Retiring in Mauritius

Residency routes, healthcare and pension tax · MUR

Routes to residency

Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit (Retirement)

Income required: $2,000/month

Equivalent to USD 24,000 per year; funds must be remitted from outside Mauritius into a local bank account and cannot derive from local employment. Applicant must be aged 50 or above.

Duration: 10 years · Renewable: yes · Local work: not permitted

Permanent residency: After 3 years of holding the Retired Non-Citizen permit, holder may apply to convert to a Permanent Residence Permit; permit itself can also be renewed into a 20-year permit after continued qualification.

Sources: Mauritius Retirement Visa - Sovereign Group · Mauritius Retirement Visa - IMI Daily · Mauritius Retirement Visa (50+): 2026 Rules & Cost

Checked Oct 2026

Premium Visa (Digital nomad)

Income required: not published

No fixed minimum income published; applicant must show proof of sufficient means/funds to support long stay, travel and health insurance, and a long-stay intent (tourist, retiree, or remote worker/professional). Income must be earned outside Mauritius.

Duration: 1 year · Renewable: yes · Local work: permitted

Permanent residency: Does not itself lead to permanent residence; holder may later apply for an Occupation Permit or Residence Permit (e.g. Retired Non-Citizen) for longer-term stay.

Sources: Economic Development Board Mauritius - The New Premium Visa · FAQs About the Premium Visa - EDB Mauritius

Checked Oct 2026

Healthcare

Foreign nationals holding a valid Mauritian residence permit (e.g. Permanent Residence, Occupation/Residence Permit) can access the public healthcare system on the same free basis as citizens, based on residency status rather than contributions; one source notes public care is "free for all residents, including foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit."

No specific qualifying waiting period before a legal resident can use public facilities is described in the sources reviewed; access appears tied simply to holding a valid residence permit.

Most expatriate guides recommend private international health insurance because public hospitals can have long waits and limited amenities, and private care is not reimbursed; private healthcare is described as "the realistic choice for most foreign residents" for anything beyond basic care.

US Medicare: US Medicare generally does not cover medical care received outside the United States, including in Mauritius, except in very limited circumstances (e.g. certain emergencies near the US border); retirees relying on Medicare should expect no coverage for care obtained in Mauritius.

Pension income tax

Mauritius taxes foreign pension income of its residents.

Mauritius taxes its tax residents on worldwide income, including foreign pensions, but on a remittance basis — foreign-source income such as a pension is taxable only to the extent it is remitted to (brought into) Mauritius; the Mauritius Revenue Authority explicitly defines 'foreign income' to include 'annuity, and pension in respect of past services.' Resident individual income tax is banded, described by one source as 0% up to MUR 500,000, 10% on the next band, 20% up to MUR 12 million, and 35% above that from 1 July 2026.

Sources: Mauritius Health & Medical Insurance for Foreign Expats: AXA · Expatriate health insurance in Mauritius · Healthcare in Mauritius for Expats: Honest Guide · A Guide to the Health Care System for Non Residents in Mauritius · Healthcare in Mauritius: A Practical Guide for Expats and Retirees · Healthcare in Mauritius - Smart Traveller · Foreign Income - Mauritius Revenue Authority · Mauritius Tax Residency Rules Explained (2026) · Income Tax in Mauritius: 2026 Rates & Bands · Is Mauritius a Tax Haven? A Foreigner's Tax Guide

Checked Oct 2026

Customs & etiquette

Greetings — A light handshake with a smile is the standard greeting for acquaintances and business contacts. Among friends and family, especially in French-influenced circles, a kiss on both cheeks is common. Greeting with a simple 'Bonzour' (Creole) or 'Bonjour' is appreciated by locals.
Dress at religious sites — Mauritius is religiously diverse with Hindu temples, mosques, and churches throughout the island. Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove leather items such as shoes and belts before entering places of worship.
General dress code in public — While swimwear is fine at beaches and pools, Mauritians dress modestly in towns, markets, and villages, and appreciate visitors doing the same when away from resort areas. Smart casual attire is expected in restaurants and shops.
Left hand usage among Indo-Mauritians — For Indo-Mauritians, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean for handling food or objects. When giving or receiving items, especially in Indo-Mauritian households, it is respectful to use the right hand.
Removing shoes in homes — In many Mauritian homes, particularly Hindu and Muslim households, it is customary to remove shoes at the entrance. Visitors should watch what their host does and follow suit.
Bringing a small gift when visiting a home — If invited to a Mauritian home, it is a kind gesture to bring a small gift such as sweets, fruit, or flowers as a token of appreciation for the host's hospitality.

Religion

Hindu 48.5% · Roman Catholic 26.3% · Muslim 17.3% · other Christian 6.4% · other 0.6% · none 0.7%

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Reference information compiled from the sources cited above and reviewed by hand. Immigration, healthcare and tax rules change and are applied at the authorities' discretion — confirm with the consulate, an immigration adviser or a tax adviser before making plans. Nothing here is tax or immigration advice.

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