Moving to Mauritius is a realistic goal for European citizens, provided you secure the right residence permit before you arrive. The island offers an attractive tax environment, a cost of living estimated at around 38% lower than in France, and a multicultural setting that makes settling in relatively straightforward. Since 2025, all administrative procedures are handled through the NELS (National e-Licensing System) platform of the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Choosing where to live in Mauritius
The island is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own character. Your choice of region will shape your daily life, your housing budget and your access to services.
The North: cosmopolitan and lively
Grand Baie is the unofficial hub of the expat community. Restaurants, international supermarkets, private schools and expatriate associations are all concentrated here. It is also the most expensive area on the island for rentals, and one of the most commercially active.
The West Coast: surf, sunshine and family life
Tamarin and Flic en Flac attract families and water sports enthusiasts. The climate is notably dry and sunny. Tamarin has seen prices rise sharply in recent years, driven by strong demand from expats. The atmosphere remains more residential than in the North.
The Central Plateau: cooler temperatures and economic activity
Moka, Quatre Bornes and Curepipe offer a slightly cooler climate (thanks to their elevation), good schools and easy access to business districts. This area is often the preferred choice for professionals working locally.
Residence permits for living in Mauritius
The thresholds and conditions listed below are those in force in 2026 according to available sources. They can change quickly: always check the official requirements on the EDB website (edbmauritius.org) before starting any application.
The Occupation Permit (OP)
The Occupation Permit comes in three versions, depending on your professional situation:
- Employed professional: a minimum basic monthly salary of MUR 60,000 (approximately USD 1,300), according to the EDB. This threshold drops to MUR 30,000 for the ICT, call centre and pharmaceutical sectors, and to MUR 25,000 for recent graduates entering the workforce (a measure in place since December 2025). Duration: 3 years, renewable.
- Investor: a minimum initial investment of USD 50,000 and annual turnover of at least MUR 4 million during the first five years (or USD 100,000 for a reduced turnover threshold of MUR 3 million per year), according to the EDB.
- Self-Employed: minimum annual turnover of MUR 3 million over 5 years.
The Premium Visa
Designed for remote workers and digital nomads, the Premium Visa requires a monthly income of at least USD 1,500 per adult, derived exclusively from foreign sources. It permits remote work for non-Mauritian clients. Duration: 1 year, renewable.
The Retired Non-Citizen Permit
Available to those aged 50 and over, this permit requires a monthly transfer of at least USD 2,000 into a Mauritian bank account. Duration: 10 years, renewable.
Permanent Residence (PRP)
The most common route: after 3 years on an Occupation Permit with a monthly salary of at least MUR 150,000 for three consecutive years. It is also available through the purchase of an EDB-approved property with a minimum value of EUR 375,000 under EDB schemes.
Protect my stay from day oneHousing: rent before you buy
Renting: the sensible first step
For an initial move, renting is the recommended approach: it gives you time to find the area that suits you best. In 2025, typical rental ranges are as follows:
- EUR 300 to EUR 700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the area
- EUR 600 to EUR 1,000 per month for a two or three-bedroom property in a gated residence in the North or West
Prices in areas popular with expats are trending upward, particularly in Tamarin and Grand Baie.
Buying property as a non-citizen
Foreigners can purchase property through EDB-approved schemes: the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or the Smart City Scheme. Buying a property from EUR 375,000 under these schemes qualifies you for a residence permit. Outside these frameworks, land acquisition by non-citizens is subject to legal restrictions.
Working with a registered estate agent and a local notary is essential to protect your transaction.
Cost of living: cheaper than France, but unevenly so
The overall cost of living in Mauritius is estimated at around 38% lower than in France when following a local lifestyle. As soon as you start buying European imported goods (cheeses, wines, electronics), that gap narrows considerably or even reverses.
Some practical benchmarks:
- Housing: see the ranges above; prices are rising in expat-heavy areas
- Food: local markets allow you to eat well for EUR 300 to EUR 400 per month per person; supermarkets stocking imported goods are noticeably more expensive
- Internet: around EUR 30 per month (slower than French fibre broadband)
- Electricity: around EUR 120 per month; water is nearly free below a certain consumption threshold
- Transport: petrol is regulated at around EUR 1.16 per litre; public transport is cheap but unreliable for longer journeys
- Private schooling: around MUR 17,000 per month (approximately EUR 310) for an international or French school, to be confirmed with each institution
Tax: the advantages of the Mauritian system
Mauritius applies a flat 15% tax rate on personal income and corporate profits. Dividends, capital gains, inheritance and gift taxes are all exempt. A double taxation agreement between Mauritius and France protects French tax residents from being taxed twice.
These advantages are subject to conditions and may vary depending on your status and country of origin. A consultation with a tax adviser specialising in Mauritian law is recommended before making any decisions.
Healthcare: combining public and private
Mauritius has a network of public hospitals and health centres, accessible free of charge to permanent residents. In practice, many expats opt for private clinics for shorter waiting times and a higher standard of care.
Before obtaining your residence permit, international health insurance is essential: it covers medical costs, hospitalisation and, depending on the level of cover chosen, emergency medical repatriation. This is a critical safety net during your first months on the island.
To help prepare your move and get a clearer picture of what life in Mauritius looks like day to day, the Smart Traveller agency offers practical information on everyday life in Mauritius.
Culture and integration: embracing a genuine melting pot
Mauritians are the product of a uniquely diverse history: descendants of Indian communities (Hindu and Muslim), Sino-Mauritians, Afro-Mauritian Creoles and Franco-Mauritians. The official languages are French and English, but Mauritian Creole is the language of everyday life.
Integration comes down to a few simple gestures: joining in with national celebrations (Diwali, Cavadee, Eid, Christmas), visiting Sunday markets, picking up a few words of Creole. Discretion and respect for local customs go a long way toward being welcomed in residential neighbourhoods.
If you are weighing up several expat destinations, our guide Living in the USA: tips for a successful move abroad offers a useful comparison of administrative procedures and quality of life.
FAQ
What visa do you need to move to Mauritius from France?
French nationals do not need a visa to stay for up to 90 days. For a longer-term move, several options exist depending on your situation: the Occupation Permit (employed, investor or self-employed), the Premium Visa for remote workers with foreign income, or the Retired Non-Citizen Permit for those aged 50 and over. All applications are submitted through the EDB’s NELS platform.
How much do you need to earn to qualify for a Professional Occupation Permit in Mauritius?
According to the EDB, the minimum basic monthly salary is MUR 60,000 (approximately USD 1,300) for the standard profile. This threshold is reduced to MUR 30,000 for the ICT, call centre and pharmaceutical sectors, and to MUR 25,000 for recent graduates (since December 2025). These figures may be revised: check the official EDB website for the exact requirements at the time of your application.
Is Mauritius safe for expats?
Mauritius is considered one of the most stable countries in Africa, with a low rate of violent crime. Petty theft (pickpocketing, burglaries) does occur in some tourist areas. Expats generally advise against displaying wealth openly and recommend securing your home properly.
Can expat children attend Mauritian state schools?
The state school system is free, with teaching in both English and French. Quality varies between schools. Most expat families opt for private or international schools, which typically cost around MUR 17,000 per month (approximately EUR 310), to be verified directly with each school.
Do you need health insurance to live in Mauritius?
Yes, particularly in the early stages of your stay. Before obtaining a residence permit, you do not have access to the public healthcare system on the same terms as a permanent resident. Travel or expat health insurance covers medical costs, hospitalisation and emergency repatriation, which can run to tens of thousands of euros without adequate cover.
