Retire in Mauritius: A Paradise for Retirees
How to retire in Mauritius
Looking for an oasis of calm for your golden years? Consider packing your bags for Mauritius, a tranquil haven that caters to those yearning for a peaceful retirement. For individuals over 50, securing a Mauritian residence permit becomes a relatively straightforward affair. A regular monthly transfer of $1500 to a local bank can secure your stay in this tropical paradise for ten years, with the potential to extend it to a 20-year permanent residence after three years.
Settling down in Mauritius also unlocks the potential for investing in local businesses. But do note, these investments are meant to boost the local economy and not intended for personal financial gains. You won’t need to step foot in Mauritius to initiate the application process – it’s all possible online. And the sweetener? The opportunity to buy property and have your loved ones join you in this picturesque island nation, given that you comply with all the rules and provide all necessary documents.
The Mauritian government has taken steps to ensure your move is hassle-free. The National Electronic Licensing System facilitates the application process from the get-go to the point where you receive the ‘approval in principle’ letter. This digital platform lets you bypass a trip to Mauritius to set the wheels in motion. To use this system, you’ll need to register for security and verification purposes. Visit https://business.edbmauritius.org/ to get started.
Once you’ve acquired the approval in principle, establishing a bank account in Mauritius is your next step. Here, you’ll need to make the initial transfer of $1500 (or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency), a crucial step before receiving your residence permit.
Pondering property purchases in Mauritius? Foreign nationals can buy properties under various schemes such as the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS), or Smart City Scheme (SCS).
Your Mauritian journey doesn’t have to be a solo one. Mauritius’ immigration policies extend a warm welcome to families. Dependents of retirees can apply for a residence permit, enabling them to immerse in the Mauritian lifestyle alongside the main holder.
If you’re scratching your head over financial implications, you’ll be glad to know that the funds transferred to Mauritius don’t attract any tax. Plus, there are no wealth or inheritance taxes to worry about.
After a decade in Mauritius, your residence permit can be renewed with the continuous monthly transfer of $1500. Or, if you’ve held residency for three years and transferred a total of at least USD 54,000 during this time, you can apply for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit.
Mauritius is a prime contender for serene retirement living. It blends balmy weather, tranquility, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a cost-effective lifestyle. It’s the perfect backdrop for retirees aged 50 and above, offering a variety of recreational facilities and social opportunities.
To wrap it up, setting up your nest in Mauritius promises an idyllic, restful lifestyle for your retirement. The simplified process makes Mauritius a top choice, with numerous perks awaiting you. So why wait? Embark on your Mauritian adventure today and bask in the joys of island living.
Cost of Living in Mauritius?
Before determining how much you’ll need to live comfortably in Mauritius as a Retiree, let’s first look into the cost of different products and services.
Read our new advanced guide to the cost of living in Mauritius.
Here is a summary of the PDS Senior Living Guideline
SECTION 1: HOME PROPERTY DEALINGS
This part concerns transactions of constructed homes, including deals under a VEFA arrangement.
Eligible parties to purchase a residence from a PDS Certified Senior Living organization are:
i. A Mauritian citizen
ii. Any non-citizen
iii. Registered members of the Mauritian Diaspora
iv. Companies under the Companies Act
v. A ‘société’ with registered formation deeds
vi. Limited partnerships per the Limited Partnerships Act
vii. Trusts with certified trustees
viii. Foundations.
1.1 KEY ASPECTS OF A HOME SALE
Under Senior Living’s PDS, a home sale can occur at any stage: pre-construction, during construction, or post-completion.
Purchasing property during the first two stages follows the terms of a “vente à terme” or “VEFA”, as per the Code Civil Mauricien.
A future delivery sale requires the seller to complete the building and the buyer to accept and pay upon delivery.
In a future state of completion sale, the buyer acquires immediate rights to the land and structures, and pays as the work continues.
As per the Code Civil, when sold under “VEFA”, the payment is in stages:
a. Deed signing: 25%
b. Foundation completion: 10%
c. Post-roofing: 35%
d. Final completion: 25%
e. Premises availability: 5%
1.2 Financing Residential Property for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens purchasing residential property can pay in US dollars or other freely convertible foreign currencies.
Funds for purchasing residential property must come from outside Mauritius and be transferred through a recognized bank.
If a loan is obtained in Mauritian currency, the initial payment of up to $500,000 USD or its equivalent in any freely convertible currency must be in USD. Repayment can be made using any freely convertible currency.
1.3 Applying for Property Acquisition under PDS for Senior Living
Non-citizens, companies, trusts, foundations, or limited partnerships interested in acquiring property under the scheme must apply to the Economic Development Board.
The Economic Development Board requires all necessary documents for property acquisition from non-citizens, companies, trusts, foundations, or limited partnerships.
Applicants need to include a non-refundable processing fee of 20,000 rupees paid by cheque from the smart city company or developer, made out to the Economic Development Board.
An application is considered ready for processing when all information, details, and documents are complete and submitted to the EDB.
1.4 Application Screening Process
The PDS Company for Senior Living conducts a thorough application screening process to ensure transparency and accountability. Before submitting applications to the Economic Development Board, the company performs due diligence through a trusted bank. This includes a Know Your Client (KYC) exercise and opening an “Escrow Account” for the client. In some cases, the company may sign a preliminary reservation contract for the plot. The potential buyer must deposit up to 25% of the investment amount in the bank.
Through this diligent screening process, the PDS Company for Senior Living evaluates applications and protects the interests of both the company and its clients.
1.5 Required Documents for Application Submission
For non-citizen applicants:
Authenticated copy of first 5 passport pages
Bank letter certifying KYC exercise
For company applicants:
Certificate of incorporation or registration
Register of shareholders
Authenticated copy of first 5 passport pages for each shareholder
Bank letter certifying KYC exercise
For Société applicants:
Evidence of file number with Registrar of Companies and deed of formation
Current Société status
Authenticated copy of first 5 passport pages for each member
Bank letter certifying KYC exercise
For Limited Partnership applicants:
Partnership agreement
Registration certificate of Limited Partnership
Authenticated copy of first 5 passport pages for each limited partner
Bank letter certifying KYC exercise
For Foundation applicants:
Foundation charter
Registration certificate of Foundation
Beneficiary, founder, secretary, and council details
Authenticated copy of first 5 passport pages for each beneficiary
Bank letter certifying KYC exercise
For Trust applicants:
Trust deed
Evidence of qualified trustee status
Beneficiary, trustee, and settlor details
Bank letter certifying KYC exercise
Submit these required documents with your application.
PART 2: Renting & Leasing Residential Units
2.1 Rental of Residential Units
Owners of residential properties in the PDS for Senior Living can exclusively rent to retired individuals through:
The PDS Company for Senior Living
Designated property management services
Retired non-citizens interested in renting under the PDS for Senior Living must submit:
Application to the Economic Development Board
Required documents:
MUR 20,000 processing fee payable to the Economic Development Board
Authenticated copy of passport (first 5 pages)
Bank letter certifying KYC process
Rental/Lease agreement with PDS Company or designated property management services
No authorization needed for Mauritian citizens and Mauritian Diaspora.
PART 3: SALE OF LIFE RIGHT
3.1 ACQUISITION OF LIFE RIGHT
When acquiring a life right for a residential property, you can live there rent-free for life. Ownership remains with the PDS Company for Senior Living.
The life right ends upon your death or if you choose to terminate the agreement. You cannot pass the property to someone in your will.
You are not allowed to sell the life right, whether through exchange, donation, testamentary disposition, or intestate succession. (Refer to article 1717 of the code civil – Le preneur a le droit de sous-louer, et même de céder son bail à un autre, si cette faculté ne lui a pas été interdite.(translated: “The lessee has the right to sublet, and even to assign his lease to another lessee, unless he has been prohibited from doing so.”))
3.2 DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A LIFE RIGHT
To acquire the life right, retired non-citizens need to submit the following documents:
Authenticated copy of the first 5 pages of their passport.
Bank letter certifying the KYC exercise.
Agreement with the PDS for Senior Living, endorsed by a Notary Public.
No authorization is needed for Mauritian citizens and members of the Mauritian Diaspora.
3.3 Termination of Life Right
When a life right unit ends or the occupant passes away, the outgoing occupant or their heir will receive an agreed-upon amount as the initial investment. If the developer chooses to re-grant the right, they will strive to obtain the highest possible new Occupation Consideration. The developer’s decision on the new Occupation Consideration is final, and no claims can be made against the PDS Company regarding the amount. Within 60 days of the Termination Date, the developer will determine the value of the Life Right. If the right is re-granted, the occupant or their heirs will be paid the lesser of two amounts: the original Occupation Consideration minus any dues to the developer, or the new Occupation Consideration minus any dues to the developer. This process ensures fair compensation and protects the occupant’s rights.
3.4 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Occupants may need to pay monthly fees for maintenance, frail care, or management services as part of the scheme. These payments are made to the Syndic or a designated management company appointed by the PDS Company for Senior Living.
Part 4: Residency in Mauritius
4.1 Residency in Mauritius
According to the Economic Development Board (Property Development Scheme) Regulations of 2015, non-citizens can acquire a residence permit in Mauritius. This permit allows them, along with their spouse or common law partner, to live rent-free in a senior living residential unit for life. No minimum investment is required for obtaining the Residence Permit.
4.2 Essential Documents for Your Residence Permit Application
- Here are the documents that need to be provided when applying for a Residence Permit: (seebelow)
- If the applicant is accompanied by their spouse or partner, they must submit proof of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate or certificate of concubinage, copies of the first 5 pages of each dependent’s passport, medical certificates for each dependent, and a morality certificate for the spouse. These documents must be included with the application.
PART 5: SELLING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Property owners can resell or transfer their residential properties and related shares, rights, or interests.
Before selling, owners must notify the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board (EDB) and provide a copy to the PDS Company for Senior Living at least 30 days in advance.
Residential properties can only be sold or transferred to:
a. Natural persons: Mauritian citizens, non-citizens, or members of the Mauritian Diaspora.
b. Companies registered under the Companies Act.
c. Sociétés with registered deeds.
d. Limited partnerships under the Limited Partnerships Act.
e. Trusts with qualified trustees.
f. Foundations.
Buyers must follow these guidelines:
Submit an application as instructed.
Include proof of opening a bank account for payment transfers.
Pay a non-refundable fee of 20,000 rupees by cheque payable to the Economic Development Board.
How to retire in Mauritius?
You have these two options that Mauritius promotes:
- Through Property Development Scheme (PDS)
- Or Retired Non-Citizen +50 years
These are two offers that the state is offering right now, but there are several more possibilities that might be exciting for you.
- Like Residency Through Investing in Real Estate
- The Smart City Scheme
- Residence Permit in Mauritius
- Investing in the Hotel Scheme
- Ground Plus Two Apartments
- Relatives’ Permit
What is the Smart City Scheme Residence Permit in Mauritius?
The Smart City Scheme Residence Permit in Mauritius allows noncitizen retirees to apply for residency through the purchase of property. They can opt for one of several property schemes or filing for a residence permit as a retiree by paying more than USD 375,000 for a single residence.
What are the benefits of retiring in Mauritius?
Retiring in Mauritius offers security and safety, fair taxation compared to other nations, easy connectivity, excellent medical centers, a variety of outdoor activities and historical landmarks.
What are the requirements to obtain a Retired Noncitizen Residence Permit in Mauritius?
The requirements to obtain a Retired Noncitizen Residence Permit in Mauritius include being over the age of 50, providing a 6-month-old Certificate of Morality or Criminal Record Check, having a local bank account with an initial deposit of $1500, and wiring $1,500 per month or $18,000 per year to the local bank account.
Have Mauritius retirement homes?
Yes, Mauritius has retirement homes. Retirement homes in Mauritius are known as Senior Residences, or elderly homes. They are a safe and comfortable living environment for elderly people. Many of these homes offer round-the-clock medical care, social activities, and other services for their residents.
Hi Steven,
What are the advantages of obtaining a permanent visa by buying a house over $350,000 versus obtaining a 10 year retirement visa.
To you Andrea, it all depends on what you want, just compare both and see what suits you best.
Hi Steven, Can the total amount deposited to a retiree’s Mauritian Bank account be repatriated if the retiree leaves Mauritius permanently, or to his/her estate, on death?
Does the requirement to deposit of $1500 per month apply only to the retiree (viz. not to his or her dependent/s, as well).
Steve, you should get your money back when leaving Mauritius, but to get the full answer to your question, you would better ask when you would apply for the process.
Hello,
I would like to ask if there is a minimum number of days per year that one must reside in Mauritius to keep the retirement visa active?
Not to my knowledge.
I am 54 years old Indian doctor and am interested in Mauritius retirement Visa. Please guide
Hi Sunil, email me if anything is unclear to you.