Expatriating to Mauritius: what you should know before getting started
Where to live?
While all regions of the island have their own assets, each offers its own unique lifestyle:
- The centre of the island delights young professionals looking for a dynamic urban lifestyle, close to all amenities.
- The north and west are now well developed and are the meeting place for expatriates looking for the ideal compromise between seaside life and the big cities.
- The south and east’s wild and authentic beauty attract those looking for space and connection to nature, without compromising on comfort. Luxury residential estates, such as Anahita Mauritius opted for these regions for these specific assets.
There are two options for expatriates: renting a property or investing in real estate Mauritius. Renting has some advantages, such as being able to live by the sea at a relatively affordable rate. For example, for a three-bedroom seafront house, you can expect to pay from €2,000 per month – depending on the level of comfort required and the property’s location.
Real estate investment, on the other hand, is very interesting: in addition to tax advantages (such as the non-taxation of capital gains on resale, for example), it will allow you to access the Mauritian resident status. Indeed, for any investment above USD 375,000, you can apply for permanent residency and benefit from its tax advantages – while being exempted from additional permits to live and work in Mauritius.
How to get around ?
Cost of living: everyday expenses and leisure
How much are the daily expenses?
Last but not least: grocery shopping. In Mauritius, you will be pleased to find most of the products you are familiar with. The country has several supermarkets and even hypermarkets across the island, with wide selection of products – from fruit and vegetables imported from South Africa to major international brands. The average cost is high (+25% compared to France, for example), as it is the case for any island, which relies mainly on importation to cater for the population’s needs.
What about leisure?
Mauritius is a paradise for sports enthusiasts through its lush nature and large lagoons, perfect for adventurers and explorers in search of thrills. Hence, you will have many free options: swimming, hiking, jogging along with a plethora of paid activities to try new experiences. They include horse riding as from €35 per hour, surf as from €80 per lesson or golfing.
In fact, playing golf on the island is a real pleasure, with around ten 18-holes courses and tee-times as from €50 for Mauritius residents, which promotes golfing around the island.
Cette publication est aussi disponible en : Français