Ultimate Guide to Moving to Mauritius: Visas, Cost, Lifestyle & More

Mauritius is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean that has become a popular place for expatriates to live because it has a mix of tropical beauty, modern conveniences, and a good business climate. This guide answers the most common questions about moving to Mauritius, whether you're doing it for work, retirement, or a new adventure.

1. What Are the Main Kinds of Visas and Residence Permits? Mauritius has a number of visa and permit options to meet different needs:

Premium Visa: For long-term tourists, retirees, and people who work from home. It lets you stay for up to a year, with the option to renew, but you can't work for a local employer.

Occupation Permit: A work and residence permit for professionals, investors, and people who work for themselves. Applicants must have a certain amount of money and investments.

Young Professional Occupation Permit: For people from other countries who are 20 to 35 years old and have a job offer in Mauritius. The lowest monthly salary that is acceptable is MUR 30,000. The Economic Times

Permanent Residence Permit: People with an Occupation Permit who have lived in Mauritius for at least three years and meet certain investment requirements can get one.

Retired Non-Citizen Permit: For retirees who are at least 50 years old and have a guaranteed income of at least $1,500 per month. Move Mauritius

2. How Much Does It Cost to Live in Mauritius? Compared to many Western countries, living in Mauritius is not too expensive. On average:

Single person (not including rent): MUR 27,249 a month ( Numbeo )

Family of four: MUR 131,691 per month ( Expatistan )

Cost of Living:

One-bedroom apartment in the city center: MUR 12,000–30,524 per month

Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: MUR 25,000–50,000 per month

Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, trash): MUR 5,000–8,000 per month

Food:

Basic groceries: Usually not too expensive; local markets sell fresh fruits and vegetables at good prices

Eating Out:

Cheap meal at a restaurant: ~MUR 312.50

Mid-range three-course meal for two: ~MUR 1,500

3. How Do I Find a Place to Stay? There are different types of accommodations in Mauritius to suit different tastes:

Port Louis: Capital city with a mix of apartments and houses, close to business districts

Grand Baie: Popular with expats due to its lively community and many activities

Flic en Flac: Ideal for those who want to live peacefully on the beach

Finding a Home:

Online Platforms: Villa Vie, Immo Des Hauts

Real Estate Agents: Local agents can provide tailored information

Expat Communities: Social media and online forums often share listings

4. What Kinds of Health Care and Insurance Are Available? Mauritius has a very good healthcare system:

Public Healthcare: Government-run hospitals and clinics charge very little, but wait times can be longer

Private Healthcare: Offers better care and shorter wait times. Notable hospitals include Apollo Bramwell Hospital and Wellkin Hospital

Insurance:

Local Providers: Swan Insurance, Mauritius Union

International Providers: For more extensive coverage for expats

5. How Is the Job Market? Mauritius offers jobs in various sectors:

Tourism and Hospitality: Especially in coastal areas

Finance and Banking: Growing as a financial center

Information Technology: Government incentives for tech companies

Education and Healthcare: Increasing demand for qualified professionals

Tips for Finding a Job:

Online Portals: MyJob.mu, CareerHub.mu

Networking: Join professional groups and attend events

Work Permits: Ensure you meet Occupation Permit requirements before accepting a job

6. What Is the State of the Education System? Mauritius offers diverse schooling options:

Public Schools: Free education from pre-primary to tertiary; curriculum mainly in English and French

Private and International Schools: British, French, or International Baccalaureate systems are popular among expats

Universities: University of Mauritius offers undergraduate and graduate programs

Choosing a School:

Curriculum: Match with your child's future goals

Location: Minimize commute

Facilities: Consider buildings, extracurricular activities, and support services

7. What Are the Ways to Get Around? Mauritius has a well-functioning transport system:

Public Buses: National Transport Corporation; cheap but crowded at times

Taxis: Easy to find; agree on fare beforehand

Car Rentals: Short-term options available; drive on the left side

Private Vehicles: Many expats buy or rent a car

License to Drive:

International driving permit valid for one year

Mauritian license after passing local driving test post one year

8. What Is the Weather Like? Mauritius has a tropical climate:

Summer (Nov–Apr): Warm, humid, 25°C–35°C; cyclone season

Winter (May–Oct): Cooler, drier, 17°C–25°C

Advice:

Stay informed during cyclone season

Use sunscreen and cover skin to protect against strong UV rays

9. What Do I Need to Do to Open a Bank Account? Opening a bank account in Mauritius is straightforward:

Required: passport, proof of address, valid visa/residence permit

Major banks: State Bank of Mauritius, Mauritius Commercial Bank, Bank One

Account types: savings, current, fixed deposits

Online banking widely available

10. How Safe and Secure Is It? Mauritius is considered one of the safest places in Africa:

Crime Rate: Low; mostly minor crimes

Natural Disasters: Cyclones possible in summer; government preparedness is strong

Emergency Services: Police, fire, and medical services are responsive

Safety Tips:

Protect valuables and stay cautious in secluded areas

Consider comprehensive travel insurance covering natural disasters

11. What Are the Rules of Behavior and Etiquette in Your Culture? Mauritian society is multicultural:

Languages: English (official), French, Mauritian Creole

Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism

Social Etiquette: Greeting with a handshake, modest dress in religious places

Food: Mixture of Indian, Chinese, French, and Creole cuisine; communal eating common

Community Engagement:

Festivals: Diwali, Eid, Christmas

Volunteer Opportunities: Meet people and engage with the community

12. How Do I Get Used to Things and Make Friends? Joining Mauritian society can be rewarding:

Expat Communities: Social media groups

Events: Cultural festivals, markets, public gatherings

Language Classes: Learn French or Mauritian Creole

Sports and Recreation: Hiking, water sports, local clubs

Moving to Mauritius gives you the chance to live on an island with modern comforts. Knowing the visa options, cost of living, cultural norms, and practical aspects of daily life helps you make smart choices. Enjoy the beautiful nature, lively culture, and diverse community that Mauritius has to offer.