Retire in Mauritius: Top 5 Reasons for Expats
Mauritius is a very popular tourist destination that also attracts many retired expats each year.
Apart from the fine sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea and welcoming people, there are dozens of reasons why retired European people choose Mauritius. Here are five top reasons to make the move!
1. The tropical climate
For someone who has spent all his life in Europe, between very harsh winters and heat waves, Mauritius is an ideal place to live with two seasons and a pleasant year-round tropical climate. Summer runs from November to April with a hot and humid climate. Temperatures can exceed 30°C on the coast but the sea is never too far away to cool down! The southern winter between May and October is warmer and drier with very pleasant temperatures that vary between 17°C and 25°C.
2. A favourable tax system
The income and value added tax (VAT) rates in Mauritius are both a flat 15%. There is no wealth tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax or dividend withholding tax. Retire Mauritius has double taxation avoidance agreements with various countries, including the UK, South Africa and India.
3. The cost of living
The cost of living is lower than in Europe (about 15% lower than in France, for example). One euro is equivalent to approximately 45 Mauritian rupees and Europeans arriving in the country generally have a good purchasing power. They are relatively satisfied with the standard of living they can afford, although many – imported – products are more expensive than in Europe.
4. An efficient healthcare system
Mauritius has an efficient healthcare 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.
5. The time zone and air connections
This might seem like a detail, but when you are far from your loved ones, ease of connection is essential. Mauritius is within a time zone (GMT +4) that has a negligible time difference with Europe, especially the UK (only three hours in summer and four hours in winter). There are also frequent flights to Europe and it is easy to book a ticket to visit your family or introduce your loved ones to your new tropical life!
