Moving to Mauritius: your guide to the first steps

What a pleasure it is to welcome you to Mauritius – you have finally arrived! After weeks, even months, of planning and anticipation, you have finally set foot on the island. Once you have had your first well-deserved day of rest, it’s time to get down to the paperwork and start familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the multitude of things to do, or don’t know where to start, don’t worry. We will provide you with the essential steps you need to take to start your new life with peace of mind.

1. Getting your license

The first crucial step is to obtain the right permit for your new life in Mauritius, whether to live, retire or work. To do this, you will need to contact the Economic Development Board (EDB). It is advisable to start this process online even before you arrive, especially for work permits. Once the agreement in principle has been obtained, you will need to make an appointment with the EDB and go there in person to present the original documents required.

2. Register with your embassy

Most foreign nationals can register with their country’s consulate or embassy in Mauritius. The purpose of this is to register different nationalities with the authorities in their country of origin, so that they can benefit from additional assistance and protection should the need arise.

3. Register children at school

If you are planning a family expatriation to Mauritius with school-age children, school registration takes place once you’ve settled in Mauritius. However, we strongly recommend that you get in touch with the schools that interest you, and even reserve places well in advance of your arrival on the island.

Indeed, some schools, such as Lycée Labourdonnais, require parents to present their work and/or residence permits, “Resident Permit” or “Occupation Permit”, in order to enroll their children. It is therefore essential to find out about the specific requirements of each school as soon as possible.

4. Opening a bank account

It is strongly recommended that you open a local bank account as soon as you arrive in Mauritius, to make it easier to manage your finances on the island. Expatriates can choose between a resident or non-resident account, depending on their specific needs. To make it easier to verify the origin of funds in a Mauritian account, it’s a good idea to opt for a local bank with financial links to your home country.

Several international banks operate in Mauritius, including SBM Bank, MCB, AfrAsia Bank, Bank One, HSBC Bank and many others.

To open a bank account, you’ll need several documents, including your passport and visa, proof of address less than 3 months old, a certificate showing the origin of your income and your residence permit.

5. Getting around and discovering the island

Once all the administrative formalities have been completed, it’s time to set off and discover your new home. Start by familiarizing yourself with the different transport options available to you. If you opt for a car, get used to driving on the left-hand side of the road if you haven’t already, and plan your journeys accordingly, taking into account rush hours that could cause delays.

In addition, identify nearby supermarkets and hospitals or clinics for any medical emergencies. Make the most of your new life in the tropics by exploring the island’s beaches, national parks and tourist attractions. Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of your new environment for a successful integration and an unforgettable experience.

Moving to Mauritius offers an exciting opportunity to discover a new culture and way of life in idyllic surroundings. By following these essential first steps, you can ease your expatriation and take full advantage of all that Mauritius has to offer. Prepare to be charmed by the landscapes and cultural richness of this Indian Ocean island!