Expat Guide Mauritius 2026 – Visas, residency, costs & best areas to live

Mauritius continues to rank as one of the top destinations for expats in 2026, offering safety, English/French bilingual environment, excellent healthcare, international schools, and a relaxed island lifestyle. With permanent residency available through property investment (minimum USD 375,000 in PDS/Smart City), a 15% flat tax rate for residents, and no capital gains tax on approved schemes, it's increasingly popular among retirees, digital nomads, families, and investors.  

At  Propertymauritius.com , your trusted real estate agency in Mauritius, we help expats find suitable properties for purchase or rent while navigating visas and residency. This complete 2026 guide covers visas, residency options, real cost of living for a couple or family, and the best areas to live.   

1. Visas & residency options for expats in 2026  

Premium Visa (Long-Stay / Remote Work / Retirement)  

• Validity : 1 year, renewable  
• Eligibility : Foreign nationals (most countries) intending to stay >180 days/year for tourism, remote work, or retirement. No local employment allowed.  
• Requirements :  
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)  
  • Travel & health insurance for initial stay  
  • Valid passport  
• Application : Online via EDB portal (free, processing ~48 hours to 2 weeks)  
• Benefits : Work remotely, bring family (spouse/dependents), no tax on foreign income if not remitted  
• Best For : Digital nomads, retirees, long-stay tourists  

Permanent Residency via Property Investment (PDS/IRS/Smart City/R+2)  

• Minimum Investment : USD 375,000 in approved residential property (PDS, Smart City, IRS, RES, IHS, or G+2 schemes)  
• Validity : Lifetime (as long as property owned) – includes spouse and dependents under 24  
• Requirements :  
  • Funds transferred from abroad via Bank of Mauritius  
  • EDB approval of project  
  • Police clearance & health check  
• Benefits :  
  • 15% flat tax on worldwide income (if resident 183+ days/year)  
  • No capital gains tax on resale of approved property  
  • Right to work/invest without separate permit  
• Processing Time : 3-6 months after purchase  
• Best For : Investors, retirees, families seeking long-term relocation  

Note 2026 : From July 2026, registration/transfer duties rise to 10% for non-citizens (previously 5%). Buy before mid-2026 for savings.  

2. Cost of living in Mauritius 2026 – Realistic estimates for expats