The ultimate guide to prepare your property purchase in Mauritius and to understand the different investment options.
A stable political climate, 320 days of sunshine per year, and a rich biodiversity that offers breathtaking natural surroundings – these are some of the assets that motivate numerous individuals each year to invest in or relocate to Mauritius. According to CEIC data, the Census and Economic Information Centre that provides detailed statistics and data on developed and developing economies, foreign investment in the real estate sector amounted to over eight billion rupees in 2021, approximately 164,134,263.79 euros.
So, how can you find the best real estate investment opportunity in Mauritius? Allow us to guide you through the different offers, their advantages, and the purchasing process that awaits you.
Planning your investment in Mauritius
Explore luxurious real estate offers in Mauritius. Whether you want to relocate, acquire a second home in a heavenly setting, or invest in rental properties, there are numerous options available. This is made possible by the incentivising measures implemented by the authorities over the past two decades:
Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)
Established in 2002 by the Mauritian government in collaboration with the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) promotes high-end properties to attract foreign investors within an integrated development framework.
This legal scheme, under which the Anahita Golf Resort was developed, focuses on purely residential real estate with luxury concierge services as additional amenities.
This program is currently coming to an end and is now being replaced by the Property Development Scheme (PDS) and the Smart City Scheme since 2015. You can find the latest plots of land or off-plan villas, as well as various resale property options.
Smart City Scheme (SCS)
This development framework advocates for intelligent urbanism through a mixed-use integrated city. Its fundamental principle is based on the concept of living, working, and enjoying leisure & cultural activities at the same place. As a result, the real estate offers are more diversified. Residential properties such as plots of land, duplexes, apartments, penthouses, and off-plan villas (VEFA), commercial real estate, office spaces, and industrial areas are carefully designed, while maximising the preservation of the surrounding nature.
Residents can find everything they need for their daily lives close to home, limiting travel and promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation, a key pillar of the Smart City concept.
In order to expand and enhance the Anahita Mauritius destination after the IRS project – Anahita Golf Resort, Alteo’s property cluster, launched Anahita Beau Champ in May 2023—a Smart City with a rural and authentic character that perfectly aligns with the principles of sustainable development and well-being.
Property Development Scheme (PDS)
This investment plan allows foreign buyers to acquire high-end residential properties accompanied by various luxury concierge services and benefit from rental management facilities, as stated by the developers. Unlike the Smart City concept, these projects are of a smaller geographical scale and do not offer the same range of supplementary infrastructures (offices, schools, restaurants, etc).
The unique benefits of PDS and Smart City
The PDS and SCS offer additional benefits for families to enjoy. According to the Economic Development Board (EDB), the local authority responsible for the country’s strategic economic development, purchasing a residential property valued at least at $375,000 USD allows the buyer to:
1. Obtain a residence permit for themselves, as well as their spouse, children aged up to 23 years old, and parents.
2. Acquire the property through a locally established company, corporation, or trust.
3. Engage in profitable activities without an Occupation Permit, which is the Mauritian work and residence permit.
4. Repatriate personal belongings without customs duties.
The tax benefits in Mauritius
Investing in a luxury property in Mauritius goes beyond merely acquiring a residence on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It also entails gaining access to various financial advantages, thanks to the island’s advantageous tax regime. These benefits include low tax rates, no inheritance or capital gains taxes, and double taxation avoidance agreements with over 40 countries.
The real estate offer in Mauritius
Mauritius is teeming with PDS projects. From the beautiful villas, apartments, and penthouses in Tamarin and Rivière Noire (West) to the residences and villas along the crystal-clear lagoons and prestigious golf courses of the East Coast, there is a variety of options.
On the other hand, Smart Cities offer serviced land plots, duplexes, one to three-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and off-plan villas. The main projects on the island are currently located in Médine and Tamarin (West), Moka and Trianon (Centre), Beau Plan (North), and Beau Champ (East).
Both of these offers are open to foreign buyers. In fact, until June 30, 2026, foreigners can acquire a plot of land with a maximum area of 2,100 square metres. The entry price for a property is $375,000 USD, approximately €351,000. The prices of real estate can reach up to $16 million USD, or €14,900,000, for luxury beachfront villas. The offers vary greatly depending on the type of property and its location.
The procedure for acquiring a real estate property in Mauritius
The process of purchasing a property in Mauritius consists of five well-defined steps, which can be conveniently handled remotely or efficiently by a real estate company after the selection of the desired property.
Bhomitrajeet Ramlochund, lawyer and partner at Dentons law firm, outlines the pre-acquisition procedures in collaboration with three key stakeholders: the Office of the Prime Minister, the property developer, and the Economic Development Board (EDB).
1. The Prime Minister’s office
Permit of acquisition
The fundamental step for any acquisition by foreigners.
Upon approval of the request by the Prime Minister’s office, the firm issues a certificate of authorisation for the acquisition of the real estate property.
2. Real Estate Developer in Mauritius
Contacting the real estate developer for the property project in Mauritius
After completion of the negotiation process , the real estate company carries out its due diligence on the non-citizen through a recognised and reputable bank.
The banking procedures
This begins with the Know Your Customer (“KYC”) process, during which the bank of the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City conducts certain verifications. Subsequently, the opening of an “Escrow account” with the bank of the real estate company is created, in order to facilitate the necessary payments relevant to the transaction.
Reservation process
In the meantime, you can sign the “preliminary reservation contract for a sale under future completion” prepared by a notary. A maximum deposit of 25% of the investment amount is required for the property acquisition, and the payment should be remitted into the designated escrow account
3. The Economic Board Development (EDB)
Submitting the application to the Economic Development Board (EDB)
The application can be submitted online by the PDS or the Smart City through their real estate acquisition and management system. Simply complete the form, provide the necessary documents, and settle the application processing fee of Rs 20,000 (approximately 400 euros).
In general, the real estate company will handle each of these procedures and provide proper guidance and assistance throughout each new steps.
Documents to be provided to the EDB (non-exhaustive list):
For individuals: passport and birth certificate.
For a company: passports of shareholders, certificate of incorporation, shareholder register, and business card.
For a trust: passports of beneficiaries, trust deed, certificate from the Financial Services Commission regarding the qualification of trustees and ultimate beneficiaries, and details of the trustee (including the Certificate of Incorporation) and ultimate beneficiaries.
For a society : Passports of members or managers, constitution of the Society, as filed with the Registrar of Companies, including the file number and details of the members.
Are you prepared for an exciting expatriation experience or to acquire your dream property? Your exceptional residence is eagerly awaiting your arrival!
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