Mauritius Residency by Investment: Premium Visa, Occupation Permit, and Property Routes
Mauritius — a small island nation in the western Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar — has built one of Africa's most sophisticated and internationally respected investment destinations over the past three decades. A stable parliamentary democracy, an independent judiciary based on English common law, a strong financial services sector, membership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union, and a strategic location bridging Africa and Asia have all contributed to Mauritius' reputation as a credible and well-governed jurisdiction.
For internationally mobile HNW individuals, Mauritius offers something increasingly rare: a combination of world-class Indian Ocean lifestyle, genuine tax efficiency, a transparent regulatory environment, and accessible residency pathways — without the political risk or infrastructure challenges of larger African economies.
Overview of Residency Routes
There are four main routes to residency in Mauritius for foreign investors and HNW individuals:
- Premium Visa — long-stay visitor status for remote workers and retirees
- Investor Occupation Permit — business investment route
- Retired Non-Citizen Permit — for retirees
- Property Investment — under Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Property Development Scheme (PDS), or Smart City projects
Route 1: Premium Visa
The Premium Visa was introduced in 2020 and significantly revised in 2022. It is designed for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient income or assets to sustain residence in Mauritius without engaging in local employment.
Key Terms
- Duration: initially 1 year, renewable for 1 year at a time
- Income requirement: regular monthly income of at least USD 1,500/month (approximately), evidenced by bank statements or investment income
- No minimum investment in Mauritius required
- No work rights for Mauritian employers under this permit
- Family inclusion: spouse and dependent children can accompany
The Premium Visa is typically the entry point for those exploring Mauritius as a longer-term residency option before committing to a more substantive investment.
Route 2: Investor Occupation Permit
The Investor Occupation Permit (OP) allows foreign nationals to live and work in Mauritius as investors in a local business. Key requirements:
- Investment of at least USD 50,000 in a Mauritian company
- The company must meet progressive turnover targets set by the Economic Development Board (under current rules the USD 50,000 route requires cumulative turnover of around MUR 20 million over the first five years, with a minimum annual turnover from year six onwards — figures are revised periodically and should be confirmed with the EDB)
- The applicant must hold a managerial or executive role
Duration: the Investor Occupation Permit is now issued for up to 10 years and is renewable. After holding an OP for a cumulative 3 years (and meeting the relevant investment and turnover criteria), applicants may apply for permanent residency.
The OP route is suited to investors who intend to establish or acquire a business in Mauritius — in financial services, hospitality, technology, agribusiness, or the growing healthcare sector.
Route 3: Retired Non-Citizen Permit
For individuals aged 50 and above who wish to retire in Mauritius:
- Annual transfer of at least USD 18,000 into a Mauritian bank account (approximately USD 1,500/month)
- No minimum investment in property or business
- Duration: 3 years, renewable
- No work rights
- After 3 years, eligible to apply for permanent residency
Route 4: Property Investment (PDS / Smart City)
The most popular route for HNW investors is property purchase under one of Mauritius' approved residential property schemes.
Property Development Scheme (PDS)
The PDS replaced the older Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) and RES schemes. Under the PDS:
- Foreign nationals may purchase residential property (villas, apartments) in government-approved PDS projects
- Minimum purchase price: USD 375,000
- On purchase of qualifying PDS property, the buyer automatically qualifies for a permanent residency permit for themselves and their dependants
- The permit is linked to property ownership — if the property is sold, the permit lapses
PDS properties are developed across Mauritius, with concentration in the north (Grand Baie, Pereybere), the west (Tamarin, Black River), and the east (Belle Mare, Mahébourg). Properties range from apartments in managed resorts to standalone villas on world-class golf estates.
Smart City Scheme
The Smart City programme permits foreign property purchases in designated urban development zones at the same USD 375,000 minimum, with equivalent residency benefits.
Tax Environment: The Core Attraction
Mauritius' tax system is one of the most efficient in the world for internationally mobile individuals:
- Income tax: flat rate of 15% on all income (no progressive rates)
- Capital gains tax: none — Mauritius does not tax capital gains
- Inheritance/estate tax: none
- Wealth tax: none
- Dividends: exempt from tax in Mauritius (for residents receiving dividends from Mauritian companies)
- Double tax treaties: Mauritius has a broad network of treaties (approximately 45+), including with the UK, India, South Africa, France, Germany, Singapore, and most African economies — a key feature for investors using Mauritius as a holding jurisdiction
For individuals who become Mauritian tax residents (broadly, those spending more than 183 days per year in Mauritius), worldwide income is technically subject to the 15% flat rate. However:
- Foreign-source income not remitted to Mauritius is generally not taxed
- The absence of CGT and inheritance tax is a material structural advantage
For individuals with significant investment portfolios, business sale proceeds, or intergenerational wealth transfer needs, Mauritius' zero CGT and zero inheritance tax make it one of the few residency jurisdictions where the tax advantages are both legal and substantive.
Global Business Sector
Mauritius is also home to a well-developed Global Business Company (GBC) sector — a regulated framework for holding companies and fund structures that use Mauritius as a treaty platform for African and Indian investments. Global Business Companies enjoy preferential tax treatment under Mauritius' network of double tax treaties. This creates a natural alignment for HNW investors who both reside in Mauritius and use Mauritian corporate structures for their investment activities.
Lifestyle and Infrastructure
Mauritius is a genuinely premium lifestyle destination:
- Beaches and natural environment: white sand beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, and a mountainous interior; the island is consistently ranked among the world's top Indian Ocean destinations
- Healthcare: private healthcare of international standard in Quatre Bornes and Port Louis; several JCI-accredited private hospitals
- International schools: multiple English-medium international schools, including IB curriculum institutions
- Connectivity: direct flights to London (approximately 11 hours), Paris, Dubai, Mumbai, Johannesburg, and Singapore
- Language: English and French are both official languages; Creole widely spoken
- Safety: among the lowest crime rates in sub-Saharan Africa; consistently rated as Africa's most peaceful country
- Cuisine: an exceptional multicultural culinary scene reflecting Indian, Chinese, French, and African influences
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Premium Visa income requirement | USD 1,500/month |
| Property route minimum | USD 375,000 (PDS) |
| Permanent residency via property | Immediate on qualifying purchase |
| Investor OP minimum | USD 50,000 |
| Flat income tax rate | 15% |
| Capital gains tax | None |
| Inheritance tax | None |
| Wealth tax | None |
| Tax treaties | 45+ countries |
| Path to citizenship | 5 years legal residence (discretionary) |
| Mauritian passport | ~140 countries visa-free |
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments has over 32 years of experience advising internationally mobile clients on residency planning, property investment, and cross-border wealth structuring. Our team has direct knowledge of Mauritius as both a lifestyle and a tax-efficient residency destination, and we work with qualified Mauritian lawyers, property developers, and financial advisers across all the approved schemes.
Whether you are considering PDS property purchase for immediate permanent residency, exploring the Premium Visa as a first step, or assessing Mauritius as a base for managing African investment portfolios, we can provide an objective assessment and an end-to-end introduction to the right professionals.
Contact us to discuss your goals in confidence.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Mauritian immigration and tax rules are subject to change. Always consult a qualified Mauritian lawyer and tax adviser before making any decisions. Investments carry risk; values can fall as well as rise.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or immigration advice. Programme details, investment thresholds, and eligibility requirements change; always verify current requirements with a qualified immigration lawyer and financial adviser before making any investment or application. Investment values can fall as well as rise.