Updated 7 October 2026.
The main things to know before moving to Mauritius:
1. Your residence permit: the key to settling in Mauritius
All these French, Belgian, Russian and South African expats settling in Mauritius, it looks simple to come, doesn’t it?
As a tourist, you’ll have no problem visiting Mauritius for up to 90 days (EU passport holders don’t need a visa in advance).
To actually settle there, it’s a different story: you’ll need a premium visa, a work permit or a residence permit. The simplest option is the Premium Visa, if you earn your income from abroad (France or any country other than Mauritius). It’s free and still valid today.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s valid for 1 year, and renewal is less straightforward than it used to be. It’s worth planning ahead — ideally 4 months before expiry — if you want to stay on.
Other permits require more paperwork and time, but they’re perfectly achievable and offer longer validity (up to 10 years).
2. Tropical climate with a cyclone season
It’s true that the weather is generally beautiful in Mauritius all year round!
That said, conditions can be less pleasant between December and March, during the cyclone season.
There are often heavy rains during this period, and sometimes cyclones.
You could then face school closures and power or water cuts.
So be prepared!
3. Stock-outs are fairly common
Let’s not forget that we’re on an island and many things are imported.
Stock shortages are actually quite common, whether for food products, spare parts (cars), medicines (yes, you read that right!) and more.
For medicines, check before you leave — you may not find them here. There might be an equivalent, but it’s not guaranteed. One example: the contraceptive pill.
4. Rather limited means of transport
First of all, you should know that driving is on the left here, a legacy of British rule.
A driving licence is, in my opinion, essential if you have a lot of trips to make (or even if you don’t).
→ The 10 commandments for surviving driving in Mauritius
I wouldn’t recommend the bus network — it’s not always reliable, the driving can be a bit wild, and there’s no air conditioning.
On the other hand, the tram or “metro express” is great!
There are few or no pedestrian zones to “wander” in, except for beaches and shopping centres.
One more thing to know: traffic. Distances look short on a small island, but rush-hour traffic jams are common. Try out the route between home, school and work before committing to a neighbourhood.
5. The schools: a good standard, a beautiful setting
I’m mainly talking about private schools!
There are some excellent schools here, but at a price.
Several education systems on the island:
- French schools (AEFE affiliated),
- international schools (British system) and
- local schools (private or public).
Worth knowing: there are enrolment fees upfront, then the standard school fees.
To give you an idea, here are the fees at the école du Centre (French school, AEFE affiliated) for the 2026–2027 school year (indicative rate: €1 ≈ 54 MUR):
- Association membership: Rs 8,000 per family for new families (~€150), non-refundable
- First enrolment fee (from year 1 to year 9): Rs 40,000 per student (~€740), non-refundable
- Nursery (ages 3–4): Rs 168,905 per year (~€3,130), i.e. Rs 15,355 per month over 11 months (~€285)
- Reception (age 5) and primary: Rs 195,410 per year (~€3,620), i.e. Rs 17,765 per month (~€330)
- Secondary: Rs 223,025 per year (~€4,130), i.e. Rs 20,275 per month (~€375)
Worth knowing: the school has two payment methods. Mauritian families pay in 11 monthly instalments (August to June). Families coming from abroad pay in 3 instalments (August, December and April) — for example Rs 65,137 per period for primary (~€1,205).
On top of that, budget per student per year: school supplies Rs 2,700 (~€50), classroom materials for nursery and reception Rs 2,300 (~€43) and insurance Rs 200 (~€4). Don’t forget the canteen, school van and extracurricular activities.
Source: ecoleducentre.org/scolarite (2026–2027 fees)
→ Complete guide: which school for your children in Mauritius
6. It gets dark early all year round
It gets dark between 5.30pm and 7pm… all year round.
Quite a change from Europe! Note that it also gets light early: between 5.15am and 7am all year round.
Many Mauritians live by the rhythm of daylight, which is why shops often close early (shopping centres are the exception).
A big advantage when you have babies or toddlers who quickly get used to going to bed at nightfall.
7. Housing: a one-year lease
There is no shortage of beautiful homes, but watch out for the lease. It is typically signed for a minimum of 1 year, renewable. At signing, budget for 1 month’s deposit and 1 month’s rent upfront, plus 1 month’s commission if you go through an agency. Landlords can also increase rent by up to 10% per year: it is worth negotiating a fixed rent for 2 or 3 years.
My advice: rent before buying, and try out several areas before committing.
8. Electricity and water: steep bills and restrictions
Year-round sunshine comes at a price. Electricity is expensive in Mauritius and air conditioning takes a heavy toll. Long-term expats say their bill has tripled over the past 10 years.
- Without air conditioning: Rs 3,000 to 5,000 per month (~€55 to €95)
- With air conditioning in summer: Rs 8,000 to 12,000 (~€150 to €220)
- With a pool and air conditioning: up to Rs 15,000 (~€280)
Water bills remain affordable (around Rs 300 to 500 per month, ~€5.50 to €9). But during dry periods, restrictions apply: since 10 August 2026, the Central Water Authority regulations prohibit, without reasonable excuse, washing your car, watering your garden or filling a pool abusively using a hose, sprinkler or pressure washer. The fine can be up to Rs 50,000 (~€925) for an individual. If you dream of a house with a pool, check the situation before committing.
Source: Central Water Authority (Dry Season) Regulations 2026
→ Cost of Living in Mauritius in 2026: The Complete Guide for Expats
9. A French-speaking country, but administration is in English
French and Creole are widely spoken in everyday life, which makes settling in much easier. But forms, official letters and administrative procedures are all in English. Allow extra time — or get some help — to find your way around.
10. Other things to know
As a bonus, here are some other things that surprised me when I came to live here:
- The size of the insects here can literally put you off coming (hello spider when you’re on the throne!). Be prepared for GI-GAN-TIC flying cockroaches!
- Not many pigeons but plenty of bats (look carefully!)
- Mosquito repellent will be your best friend (along with sun cream)
- Lots of stray dogs all over the island.
- Ecology is underdeveloped — Mauritians are not yet very aware of environmental issues.
- Leather goods are expensive (shoes or handbags), as are all imported products in general.
I hope this site helps you with your project. If you’d like to take the plunge too, why not get some support?
