Residence options in Mauritius for property buyers and future residents

Residence options in Mauritius are often considered at the same time as a property purchase. For some buyers, the property itself may support a residence permit. For others, the right route may be a Premium Visa, a retirement permit, an Occupation Permit or a later permanent residence application.

This buyer-focused overview explains how property, lifestyle plans and residence status should be considered together before choosing a route. It does not replace immigration advice.

Start with the purpose of the stay

Before comparing residence options in Mauritius, buyers should clarify whether they are planning a second home, family relocation, retirement, business move or longer stay.

Buying property can support residence under a qualifying route, but it is not required for every longer stay. Some buyers may need a visa or permit before choosing a property.

For a broader view of daily life on the island, our article on living in Mauritius as a foreigner looks at practical points such as schooling, healthcare, lifestyle and settling in.

Residence through property acquisition

For many foreign buyers, the clearest link between property and residence is a qualifying acquisition under IRS, RES, PDS, Smart City, IHS or the G+2 apartment route.

Under the Immigration Act 2022, the purchase price must generally be at least USD 375,000 or its equivalent in a hard convertible currency for the buyer to qualify. The permit remains linked to continued ownership of the qualifying property.

Access to a property and residence eligibility are not the same. A G+2 apartment may be open to non-citizens from MUR 6 million, while the residence threshold remains USD 375,000. A separate PDS senior-living route applies to buyers over 50 who acquire qualifying property above USD 200,000. Project approval, buyer eligibility and use restrictions should be confirmed before signing.

For a comparison of the main acquisition routes, see our article on property investment schemes in Mauritius for foreign buyers.

Premium Visa before deciding on residence

The Premium Visa can suit people who want to spend more than 180 days in Mauritius before committing to a long-term residence route or property purchase. It is valid for more than six months and up to one year, with renewal possible.

It can give future residents time to compare regions, schools, travel patterns and daily life before choosing where or whether to buy.

The Premium Visa is not a permit for local employment. The holder may work remotely, but the main place of business and source of income must remain outside Mauritius.

Retirement, work and business routes

The Retired Non-Citizen route is available from age 50. The current permit is valid for 10 years. The applicant must transfer an initial USD 2,000 into a Mauritian bank account within 60 days of issue, then USD 2,000 per month or USD 24,000 per year.

Occupation Permits are available to qualifying investors, professionals and self-employed applicants who intend to work or operate a business in Mauritius. Each category has its own investment, salary, turnover and renewal conditions, and residence does not depend on buying property.

The 2026–27 Budget also announced a Golden Visa linked to a USD 1 million investment in qualifying high-value sectors. It is not a property-purchase route, and applicants should rely on final EDB guidance before treating it as an available option.

Golden Visa for strategic investors

The Golden Visa is a separate investment-based residence route. It is not obtained by purchasing residential property. Under the 2026–27 framework, an applicant must undertake to invest at least USD 1 million within the first 12 months of stay in priority sectors such as FinTech, global treasury, artificial intelligence, biotechnology or renewable energy.

The visa allows an initial stay of up to two years and may be renewed. Once the qualifying investment has been made, the holder may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. As the framework is still being implemented through legislation and EDB procedures, prospective applicants should confirm that the application process is operational before relying on this route.

Permanent residence and long-term planning

The Permanent Residence Permit is a separate 20-year route, renewable for another 20 years, for qualifying investors, professionals, self-employed applicants, retirees and eligible family members.

It is not granted automatically through a qualifying property purchase. Under current criteria, permit holders generally need at least five years under the relevant category and must meet category-specific financial conditions.

Buyers planning a long stay should consider employment, retirement income, business activity, family needs, tax residence and succession planning before choosing a route.

For buyers looking specifically at regulated schemes, our article on PDS in Mauritius for foreign buyers explains one of the main routes in more detail.

Matching the residence route with the right property

Once the residence route is clearer, the property search becomes more focused. A buyer who needs a qualifying residence-linked acquisition will not search in the same way as someone staying under a Premium Visa or an Occupation Permit.

A residence-linked buyer must verify the scheme, threshold and project approval. Retirees may prioritise healthcare and low-maintenance living, families may focus on schools and daily travel, and business owners may prefer access to offices or the airport.

Before choosing a property, buyers should confirm:

whether the property is accessible to their buyer profile
whether the purchase supports residence eligibility
whether dependents can apply under the chosen route
whether work, investment or rental plans are allowed
whether the residence status depends on keeping the property
whether another route may be more suitable

Frequently asked questions

Can buying property in Mauritius give a residence permit?

Yes, if the property is acquired under an approved route for at least USD 375,000 or meets a separate qualifying rule, and the applicable conditions are satisfied.

Is every property open to foreigners eligible for residence?

No. A property may be accessible to a foreign buyer without meeting the residence threshold or falling under a qualifying route.

Can I live in Mauritius before buying property?

Yes. The Premium Visa may allow a longer stay before choosing a property or a more permanent residence route.

Is a property residence permit the same as permanent residence?

No. A property-linked residence permit is generally connected to ownership of the qualifying property. Permanent residence is a separate route with its own criteria.

Can family members be included in a residence plan?

In many cases, yes. Eligibility depends on the permit category and the legal definition of a dependent, so it should be checked before relocating.

Choosing a residence route with clarity

Residence options in Mauritius should be considered before, not after, the property search. The right route depends on the buyer’s lifestyle, age, work plans, family situation, investment goals and long-term intention on the island.

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Sources

The information contained in this article is provided for general guidance only and reflects the situation at the time of publication. Residence permits, Premium Visa rules, property eligibility thresholds, dependent conditions, work rights, permanent residence criteria and application procedures may change without notice. Readers are advised to verify all important information with qualified professionals and the relevant authorities before making any property purchase, residence or relocation decision.