Mauritius residence through property purchase

Foreigners may buy residential property in developments approved and managed by the EDB. The Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) offers villas, townhouses, penthouses, apartments, duplexes and serviced plots of up to 1.25 acres (5,276 square metres) in estates with amenities such as golf courses, marinas and beach clubs. The Real Estate Scheme (RES) covers villas, penthouses, duplexes and apartments in smaller exclusive developments. The Property Development Scheme (PDS) is designed for luxury residences with open spaces, leisure facilities and management services. The Smart City Scheme covers townhouses, villas, apartments, penthouses and duplexes in approved smart cities such as Uniciti, Moka City and Beau Plan.

Under the IRS, RES and Smart City Scheme the buyer is eligible for a residence permit when the property costs at least USD 375,000; under the PDS the price must exceed USD 375,000, and the spouse and children under 24 also receive residence permits. Since Budget 2021/22, under section 5(1)(ga) of the Immigration Act, buying a residential property in a building of at least two floors above ground for USD 375,000 or more, or the equivalent in another freely convertible currency or rupees, also gives a residence permit. Foreigners may buy G+2 apartments outside the schemes from MUR 6 million, but the residence permit requires the USD 375,000 level.

Purchases under the schemes follow EDB guidelines for each scheme, and the EDB publishes the list of approved projects together with the Application to Enter Mauritius form and the UID form that buyers complete. The residence permit for the buyer and dependants is then issued under the Immigration Act. Enquiries go to the EDB on +230 203 3800.

IRS and RES owners may rent out the property, become tax resident in Mauritius and repatriate proceeds from sale or rental without restriction. Residents under the IRS, RES or PDS are exempt from the requirement to hold an Occupation or Work Permit to invest and work in Mauritius. Under the PDS and the G+2 route, the residence permit remains valid for as long as the buyer owns the property. Retirees over 50 can also buy into approved senior-living PDS projects with no minimum price and receive a residence permit for themselves and a spouse or partner.