Preparing for retirement in Mauritius

Residence permit

A complimentary three-month visa entitles you to live in Mauritius, with frequent return trips to your home country. This document is issued on arrival upon presentation of a return ticket.

Many retired people want to settle in Mauritius for a longer period. The minimum age to be eligible for a retired non-citizen residence permit is 50 years. You can make a minimum initial transfer of USD 1,500 or the equivalent in foreign currency into a local bank account held in your name. You are then entitled to a residence permit valid for a three-year period, during which you must transfer a minimum monthly amount of USD 1,500 or the equivalent in foreign currency. The permit can subsequently be extended for 20 years.

For more information about residence permit options, please visit the Economic Development Board (EDB) website.

Property acquisition

Whether retired or not, a foreigner may buy property in Mauritius under the Property Development Scheme (PDS), which has replaced the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), among others. Such an acquisition entitles you to a residence permit for you and your spouse as well as your children under the age of 24. The permit is valid for as long as you retain ownership of the property.

Heritage Villas Valriche is an IRS development and you are entitled to an Occupation Permit for every USD 375,000 invested. To be more specific, the purchase of an off-plan VEFA villa worth $1.5m will give you access to 4 main residence permits, each valid for a spouse and children under the age of 24.

Heritage Villas Valriche will take care of all the paperwork required for you and your family to obtain the various permits.

For more information about our properties, please contact us.

Car and driving licence

It is essential to have a car in Mauritius to be able to move around freely, especially in case of a long-term settlement. You can use public transport for short trips, but longer ones are definitely easier and more enjoyable by car. There are many car dealerships on the island as well as quality online resale platforms to purchase a car at a lower cost.

You can also request a Mauritian driving licence on presentation of your original licence. It is usually renewable every year.

Health insurance and healthcare system

Some countries’ social security coverage is not available in Mauritius. You are therefore advised to contact a local insurance company for the refund of your medical expenses. There are many different insurance providers in Mauritius. The CFE (Caisse des Français à l’Etranger) is also present in Mauritius.

With regard to the quality of healthcare, Mauritius has an efficient system with professionals trained in leading European medical universities, among others. Public institutions are spread over the island and patients are treated for nearly all diseases. The public system includes specialised hospitals as well as dispensaries in each town or village. The network of private clinics offers fee-paying services with excellent facilities that meet European standards. For any emergency, French expats and retirees can also choose to go to Reunion Island (French Overseas Territory) which is only 40 minutes flight from Mauritius, with several daily flights. However, this is absolutely not necessary as the Mauritian health system meets international standards.

Some of the administrative information provided is indicative only and may be subject to change. It is therefore strongly advised to make sure you are thoroughly informed and to seek assistance in these procedures. Once the administrative aspects are completed, you can simply enjoy a well-earned retirement on this paradise island!