Island Tax Haven with World-Class Beaches & Creole Culture
No. The Premium Visa is a long-stay tourist visa (up to 1 year, renewable) that does not allow you to enter the local Mauritian job market — your income must come from outside Mauritius. An Occupation Permit is a work/residency permit tied to either local employment, self-employment, or investment in Mauritius. Both routes are legitimate but serve different purposes.
Foreigners can purchase residential property through government-approved schemes: IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme), RES (Real Estate Scheme), PDS (Property Development Scheme), and SCS (Smart City Scheme). Minimum investment thresholds apply (typically USD 375,000+). Purchasing under these schemes automatically grants residency.
The Premium Visa is processed within 48 hours for applications made Monday to Friday. The application is fully online and free of charge. You must have valid travel and health insurance and proof of sufficient income (at least USD 1,500/month).
Mauritius has a growing number of private international schools including the International Preparatory School (IPS), Northfields International High School, Ecole du Centre, and the Lycee Labourdonnais (French curriculum). Tuition ranges from MUR 10,000 to MUR 35,000+ per month depending on school and year group. Most schools offer English and French-medium instruction. Grand Baie and Moka have the highest concentration of international school options.
State schools in Mauritius are free and open to resident children. However, instruction is primarily in English with French as a second language, and the curriculum follows the Mauritian national standard (based on Cambridge/UK model). Most expat families opt for private or international schools for greater curriculum flexibility and English-language immersion.
Yes. The University of Mauritius (UoM) and the University of Technology Mauritius (UTM) both accept international students. Fees are significantly lower than Western universities. Many postgraduate programmes are taught in English. The Mauritius Institute of Education also offers teacher training programmes. Mauritius is actively developing itself as a regional higher-education hub.
Yes. Foreigners with a valid visa or permit can rent residential property freely in Mauritius. Most landlords require one to two months security deposit plus the first month rent in advance. Leases are typically in English or French and for 12-month terms. Areas like Grand Baie, Tamarin, and Moka are most popular with expat renters due to amenities, international schools, and community.
Foreigners may only purchase property through government-approved schemes: PDS (Property Development Scheme), IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme), RES (Real Estate Scheme), and SCS (Smart City Scheme). Minimum purchase price is typically USD 375,000. Purchasing under these schemes automatically grants a Residence Permit for the buyer and their family for the duration of ownership. Luxury villas in these schemes can range from USD 500,000 to several million.
Grand Baie (north coast) is the most established expat hub — beach lifestyle, restaurants, international supermarkets, and multiple international schools nearby. Tamarin (west coast) is popular with surfers and young families, with a more relaxed village feel. Moka (central plateau) is quieter and cooler, close to Wellkin Hospital and several international schools. Port Louis suits those working in finance or business who want an urban lifestyle.