Retirement

Warm weather, warm ocean currents, warm hospitality… these are some of the factors that contribute to a healthy, happy lifestyle in Mauritius. No matter what your age, but especially if you’re over 50, these are major draw cards for those wanting to live on this particular paradise island in the Indian Ocean.

Add to that a peaceful environment, competitive cost of living, attractive tax regime, and solid government… Then consider the infrastructure that is constantly being upgraded (where it already exists) or installed brand new
(to keep up with international developments). And that’s just the beginning…

Retired noncitizen
50 years and over

Are you able to transfer USD 1,500 monthly to your Mauritius bank account? That’s enough to qualify for a 10-year Residence Permit. And after three years living with that permission, you can extend your residency by applying for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit. You also have to transfer USD 54,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible currency each year preceding your application.

What’s more, noncitizen retirees can buy a home in a property scheme approved for foreign investment without worrying about a minimum purchase price. Those with families who wish to join them in Mauritius can apply for residence permits for them as well. Their permit remains valid as long as the owner still owns and/ or occupies that property.

Senior Living residences

To that end, the Mauritius government has also approved a Property Development Scheme for Senior Living. This authorises developers to build exclusively for residents aged 50 and older, and provide services that allow them to live independently among their peers.

This type of development must be designed to facilitate recreation and socialising by accommodating a clubhouse and fitness centre at least. Residents will also benefit from facilities management services provided to spare them from dealing with things such as gardening and maintenance.

As far as business is concerned, retired noncitizens who have a Residence Permit can invest in a company on the island as long as they don't earn a salary from it or get involved in its operations.

Need to know

Duration

10 years

Fees

MUR 20,000 following approval of application

Renewability

Possible as long as USD 18,000 per annum has been transferred for the duration of the permit

FAQs

Can my family join me?

Yes, once your application is approved by the Passport and Immigration Office you can apply for a residence permit for your dependents. These are your spouse, common law partner of the opposite sex, children younger than 24 years, and your parents. The stipulation for children includes stepchildren and lawfully adopted children.

I am a retired noncitizen. Can I get a permit to live in Mauritius?

Yes, but you must be at least 50 years of age and able to transfer a minimum USD 1,500 or its equivalent in freely convertible currency to your bank account on the island.

Which documents must I include with my application?

You need to upload the following documents with your application. The originals must be presented at the appointment scheduled after receipt of the approval in principle.

Original birth certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Passport – biodata page
Police clearance certificate for the 10 years prior to submitting your application, but less than six months old
1 x passport-size photograph in colour, less than six months old – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels)
Signed undertaking – signed by yourself as the applicant.

The following documents must be uploaded and presented as originals after your application has been approved in principle:

Bank statement (proof of transfer of funds from abroad into a local company bank account)
Marriage/ Divorce certificate – in English or French. Alternatively, a certified/ sworn translated copy by a competent authority may be submitted.
Medical certificate and reports – less than six months old
Last-entry visa pages
Copy of any other permit – Occupation/ Work/ Residence Permit
Processing fee
Any other requested documents.

Must I pay tax?

You will not be taxed on funds transferred to Mauritius. There is also no wealth or inheritance tax.

Note: Retired noncitizens must supply detail of residency, including tax residences, in other jurisdictions. This information will be shared with the Mauritian Tax Authority in line with the prevailing Common Reporting Standards (CRS) adopted by the Mauritius government.

What do I do when the 10-year residence permit is due to expire?

You can apply for renewal if you have complied with the finance terms until that date. That means you would have transferred USD 1,500 monthly or USD 18,000 annually for the duration of the permit. Or you can apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit. You can do that after you have held one of the available residence permits for at least three years and transferred at least USD 54,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency into your Mauritius bank account during that time.

Can I buy a home in Mauritius if I get this permit?

Foreigners may buy residential property in qualifying property development schemes. These are the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). Foreign nationals may also buy an apartment in a ground-plus-two development i.e. a building comprising at least two floors above ground. Noncitizens who have a residence permit under the IRS/ RES/ PDS do not need an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius.