The Mauritius relocation guide

Getting your visa is only half the move. This guide covers everything you need to plan life in Mauritius after approval - choosing where to live, opening a bank account, registering for tax residency, enrolling children in school, accessing healthcare and importing your belongings.

Where to live in Mauritius

Most foreign residents settle in the north (Grand Baie, Pereybere, Mont Choisy) for beach lifestyle and dining, the west (Tamarin, Black River, Flic en Flac) for surfing, kitesurfing and a quieter expat scene, or the central plateau (Moka, Floreal, Curepipe) for cooler weather, international schools and proximity to business districts.

  • North - Grand Baie, Pereybere, Mont Choisy, Cap Malheureux
  • West - Tamarin, Black River, Flic en Flac, Le Morne
  • Central plateau - Moka, Floreal, Curepipe, Phoenix
  • East - Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce (quieter, lagoon)

Opening a bank account

Mauritius has a stable, well regulated banking sector. The four main banks for foreign residents are MCB, SBM, Absa Mauritius and HSBC. Account opening typically takes one to three weeks and requires your residence permit, passport, proof of address (in Mauritius), proof of income and a banker reference letter. We coordinate this on Concierge packages.

Tax residency in Mauritius

Mauritius operates a simple flat 15% income tax on most income, with foreign source income exempt for qualifying residents. To become tax resident you must spend 183 days or more in Mauritius in the tax year, or 270 days across three consecutive tax years. Tax residency unlocks access to Mauritius's extensive double taxation treaty network.

Schools and healthcare

International schooling is well established. The main options are Le Bocage International School (IB curriculum, Moka), Northfields International (Cambridge curriculum, north), Westcoast International (west) and Ecole du Centre (French curriculum). Private healthcare is excellent with Wellkin, Apollo Bramwell and Fortis Darne hospitals offering English-speaking care.

Importing belongings

Holders of an Occupation Permit, Premium Visa or Residence Permit can import personal effects and one vehicle duty free within six months of arrival. The vehicle must have been owned for at least 12 months prior. We work with vetted shipping partners in the UK, EU and South Africa for door to door relocation services.