The idea of spending your retirement in Mauritius appeals to many people. But before packing your bags, it is essential to understand the requirements to obtain a Retired Residence Permit in Mauritius and to anticipate the key stages of your relocation.
To help you avoid the most common mistakes, our team has condensed its on-the-ground experience into a dedicated video available on the SmartTraveller YouTube channel.
We strongly recommend watching it before starting your application process.
Below, you will find a summary of our main recommendations to help you prepare for your retirement in Mauritius under the best possible conditions.
Eligibility requirements for the Retired Residence Permit in Mauritius
The Mauritian authorities apply strict eligibility criteria.
You must be at least 50 years old to submit an application to the relevant authorities (EDB). You do not need to be officially retired in your home country: your age is the main eligibility criterion.
You must also be able to demonstrate the transfer of at least USD 2,000 per month, or USD 24,000 per year, to Mauritius from abroad.
The Retired Residence Permit allows you to reside in Mauritius for up to 10 years.
However, it is not a work permit: you cannot carry out paid employment on the Mauritian local market.
You may, however, continue to receive income from abroad.
Planning your budget for living in Mauritius
As mentioned above, eligibility for the Retired Residence Permit requires a minimum transfer of USD 2,000 per month from abroad. This is only a legal minimum.
Based on the real-life experience and feedback of the SmartTraveller community, the actual cost of living in Mauritius generally requires a higher monthly budget. Your real cost of living will depend heavily on your lifestyle, the region you choose, the type of accommodation you want, your spending habits and the level of comfort you are looking for.
To build a realistic budget, several key expenses should be anticipated:
- Accommodation, which is often the largest expense. In Grand Baie, Tamarin and other areas highly sought after by expatriates, a comfortable villa can easily cost around MUR 80,000 per month (approximately €1,500), or more depending on the location, size and amenities.
- Healthcare, with insurance adapted to your personal situation. International health insurance may be particularly relevant if you want easy access to the island’s private healthcare facilities and clinics.
- Transport, which should be factored into your budget from the outset. Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, renting or purchasing a vehicle can quickly become a significant expense. We recommend budgeting at least €15,000 if you plan to purchase a vehicle.
- Day-to-day household expenses, including electricity, water, internet, mobile phone services and, depending on your property, garden or swimming pool maintenance.
- Food and leisure, which can vary considerably depending on whether you mainly consume local or imported products and on how often you go out, dine at restaurants, take part in activities or travel.
- International travel, particularly if you plan to return to your home country several times a year.
The budget of a single retiree, a couple living in an apartment, or a couple looking for a villa with a swimming pool and several international trips each year will therefore be very different.
The objective is not simply to make sure you meet the legal requirements of the permit. It is also to ensure that your lifestyle in Mauritius remains comfortable and financially sustainable over time.
To help you get a clearer picture, download our interactive budget simulator here and estimate your cost of living in Mauritius according to your own situation.
Choosing between a Premium Visa and Retired Residence Permit in Mauritius
Choosing the right status depends above all on how advanced your relocation project is.
Would you like to spend several months in Mauritius before making a long-term decision?
The Premium Visa, valid for up to one year, can be an excellent first step. It allows you to experience daily life on the island in real conditions: choose the right region, assess your budget, discover the healthcare system, find accommodation and confirm whether Mauritius truly matches your long-term lifestyle plans.
Are you already certain that you want to settle in Mauritius for the long term?
In that case, the Retired Residence Permit is generally more suitable. It allows you to obtain resident status for up to 10 years, renewable subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
The objective is therefore not simply to choose the longest possible permit, but to select the status that genuinely matches your project and your relocation timeline.
This is precisely where SmartTraveller can assist you well before you move to Mauritius.
Beyond handling your administrative procedures with the authorities and managing the follow-up of your application, our team helps you identify the status best suited to your project, your family situation and your planned relocation date.
Our objective is to help you make the right decisions from the start, avoid unnecessary procedures and build a clear and coherent relocation plan.
FAQ for future expatriates
- Can I move to Mauritius with my family? Yes. Your spouse can apply for a Dependant Permit linked to your residence status. Children under the age of 24 may also be included in the process, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
- What happens when I arrive in Mauritius? Ideally, your relocation should be prepared 4 to 6 months before your planned arrival date. Our team checks your original documents, prepares your application and liaises with the relevant authorities on your behalf. You can then travel to Mauritius with the preliminary approval of your Retired Residence Permit. Once on the island, your bank account opening and medical examinations are completed, and SmartTraveller continues to support you until your permit is finalised during your last appointment with the Mauritian authorities.
- And what happens after that? Once you arrive, you can join the SmartTraveller community, meet other expatriates and start building your new social network in Mauritius.
SmartTraveller has been supporting future expatriates for more than 10 years in preparing their move to Mauritius: residence permits, administrative procedures, healthcare, insurance, banking, accommodation, relocation support and community integration.
Download our free resources to prepare your move
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