Relocate to Mauritius: a peaceful environment for your family

Here’s why you should relocate to Mauritius along with your family

Regularly ranked among the most beautiful tourist destinations, Mauritius is a model of cultural and religious diversity and unity. From the art of living to economic dynamism, you and your family will feel at home on this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean. Many cherry-picked Mauritius as their perfect go to destination crediting its tropical climate and idyllic living environment. Reasons to relocate to Mauritius include:

• A safe living environment and a favourable climate;
• A simple and attractive tax system;
• Efficient and investor-friendly schemes;
• Political and economic stability;
• Social and cultural harmony; and
• Quality of life, sustained by eco-friendly initiatives.

Furthermore, Mauritius offers outstanding leisure activities and a vast selection of luxurious real estate properties. These features explain why many high-net-worth individuals, families and retired non-citizens chose to relocate to Mauritius. Mauritius counts not less than 12,000 expatriates coming from South Africa, France, Germany, the UK, Switzerland and other European countries.

Do you wish to take advantage of those features? Contact us

The island also offers the Residence-by-Investment Program, described in details in the section below.

 

Residence through the acquisition of a property in Mauritius

In Mauritius, various schemes allow foreigners and expatriates to own one (or more) property(ies). Indeed, the acquisition of a property valued at a minimum of USD 375,000 gives the buyer, as well as his/her dependents (spouse and/or children), the right to a residence permit. The permit allows them to establish their tax residence and live in Mauritius. The residence permit remains active as long as the buyer remains the owner of the property.

The buyers of real estate properties are the legal owners and detain all the rights pertaining to the property(ies). They are allowed to rent their property and to collect rental income. Relocating to Mauritius and obtaining residence through real estate investment is appealing for wealthy individuals (especially with the aim of generating capital gains) and for retirees who wish to enjoy their retirement under the tropical sun. These opportunities have encouraged many foreigners in immigrating to Mauritius.

In addition, Mauritius has signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with various African, Asian, European and Middle-Eastern countries. These agreements protect property buyers from being taxed both in Mauritius and in their home country.

Click here to learn more about the reasons to invest in real estate in Mauritius

 

The schemes, approved and managed by the Economic Development Board of Mauritius, for obtaining a residence permit through the acquisition of a property worth at least US$375,000 are:

• The Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)

The residential facilities developed under the IRS offer a wide range of world-class leisure, entertainment and wellness facilities, such as golf courses, marinas, a beach club, pavilions and wellness centres that surrounds the properties and provide a unique resort experience.

• The Real Estate Scheme (RES)

Another luxury residential offer in Mauritius, RES projects offer different types of residences (villas, penthouses, duplexes, and apartments) located in exclusive residential facilities, which are smaller than the IRS ones.

• The Property Development Scheme (PDS)

Consists of residential properties including condominiums, luxury villas and apartments, ideal for your relocation to Mauritius.

The PDS scheme therefore simplifies the purchase of high-end residential properties by foreign nationals, allowing them to move to Mauritius without having to apply for a permit.

• The Invest Hotel Scheme (IHS)

The IHS enables a non-citizen investor to own a room (or hotel unit) in an approved hotel.

The owner has privileged access to all the resort’s facilities and services such as restaurants, spas, fitness centres and swimming pools.

The unit owner or anyone on his/her behalf can use the unit for a total of 45 days over a 12-month period, and can earn income through the rental scheme.

• The Smart City Scheme

Smart Cities are built around the concept of “work, live and play”. They are mixed-use developments in technology and innovation based cosmopolitan cities. The residential facilities form part of an integrated master plan that promotes sustainable and harmonious living with a variety of leisure activities, and offers several opportunities for innovative businesses, while living close to home.

• G+2 apartments

Non-citizens are allowed to buy an apartment in a building comprising of a ground floor with two floors (G+2). The price, at the time of purchase, of such an apartment must be at least of MUR 6,000,000 (US$150,000), or its equivalent in any other foreign currency. This legislation allows foreign nationals, with or without an occupation permit, to invest in one or more luxury apartments.

Contact us for more information on the different schemes

 

Invest in real estate in Mauritius, with PLEION Real Estate

Real estate is a valuable asset that appreciates over time. It also represents a method of securing and growing one’s wealth, with a view of passing it to one’s successors. However, after the acquisition of a property, it is crucial that it is maintained to potentially generate rental income. With many years of experience, we can assist you with your property investment, property management and property maintenance projects by providing concierge services with reliable personnel (housekeeper, cook, gardener, swimming pool attendant or driver).

Non-citizens may buy, if they wish, a property in the approved schemes (as aforementioned) entitling them to the residence permit and allowing them to live in Mauritius. Whether you are looking for an apartment for two, for a seaside villa for your family or for an exceptional property on a mountainside, property prices vary accordingly and can go beyond US$15,000,000.

Consult our list of available luxury real estate properties

 

Retire in Mauritius

Non-citizens have the opportunity to retire and relocate to Mauritius. The Retired Non-Citizen Permit entitles applicants, aged 50 years or over, to a 10-year residence permit. To retire in Mauritius, they need to be able to make a monthly transfer of US$1,500 or a cumulative total of US$18,000 per annum into their bank account in Mauritius. After three consecutive years on the island, the holder has the possibility to apply for a 20-year permanent residence permit.

Holders of a residence permit as a Retired Non-Citizen are entitled to invest in any business of their choice, provided they are not an employee or engaged in the management of that business.

Foreign nationals, who wish to retire, relocate to and live in Mauritius regardless of the validity of their permit, may invest in and own property in Mauritius, as mentioned in the section above.

Are you interested in retiring to Mauritius? Contact us

 

An outstanding living environment

Mauritius offers a pleasant environment and quality lifestyle, ideal for those who wish to settle down and relocate to Mauritius. Unlike the metropolises, you will get enough time to recharge your batteries in the midst of nature or in front of a beautiful sunset on the beach, even if you live a fast-paced routine.

You will feel at home in this island of the Indian Ocean. Supermarket and shopping centres offer a wide range of international brands and products. Delicatessens, high-end restaurants and French pastry shops offer quality gourmet as well as organic products. In addition, in the context of sustainable development, and in order to promote an ecologically conscious lifestyle, plastic products (bags, cutlery, containers, etc.) are now prohibited and recycling is encouraged.

Many leisure activities are available, such as cinema, concerts (local and international artists), golf, horse riding, deep-sea fishing, skydiving, water sports, scuba diving in the lagoon, kitesurfing, and many other sports available in the various well-equipped sports centres.

For those who like to spend time at sea, you can sit for the boat licence in Mauritius and purchase a pleasure craft (motor or sail), or have it imported if you already own one. In both cases, there are various yachting clubs and specialised companies for the maintenance and servicing of your pleasure craft.

In addition to a simple and attractive tax regime and a low crime level, the cost of living in Mauritius is lower than in some countries with a similar quality of life.

 

The tax system of Mauritius

Mauritius has a simple tax system with income tax, corporate tax and value added tax (VAT) harmonised at a rate of 15%.

In addition to double taxation treaties, the Mauritian tax system does not include:

• Capital gains tax;
• Property or housing tax; and
• Inheritance tax among others.

Benefit from all of these advantages now

Climate in Mauritius

Mauritius enjoys a warm and pleasant tropical climate all year-round with an average temperature of 27°C. On the coasts, the temperature varies between 20 and 26°C in winter (May to October), while on the other hand, temperatures may reach 32°C in the summer (November to April).

Another point to note if you want to live in Mauritius is that the island is prone to cyclones, which generally occur between December and May. Foreign nationals wishing to settle and relocate to Mauritius should get accustomed to local guidelines to prepare for safety measures in case of cyclonic weather, and keep a first aid kit at home. Movements may be disrupted if cyclones cause flooding.

 

Education in Mauritius

There are many private English-speaking and French-speaking institutions throughout the island, which is perfect for children of families looking to relocate to Mauritius. Private primary and secondary schools offer both academic subjects and extra-curricular activities such as dance, art, music, football, tennis, rugby, introduction to golf, among others.

In private secondary schools, students study for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), A level, the International Baccalaureate and the French Baccalaureate. Mauritian citizens are also interested in international schools, which provides an opportunity for foreign students to integrate more easily into the local community.

With the country’s aim of becoming the education hub for Africa, over 40 institutions provide private higher education in Mauritius, in affiliation with universities in France, England and Australia, among others. Most universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields such as management, accounting and finance, science, aviation, hospitality and tourism, medical education, computer science, journalism and law, among others. It is also possible to study via distance learning.

 

Healthcare in Mauritius

Understanding the healthcare system of the host country is a key component of planning for the numerous aspects of life as an expatriate. In Mauritius, there are several private clinics and specialised centres providing their services for a fee. It is important for foreigners to ensure that they have appropriate medical insurance before moving to Mauritius.

While public hospitals meet most healthcare needs, private hospitals offer a wider range of services and superior facilities. Complex medical procedures that cannot be conducted in Mauritius are transferred to hospitals in Reunion Island or South Africa (40 minutes and 4 hours flight respectively).

 

Which region to choose?

The most desirable locations for expats are generally the north and west, but there are also great advantages to living in the east and south of Mauritius.

The north offers a balance between western comfort and tropical paradise – it is perfect for those seeking an urban but relaxed lifestyle. It has many shops, shopping centres, schools, private clinics and a lively nightlife with many bars and restaurants.

The west of the island is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is particularly suitable for those who wish to enjoy water sports. It is a paradise for ocean and nature lovers who want to enjoy a lively nightlife.

In the south, you will find a wilder and quieter environment with fewer amenities than the other regions. If you are looking for an authentic Mauritian experience closer to the locals, this region is perfect for you.

The east also offers a very village-like atmosphere and its beaches are among the most beautiful in Mauritius. In addition, many luxury hotels and magnificent golf courses are available in this region.

 

Looking to relocate to Mauritius?

PLEION Real Estate offers a wide range of services in order to accompany you in immigrating to Mauritius. For us, it all starts with the discovery of the island with your family in order to help you better plan your move. Once you have made your choice, we provide you with tailor-made services for your relocation to Mauritius, which include:

• Assisting you and your family in your application for a residence permit;
• Follow-up with the authorities and immigration;
• Assistance and advice for the purchase or rental of your property;
• Hotel reservation or search for temporary accommodation until you can move in your new home;
• Moving and customs clearance of your personal belongings;
• Property maintenance and concierge services by trusted personnel;
• Management and renewal of your residence permit;
• Suggestion and selection of a convenient school for your children;
• The selection of sports clubs for you and your family, according to your favourite activities;
• Assistance in the purchase of vehicles or pleasure craft;
• Importation of your pets;
• Advice and assistance in subscribing to various insurance policies (home, health, life insurance, etc.)
• Arrangement of vacations, activities and private excursions;
• Events planning and management; and
• Management of tax returns and payments.

 

Many South Africans and Europeans made the choice to relocate to Mauritius. Why not you?

For more information on the steps to follow for immigrating to Mauritius with your family, contact us via the contact form below.