You’re preparing your move to Mauritius and have questions? You’re in the right place. After 8 years on the island, 4 residence permits obtained personally and dozens of families supported through their relocation, I’ve compiled here the answers to the questions I receive most often. If your situation is specific, a 1-hour coaching session allows us to go further.
Residence Permit
There are several main categories: the Investor Occupation Permit (for those creating a company in Mauritius with a minimum investment of 100,000 USD), Self-Employed (for freelancers operating from Mauritius), Professional (for employees of a Mauritian company, minimum salary 50,000 MUR/month), and Retired (for those 50+ with a regular pension income). The right choice depends on your personal situation, your activity and your income. This is often the starting point of a coaching session — to make sure you choose the right permit from the start.
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Official fees at the EDB (Economic Development Board) vary depending on the type of permit. The real cost to anticipate is the preparation of the file: certified translations, apostilles, official documents. Government fees are generally around 1,000 USD. If you go through a support service, budget an additional €1,400 (Self-Employed) to €1,700 (Investor) for full accompaniment. Some agencies charge significantly more — without any guarantee of results.
On average, count 2 to 4 months between submitting a complete file and receiving the permit, depending on the type of permit and the EDB’s workload. An incomplete or erroneous file can significantly delay the process. The key: submit a solid, complete file from day one.
It depends on the type of permit. The Occupation Permit (Investor, Self-Employed, Professional) includes the right to work within the declared activity. The Retired permit, however, does not allow any paid professional activity in Mauritius. If you want to both settle and work, the Occupation Permit is the way to go. There is also the Premium Visa, but that applies to people receiving income from abroad.
Renewal is done at the EDB, generally 2 to 3 months before the permit expires. Renewal conditions now include performance thresholds (minimum turnover or income depending on the permit type), introduced by the 2026/2027 Budget. An up-to-date file and clear accounts are essential.
Both are Occupation Permits, but they target different profiles. The Investor permit requires creating a company in Mauritius and investing a minimum of 100,000 USD — suited for entrepreneurs wanting to develop a local business. The Self-Employed permit is for freelancers (consultants, content creators, independent professionals) operating from Mauritius, without necessarily hiring staff or investing significant capital. The choice depends on your business structure and goals.
Practical Life & Settling In
For a French family, count on average between €3,000 and €5,000 per month to live comfortably — accommodation included. A furnished apartment in a residential area costs between €800 and €1,500/month depending on the location. Life in Mauritius isn’t cheap: imported products cost as much or even more than in France. On the other hand, some local services, fuel, and local fresh produce remain very affordable.
That’s the number one misconception. Mauritius can be expensive — sometimes more than France — if you keep consuming like you would at home (imported products, upscale restaurants, tourist activities). On the other hand, if you adopt the local lifestyle (markets, local products, Mauritian services), the cost of living becomes very reasonable. The secret: adapt, rather than try to replicate French comfort.
Private health insurance is essential in Mauritius. The public system exists but isn’t well-suited for expats for routine care. Several international insurers cover Mauritius: MSH International, April International, Allianz Care. Budget €100 to €300/month per person depending on age and coverage chosen. This is a cost you absolutely must anticipate in your relocation budget.
My experience with expat health insurance →
My experience with expat health insurance →
The main Mauritian banks (MCB, SBM, AfrAsia) offer accounts for non-residents and foreign residents. Documents generally required: passport, proof of address, proof of income and a recommendation letter from your current bank. Some banks also require your residence permit. AfrAsia and MCB are often recommended for expats. Important: always keep a bank account in Europe or your home country — the Mauritian rupee regularly depreciates against the euro.
Yes. Mauritius has both a public school system (in English and French) and private international schools (including French-accredited schools). French schools in Mauritius — such as Paul et Virginie, or the école du Nord — are popular among French-speaking expat families. School fees in international private schools range from €5,000 to €15,000/year. The Mauritian public system is free but very different from the French curriculum.
Taxation & Real Estate
Mauritius applies a progressive income tax (since the 2026/2027 Budget): 0% up to 500,000 MUR/year, 10% from 500,000 to 1,000,000 MUR, 20% from 1,000,000 to 12,000,000 MUR, and 35% beyond. For the majority of expats, the effective rate remains highly competitive compared to France. There is no wealth tax, no inheritance tax on Mauritian assets for non-tax residents. To be a tax resident in Mauritius, you must spend more than 183 days per year on the island.
Yes, but only through EDB-approved schemes: IRS, RES, PDS, Smart City, and G+2 apartments on private land (minimum price 6 million MUR, ~€109,000). Since the 2025/2026 Budget, registration fees for non-citizens have doubled (5% → 10%). Apartments built on state land or on the coastline are prohibited for foreigners since 2025. The IRS/RES/PDS schemes remain the main and secure route.
Practical Steps
French nationals do not need a visa to enter Mauritius (tourist stay up to 90 days). To settle long-term, you need to obtain a residence permit (Occupation Permit or Residence Permit depending on your situation) or the Premium Visa. An E-Visa was announced in the 2026/2027 Budget to facilitate initial steps — a measure to be confirmed when the Finance Act is voted on during 2026.
Company creation in Mauritius goes through the Registrar of Companies. The most common legal forms for expats: a GBC (Global Business Company) or a local company (Private Company Limited). The creation is generally accompanied by an Investor Occupation Permit application. It is strongly recommended to go through a licensed Management Company for setting up a GBC — errors in legal structure can be very costly.
Yes, provided you hold a valid work or residence permit (tourist and student visas do not allow pet imports) and follow a regulated health procedure (vaccinations, tests, import permit) that requires several months of preparation.
Have a specific situation that doesn’t fit these scenarios? That’s perfectly normal — every relocation project is unique. A 1-hour coaching session lets you assess your specific situation and leave with a clear action plan.