Factsheet: Mauritius
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located 2,200 km east of Madagascar and approximately 10 hours by flight from Paris. A former French then British colony, it has been independent since 1968 and is among the most prosperous and stable countries in Africa. For expats, it combines exceptionally rare advantages: ultra-competitive taxation (15% flat tax, zero capital gains, zero inheritance tax), a tropical paradise setting, cultural proximity to France (French is co-official), and remarkable political stability for its regional context. The Premium Visa, launched in 2020, allows foreigners with a monthly income of 1,500 USD to settle for up to 10 years. Mauritius is not just a beautiful vacation destination: it is one of the smartest and most accessible tax jurisdictions for those wishing to optimize their situation while living in an exceptional setting.
Why choose Mauritius?
Mauritius concentrates advantages rarely found in a single place: very gentle taxation, transparent British-inspired legal framework, French as co-official language, tropical setting and lower costs than Paris. It is the most culturally accessible expat destination for French speakers seeking a country with advantageous taxation outside Europe.
A single tax rate, no complex progressive brackets, zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax. One of the most favorable tax systems for wealthy expats and entrepreneurs.
White sand beaches, turquoise lagoon, lush mountains, pleasant year-round temperatures (24-30 degrees Celsius). A postcard natural environment accessible in daily life.
French is co-official with English. Signs, restaurants, press, schools — everything works in French. The cultural transition is the smoothest possible for French speakers.
A long-term residence visa accessible from 1,500 USD/month in income, renewable up to 10 years. One of the most inclusive visas in Asia and the Indian Ocean for nomads and retirees.
Legal system inspired by British law, recognized judicial independence, remarkable political stability since independence. A solid rule of law in an often unstable region.
1,200 to 2,200 EUR/month for a very comfortable lifestyle, including housing near the sea, a car and regular outings. Approximately 40 to 50% cheaper than Paris for an equivalent standard.
Visa & Residence
Mauritius has developed a range of attractive visas to draw talent, entrepreneurs and foreign retirees. The Premium Visa is the royal route for non-residents seeking a long-term lifestyle. For those wishing to work locally or start a business, the Occupation Permit is the appropriate solution. French citizens can enter visa-free for 90 days.
Premium Visa
Launched in 2020 and extended in 2022, the Premium Visa is the flagship visa for expats who wish to live in Mauritius without engaging in local economic activity. It targets retirees, income earners and digital nomads whose income comes from abroad. Eligibility conditions are among the most accessible in the region: minimum monthly income of 1,500 USD (approximately 1,400 EUR) from foreign sources, and no local professional activity. The visa is initially issued for 1 year, renewable multiple times up to a total of 10 years. Spouse and children under 24 can be included in the same application. The application is made online via the Board of Investment portal or through an authorized intermediary.
Occupation Permit (OP)
The Occupation Permit is the residence and work title for foreigners wishing to pursue professional activity in Mauritius. There are three categories: Investor (minimum 50,000 USD investment in a Mauritian company), Professional (employed by a local company with a minimum salary of 30,000 MUR/month) and Self-Employed (independent professional in a specific sector). The OP is issued for 3 years, renewable. After 5 years of residence under an OP, you can apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status, which provides enhanced residency security and certain additional rights.
Retired Resident Permit
Specifically designed for foreign retirees, this permit allows permanent settlement in Mauritius with proof of retirement income or regular passive income. Conditions include a minimum monthly transfer of 1,500 USD to a Mauritian bank account. This permit is initially issued for 3 years and is renewable. It offers a more structured and stable option than the Premium Visa for retirees looking to settle permanently.
Cost of living
Mauritius is significantly cheaper than Paris, with a gap of approximately 40 to 50% depending on lifestyle. Housing remains the most variable item: a villa near the sea in popular areas (Grand Baie, Tamarin) can exceed 2,000 EUR/month, while a decent apartment in a less touristy area is available for 600-800 EUR. Local food (markets, Creole restaurants) is very affordable, while imported products (wine, cheese, electronics) can be expensive due to customs duties. A car is essential as public transport is inadequate outside Port Louis.
Estimated monthly budget: 1,200 - 2,200 EUR/month
📊 Taxation
The Mauritian tax system is one of the most attractive in the world for wealthy expats, entrepreneurs and income earners. It is based on a 15% flat tax applied to all Mauritian-source income, with no progressive brackets. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and dividends received are exempt from additional tax after corporate tax payment. A Generalized Social Contribution (CSG) of 3% applies to certain income. Mauritius has signed more than 45 tax treaties, including one with France, making it a recognized international tax optimization platform.
🚀 For entrepreneurs
Mauritius has positioned itself as a recognized financial and entrepreneurial hub in Africa and the Indian Ocean. It has a stable British-inspired legal framework, access to tax treaties with numerous African countries (interesting for investments in Africa), and competitive financial infrastructure. The Global Business Companies (GBC) sector is particularly developed for holding structures and investment funds.
❤️ Healthcare
Mauritius has a public health system that is free for all residents, including foreigners with a valid residence permit. This public system is functional but has limitations (waiting lists, sometimes aging equipment in certain hospitals). The private sector (Fortis Darne clinic, Apollo Bramwell) offers significantly higher quality care and caters to the expat and affluent local clientele. Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats, even though access to the public system remains a last-resort option.
Where to live
Mauritius is small (2,040 km2) but offers very different atmospheres by area. The north (Grand Baie) is the heart of expat and tourist life. The west (Tamarin, Flic en Flac) attracts surfers and nature lovers. The capital Port Louis concentrates business, and the central plateau (Curepipe, Quatre Bornes) is cooler and more affordable.
Drawbacks to know
Mauritius is located in an Indian Ocean cyclone zone. Cyclones can strike from November to April, causing significant damage and disruptions lasting several days. An effective warning system exists, but the risk is real and must be factored into your planning.
Public transport is inadequate outside Port Louis. A car is necessary for daily life. Traffic jams in the Port Louis area and on the central motorway can be very significant during rush hours.
Mauritius is 10 hours by flight from Paris, without systematic direct flights. Internet connections, while improved, remain below European standards in some residential areas. Isolation can weigh in the long term.
Everything that is imported (wine, cheese, electronics, branded clothing) is significantly more expensive than in France due to customs duties. Maintaining an identical European lifestyle is costly. Adapting to local products is key to benefiting from the affordable side.
Local employment opportunities are limited and local salaries are low (except in offshore finance). Mauritius is ideal for those with foreign-source income, much less so for those seeking local employment.
For certain rare medical specialties or complex procedures, evacuation to Reunion Island or South Africa may be necessary. Medical infrastructure is adequate but not at the level of major European centers.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Premium Visa allow working in Mauritius?
How do you become a tax resident in Mauritius?
What language is used in daily life in Mauritius?
Can foreigners buy real estate in Mauritius?
Is Mauritius well connected to France?
Mauritius or Dubai: which destination to choose?
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