Ways to live in Mauritius
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Digital nomad visa Digital nomad visas →
Premium Visa
Long-stay visa for remote workers, retirees and long-term tourists whose income comes from outside Mauritius; required for stays over 180 days in a calendar year.
- What you need
- Income of at least $1,500 a month per adult plus $500 per child, earned outside Mauritius (3 months of bank statements and a contract or income proof). Also: travel and health insurance, return ticket and accommodation proof; no local work.
- Income
- from about $1,500 a month
- How long
- More than 6 months up to 1 year, multiple entry
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- Free (no processing fee)
- Processing time
- The e-visa is sent by email
- How to apply
- Online at residency.mu (Economic Development Board), from abroad or while in Mauritius as a tourist
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Not by itself; holders can switch to a work-and-residence (Occupation) permit or the retiree residence permit
Retirement visa Retirement visas →
Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens (50+)
Long residence permit for people aged 50+ with steady foreign income; no employment allowed.
- What you need
- Age 50+; $24,000 in a bank statement or a guaranteed $2,000 a month, transferred to a Mauritian account; police and medical certificates. No paid work in Mauritius (investing without a salary is allowed).
- Income
- from about $2,000 a month
- How long
- 10 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- $1,000 permit fee + $50 non-refundable application fee (from 1 Dec 2025)
- How to apply
- Online for approval in principle (business.edbmauritius.org), then in person at the Passport and Immigration Office
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- After 5 years in a row you can apply for a 20-year permanent residence permit
- Tax
- Tax resident after 183 days in a year (or 270 days over two years); foreign income of residents can be taxable.
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Residence through property purchase
Buying a home worth at least $375,000 in an approved scheme makes the buyer and family eligible for a residence permit.
- What you need
- Purchase of a home worth at least $375,000 in an approved real estate scheme.
- Savings
- about $375,000
- How long
- Valid while you own the property
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- Property price plus taxes and fees
- How to apply
- Via the Economic Development Board after buying from an approved developer
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $250 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $450 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $750 |
| Bills | $80 |
| Typical local salary | $600 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Mauritius mixes Indian, African, Chinese and French influences in food, festivals and faiths. Expats favour the west and north coasts, around Grand Baie and Tamarin, for beaches, kitesurfing and hikes in the green interior.
Day to day
A metro line serves the central towns, but most people drive. Private clinics are good for routine care. Cards work widely and internet is reliable. English is official, while French and Creole dominate daily talk.
Trade-offs
Cyclones can hit in the hot season. Traffic around Port Louis is heavy, and imported goods cost more. The island is remote, so travel elsewhere means long flights.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand180 days
Switzerland180 days
Norway180 days
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong180 days
South Africa180 days
Mexico180 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Mauritius have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Mauritius offers: Premium Visa.
How can I move to Mauritius?
The routes we have checked are: Digital nomad visa, Retirement visa, Investment and golden visa.
Can I retire in Mauritius?
Yes, through: Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens (50+).
When was this information checked?
The residence routes for Mauritius were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
Sources and last check
Residence routes for Mauritius were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
- EDB Mauritius — Premium Visa
- EDB Mauritius — Premium Visa FAQ (PDF)
- EDB Mauritius — Retired Non-Citizen
- EDB Mauritius — Real Estate Scheme
- https://passport.govmu.org/
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
