Retiring in Mauritius is simpler than you might imagine: a dedicated permit exists from age 50, on simple proof of a USD 2,000 monthly transfer, and local taxation transforms the purchasing power of a pension. Add English and French spoken everywhere, modern clinics and 300 days of sunshine: here is why so many retirees take the plunge, and how to go about it.
Mauritius’s strengths for a successful retirement
- The languages: no barrier. Order, chat with your neighbours, manage your daily life in English or French.
- A tropical climate: farewell harsh winters, swimming all year round and beach picnics in December.
- Gentle taxation: income tax capped at 20% (first band at 0%), no wealth tax, no inheritance tax in the direct line, no property tax. Our tax guide covers it all.
- A safe, stable environment: an established democracy, an island renowned for its tranquillity.
- A reasonable cost of living: detailed line by line in our article on the cost of living.
- Modern infrastructure: shopping centres, a maintained road network, renowned private clinics with English- and French-speaking doctors.
The retiree permit: simple and fast
The conditions fit in two lines: be at least 50 years old and prove a monthly transfer of USD 2,000 (or USD 24,000 per year) to a Mauritian bank account. The permit is issued for 10 years, renewable, and the application goes through the Economic Development Board. Allow a few weeks of processing with a complete file.
Another possible route: a property purchase. From USD 375,000 in an approved scheme, the residence permit becomes permanent, for you and your spouse. All the routes are compared on our residence permit page.
Where to unpack your bags?
- The North: practical living at its best: shops, clinics, restaurants and social life within walking distance, or almost.
- The West: nature, sunsets and village atmosphere around Tamarin and Black River.
- The East: absolute calm facing the island’s finest lagoons.
The advice we give all our retired clients: rent for six months before buying. It is the best way to choose your village with full knowledge, and our long-term rental offer is there for exactly that.
A rich, active life
Golf on championship courses, diving, hiking in the Black River gorges, colourful markets, bridge clubs and expat associations, getaways to Réunion or the Seychelles: the island lets no one get bored. Many of our retired clients tell us they have never had such a full diary.
Our advice for a serene retirement
- Prepare the project in advance: procedures, budget, target region.
- Test before buying: a few months’ rental is worth all the guidebooks.
- Have the tax side of your pension validated by a professional before leaving.
- Stay active and connected: expat associations make the first months far easier.
Frequently asked questions
What are the conditions of the retiree residence permit?
Be at least 50 years old and prove a monthly transfer of USD 2,000 to a Mauritian account (USD 24,000 per year), an amount raised by the 2026/27 budget. The permit is issued for 10 years, renewable. All the settlement routes are detailed on our residence permit page.
Will my pension be taxed in Mauritius?
It depends on its nature: private pensions of a Mauritian resident are generally taxable in Mauritius, on the local scale capped at 20% (with a first band at 0%). The precise rules are set by tax treaties, such as the France-Mauritius convention: our expat tax guide sets the framework, personalised advice does the rest.
Where should you settle for retirement in Mauritius?
The North for practical and social living (shops, clinics, restaurants on foot), the West for nature and sunsets, the East for absolute calm. Many of our retired clients rent for 6 months before buying: an excellent way to choose your village.
Ready to make it real? Browse our listings or tell us about your retirement in the sun.
