Settling in Mauritius in 2026: The practical guide to the first 100 days

Buying a property in Mauritius or obtaining a residence permit is only the beginning. The first 100 days often determine the quality of your settlement. This guide covers the concrete steps in chronological order, together with the most frequent pitfalls observed on the ground by teams who assist new arrivals.  

1. Before departure (D-30 to D-1)  

Prepare the following elements to save valuable time on arrival:  

• Valid passport (ideally with at least 6 months remaining)  
• Residence permit / Occupation Permit / Premium Visa or  EDB approval letter  
• Police clearance and medical certificates if required by your permit  
• International health insurance (often mandatory for certain visas)  
• Proof of funds and bank references from your home country  
• Sworn translation of your driving licence if necessary  
• Detailed list of personal effects for customs clearance (container)  

Book temporary accommodation (1 to 3 months): Airbnb, furnished residence or long-stay hotel. Looking for a permanent lease from day one is often a source of stress.  

2. The first 7 days (Arrival)  

Immediate priorities  

1. Local SIM card Buy a prepaid SIM ( my.t ,  Emtel , or Chili) at the airport or in town. Passport required. Data plans start around MUR 500 per month.  
2. Temporary accommodation Make sure you have an address that can be used as proof of residence.  
3. Opening a bank account Most frequently used banks by expatriates:  MCB ,  SBM ,  AfrAsia . Usual documents: passport, residence permit or visa, proof of address in Mauritius, proof of income or funds, sometimes a reference letter from your home bank. Timeframe: a few days to 2–3 weeks depending on the profile.  
4. Consular registration (French nationals) Register on the register of French citizens living abroad at the Embassy in Port Louis. It is free and recommended.  
5. Tax Account Number (TAN) Apply for it at the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) . Required for tax purposes and by some employers.  

3. Weeks 2 to 4: Stabilising daily life  

Permanent housing  

Visit, compare, and sign a lease. Check:  

• Who pays for electricity (CEB), water (CWA) and internet  
• Termination conditions  
• Detailed inventory of fixtures on entry  

Utilities  

• Transfer the CEB (electricity) and CWA (water) contracts into your name  
• Order fibre (my.t, Emtel or CEB Fibernet) — installation usually takes 1 to 2 weeks  

Driving license  

Your national license is generally valid temporarily (often 3 to 12 months depending on nationality and license type).  

Afterwards, exchange it for a Mauritian license at the National Transport Authority (NTA). For most European licenses, the exchange is possible without retaking the test (documents + photos + fees).  

Healthcare  

The public system is accessible but often saturated. The large majority of expatriates use the private sector (C-Care / Clinique Darné, Wellkin, Apollo Bramwell, etc.).  

Subscribe to or activate suitable health insurance (local or international). A private GP consultation generally costs MUR 800 to 1,500.  

Car  

Long-term rental is common in the first months. Buying a second-hand vehicle is often done through private sellers or dealerships. Car insurance is compulsory.  

4. Months 2 and 3: Settling in  

• Finalise children’s schooling (the best international schools fill up early)  
• Build your network (expat Facebook groups, InterNations, sports clubs, associations)  
• Possibly open a second account or a multi-currency account if needed  
• Check your tax situation (tax residency, any declarations still required in your home country)  
• If you have shipped a container: complete customs clearance  

By the end of the 100 days you should have:  

• Stable housing  
• An operational bank account  
• Utilities in your name  
• Health coverage  
• A means of transport  
• The main administrative formalities completed  

5. Realistic budget for the first months in 2026  

Note : International school fees can add €500 to 1,200 per child per month depending on the establishment.  

The cost of living is generally 25 to 40 % lower than in France for a comparable lifestyle, excluding heavily imported products and high-end property.  

6. The most frequent pitfalls  

• Arriving without temporary accommodation and searching in a rush  
• Underestimating banking delays and KYC requirements  
• Neglecting health insurance in the first weeks  
• Signing a lease without checking charges and the inventory of fixtures  
• Driving too long on a foreign license without completing the exchange  
• Choosing a neighbourhood solely from photos without spending several days there  
• Forgetting consular registration and the TAN  

As field experience regularly shows, the first weeks go much more smoothly when administrative steps have been anticipated and reliable local support is available.  

Frequently Asked Questions   

How long does it take to open a bank account in Mauritius?  

A few days to 2–3 weeks depending on the bank and the completeness of the file.  MCB and  SBM are the most frequently used by expatriates.  

Is my French (or European) driving license valid in Mauritius?  

Yes, temporarily (generally several months). It must then be exchanged for a Mauritian license at the  NTA .  

Is health insurance compulsory?  

It is often required for the issuance of certain permits. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended because private clinics are fee-paying.  

What budget should be planned for the first 3 months?  

For a couple in comfortable mode, easily €6,000 to 12,000 all-inclusive (temporary housing, deposits, settling-in costs, and daily living), depending on the chosen standard.  

Is it possible to settle without a car?  

Possible in certain very central areas, but difficult on a daily basis. Most expatriates end up renting or buying a vehicle.  

Are you preparing your move?  

Property Mauritius assists many clients not only with the purchase but also with the first concrete steps on the ground.  

Contact Property Mauritius Agency in Pointe-aux-Canonniers for a personalised discussion about your settling-in project.