Expatriate and live in Mauritius: what are the reasons?

Very often described as one of the most beautiful touristic destinations in the world, Mauritius remains very attractive. A great number of non-citizens, professionals and retirees, have chosen to expatriate and live in Mauritius. Paradisiac setting, tropical climate, charming and welcoming local population, political and economic stability, cultural mixity…all these reasons and assets that explain this high demand for expatriation to Mauritius.

Strategic geographical location

Strategically located in the south-east of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is at the cross-roads of 3 continents, linking Africa to Europe and Asia, while standing as a hub in terms of investment, trade and tourism. This particular geographical location (practical and convenient time zone : GMT +4) has turned Mauritius into a sought-after financial and business hub, allowing round-the-clock global transactions with Far-East markets and United States’ markets.

Mauritius also features incredible assets such as un mild subtropical climate, cultural and language diversity, a welcoming population, kilometers of white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise lagoon water, breathtaking landscapes… a dream destination to settle in!

Free Market economy

Mauritius benefits from a free-market economic model where there is no restriction on repatriation of profits, dividends and capital. The Index of Economic Freedom published by the Wall Street Journal ranks the country 13^th in the World and 1^st in Africa. The protection of foreign investors is achieved through Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (Mauritius being a signatory), facilitating capital flux and transfer of assets. Furthermore, Mauritius is ranked 13^thworldwide in terms of Ease of Doing Business (World Bank Index 2020).

Political, economic and social stability

Since its independence in 1968, Mauritius stands as a reference in terms of sustainable political, economic and social stability. Based on the British Westminster model, free democratic elections are held every 5 years, putting forward the principles of separation of powers for the executive, the legislative and the judiciary with a free press as watchdog.

A dream destination

Advantageous tax system

To attract more and more foreign investors, Mauritius has over the time, implemented an array of tax advantages:

Flat tax rate of 15%
No property tax
No wealth tax
No tax on capital gains
No tax on dividends
Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital from companies located outside Mauritius and taxed at 15%
No tax on import-export activities
No customs duty on all goods or equipment imported through the free port
No inheritance tax

Property schemes available for non-citizens

Mauritius has turned into an attractive destination in terms of property investment by opening its property market to foreign investors. The Mauritian government has launched a series of tailor-made real estate schemes to allow non-citizens to purchase real estate properties in Mauritius : the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), the Real Estate Scheme (RES), the Property Development Scheme (PDS), the Smart City Scheme (SCS), and G+2 apartments.

Read article : Real estate properties and property investment programs in Mauritius for sale to foreigners

A qualified workforce

Thanks to its colonial past, Mauritius benefits from a bilingual population mastering both English and French while its literacy rate is above 80%. Its active population is made up of qualified, versatile and multi-skilled professionals, always looking forward to improving their learning curve. Mauritians generally complete their tertiary education at the University of Mauritius and at the University of Technology with courses from foreign tertiary institutions.

The Mauritian free port

Launched in 1992, the Mauritian free port is a modern integrated free-trade platform in which logistics and warehousing facilities are available for smooth transit and storage of goods destined for re-exportation. Its objective is to promote Mauritius as a regional trading and logistics hub for Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean countries. Countries operating within the Mauritius Free Port are exempted from corporate income taxes.

Education for expats

It is good to note that education is free and compulsory till the age of 16 years old in Mauritius. The Mauritian education system is based on the English model, divided into 3 distinct cycles: primary, secondary and tertiary. Expatriates normally opt for international French or English schools.

French international schools include :

English international schools include:

Northfields International High School in Mapou
Le Bocage International School in Moka
Clavis International Primary School in Moka
International Preparatory School in Mapou
Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School in Calebasses
Hampton School in Quatre-Bornes and Curepipe
Westcoast International Secondary School in Flic en Flac
St Nicholas Grammar School in Phoenix

Mauritian tertiary education institutions include:

University of Mauritius in Réduit
University of Technology in Port-Louis
L’Université des Mascareignes in Rose-Hill
Mauritius Institute of Education in Moka
Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka
La Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Maurice in Quatre-Bornes
Médine Education Village in Bambous
Middlesex University in Flic-en-Flac
Charles Telfair Institute in Moka (among others)

A high quality health system

Mauritius features a relatively good health system managed by the Ministry of Health and Quality of life where medical care is provided by both public and private sectors. Mauritius hosts a number of public hospitals, regional health centres, specialised hospitals and private clinics.

List of private clinics in Mauritius: