauritius, the following criteria must be met:
- You must not be a Mauritian citizen and you must be at least 50 years old;
- Pass certain medical examinations less than 6 months before applying for the permit;
- Make an initial transfer of US$1,500 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) into your Mauritian bank account;
- Subsequently, transfer a minimum of US$1,500 per month for an annual total of at least US$18,000, for the 10 years of validity of the residence permit;
- At the end of each year, submit to the Economic Development Board (EDB) proof of transfer of funds to the Mauritian bank account.
If all these conditions are met, you can apply for permanent residence for 10 to 20 years.
The Domaine d'Anbalaba, an exceptional place to live in retirement
Domaine d'Anbalaba offers you a haven of peace in the middle of nature, the modern comforts of top-of-the-range buildings, all the amenities you need for your daily life and the guarantee of a highly profitable investment.
Located in Baie du Cap, in the heart of a fishing village, this environmentally and socially committed development offers luxury bioclimatic villas, flats and building plots.
All the properties have breathtaking views over the southern lagoon, in complete privacy.
Discover all the investment opportunities at Domaine d'Anbalaba and entertain your nearest and dearest in a heavenly setting just a stone's throw from the best kite surfing and hiking spots and the Heritage Golf Club.