undefined

Fri, 3 Jul 2026 17:57:00 GMT

Mauritius1331 · English Knowledge Hub

Living in Mauritius – The Ultimate Guide

A complete strategic guide for people considering Mauritius as a place to live, invest, retire, build a business, buy property or create a new family base in the Indian Ocean.

Book a Personal Consultation Contact Mauritius1331

What this guide helps you clarify

Whether Mauritius fits your lifestyle, family and financial plans

How residency, property, taxes and healthcare connect

Which regions suit expats, retirees, investors and families

How to avoid decisions based only on holiday impressions

When it makes sense to explore buying property in Mauritius as a foreigner

How to plan a serious relocation with more confidence

Strategic overview

Mauritius is more than a beautiful island.

Mauritius often begins as a dream: turquoise lagoons, warm weather, palm trees and a slower rhythm of life. But for people who plan carefully, Mauritius can become something much more important: home, business base, retirement destination, property location and long-term investment platform.

This guide is not written as a travel brochure. It is designed for people who want to understand what life in Mauritius really means: daily routines, cost of living, residency, healthcare, schools, property, taxes, business, culture, safety and the regions where international residents usually settle.

Mauritius can be an excellent choice for entrepreneurs, families, retirees, property investors and remote professionals. But the island rewards preparation. The right region, the right residency path and the right expectations matter more than a beautiful first impression.

If you are still comparing destinations, also read our guides on Mauritius vs Portugal, Mauritius vs Dubai and the honest overview of living in Mauritius pros and cons.

Mauritius1331 perspective: The best relocation decisions are not made because of beautiful beaches. They are made because a place fits your future.

Quick facts

Mauritius at a glance.

Capital | Port Louis
Currency | Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
Official language | English
Everyday languages | French and Mauritian Creole
Time zone | UTC +4
Driving | Left-hand traffic – see also driving in Mauritius
Climate | Tropical, with warm summers, mild winters and regional differences. See Mauritius climate.
Best known for | Quality of life, beaches, stability, property, business and international lifestyle

Content hub

Contents of this guide.

Use this page as your central starting point before deciding whether Mauritius is the right place for your next chapter.

For detailed next steps, continue from this hub into the dedicated guides on moving to Mauritius checklist, retirement in Mauritius, Mauritius for entrepreneurs, investing in Mauritius and best places to live in Mauritius.

1. Why people move to Mauritius

2. Who Mauritius is suitable for

3. Quality of life

4. Cost of living

5. Residency options

6. Buying property

7. Taxes and planning

8. Business and remote work

9. Healthcare

10. Schools and family life

11. Best places to live

12. Retiring in Mauritius

13. Common mistakes

14. FAQ

Why Mauritius

Why more people are choosing Mauritius.

Mauritius offers a rare combination of qualities that are difficult to find in one place: political stability, tropical living, international schools, modern private healthcare, property opportunities, business infrastructure and a lifestyle that supports more time outdoors.

For many Europeans and international residents, Mauritius is attractive because it feels both exotic and manageable. It is not a mega-city, not an anonymous offshore island and not only a holiday destination. It is a real country with institutions, communities, schools, companies, banks and a growing international population.

The island is especially interesting for people who want to combine lifestyle and strategy. Entrepreneurs may see Mauritius as a business base. Families may see it as a healthier environment for children. Retirees may see it as a safe and sunny long-term home. Investors may see it as a property and diversification opportunity.

Suitability

Who is Mauritius suitable for?

Entrepreneurs

Mauritius can be attractive for founders, consultants and international business owners who want a stable personal and business base.

Families

Families value international schools, outdoor activities, safety, climate and a calmer rhythm for children.

Retirees

Retirees are drawn by climate, private healthcare, security, coastal living and community.

Property investors

Foreign buyers often consider approved real estate for lifestyle use, diversification and residency planning.

Remote professionals

Fibre internet, time-zone flexibility and an English-speaking business environment support remote work.

Second-home buyers

Some people build a second base first and decide later whether Mauritius should become their main residence.

Lifestyle

Quality of life in Mauritius.

Quality of life is one of the main reasons people consider living in Mauritius. The ocean is close, the climate encourages outdoor routines, and daily life can feel less aggressive than in many overloaded European cities.

A normal week may include beach walks, gym sessions, school runs, remote work, business meetings, supermarket visits, dinner with friends, hiking, golf, sailing or simply watching the sunset after work. This lifestyle is not automatic, but it is accessible when region, budget and expectations are aligned.

Mauritius works best for people who adapt. Trying to recreate Europe one-to-one often leads to frustration. People who embrace the island’s rhythm usually enjoy a much richer experience.

Cost of living

How expensive is living in Mauritius?

Mauritius is not simply cheap or expensive. Your monthly costs depend heavily on housing, lifestyle, schooling, imported products, healthcare, transport and travel.

Cost area | Typical reality | Planning advice
Housing | One of the largest costs, especially in expat areas. | Compare lifestyle appeal with daily practicality.
Groceries | Local goods can be reasonable, imported brands can be expensive. | Adapt shopping habits instead of copying Europe.
Healthcare | Private care is usually preferred by expats. | Arrange insurance before relocating.
Schools | International schools can be a major family cost. | Calculate fees before choosing a region.
Transport | Most long-term residents prefer having a car. | Include fuel, maintenance, insurance and traffic.

Better question: Do not ask only whether Mauritius is cheaper than Europe. Ask whether Mauritius gives you a better quality of life for the money you spend.

Residency

Residency options in Mauritius.

Residency is one of the first strategic questions before moving to Mauritius. The right route depends on whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, professional, retiree, remote worker, property buyer or family relocating together.

Common pathways include long-stay options, occupation permits, retired non-citizen permits and property-linked residence routes through qualifying approved real estate. Conditions may change, so every plan should be checked with qualified professionals before decisions are made.

Property

Buying property in Mauritius.

Property is one of the most important decisions for anyone planning to live in Mauritius. It affects lifestyle, residency, family logistics, investment exposure and long-term flexibility.

Foreign buyers can purchase selected property through approved frameworks. The opportunity can be attractive, but buying property in Mauritius as a foreigner should never be based only on sea views or emotional impressions.

A good decision considers location, developer quality, ownership model, rental realism, maintenance, property management, liquidity, access roads, humidity and everyday usability.

Rent before buying?

In many cases, yes. Renting first allows you to understand traffic, microclimates, schools, clinics, supermarkets, noise, neighbours and daily routines before committing capital.

Tax planning

Taxes and financial planning.

Mauritius is often associated with attractive taxation, but tax planning is not a slogan. Moving to Mauritius does not automatically solve tax questions in your home country.

Entrepreneurs, shareholders and investors must consider tax residency, exit taxation, double taxation agreements, company substance, reporting obligations, banking, source-of-funds documentation and asset structures before moving.

Important: Tax, residency, property and business planning should be coordinated before relocation, not after arrival.

Tax Optimisation & Offshore Business & Real Estate

Business

Working, remote work and business in Mauritius.

Mauritius can be attractive for internationally active entrepreneurs, consultants, investors and remote professionals.

Remote work

High-speed internet and international connectivity support remote consulting, digital agencies and online businesses.

Entrepreneurship

Mauritius offers a business-friendly environment for suitable international activities.

Regional base

The island can serve as a personal and business bridge between Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Mauritius.

Healthcare is one of the most important topics before relocating. Mauritius has both public healthcare and a growing private medical sector. International residents usually prefer private clinics, private doctors and international health insurance.

Private healthcare can be practical for many standard needs, but Mauritius is still an island. People with complex medical conditions should clarify treatment options, specialist access and emergency plans before moving.

Healthcare in Mauritius

Family

Schools and family life.

Mauritius is increasingly attractive for families because of international schools, outdoor living, safety and a calmer rhythm.

British curriculum

Popular with international families seeking continuity with UK-style education.

French curriculum

Relevant for French-speaking families and bilingual education plans.

International pathways

Some schools prepare students for global university options and international mobility.

Family rule: Choose the school first, then choose the region and property. Daily commuting can shape family happiness more than the house itself.

Entrepreneurs & Families

Regions

The best places to live in Mauritius.

Mauritius is compact, but every region feels different. Choosing the right area often matters more than choosing the most beautiful property.

Grand Baie

Grand Baie is the best-known expat hub in the north, with restaurants, shopping, beaches, marina lifestyle and strong international appeal.

Tamarin

Tamarin on the west coast attracts families, surfers, entrepreneurs and outdoor-oriented residents.

Black River

Black River is known for premium property, boating, golf, nature and luxury living.

Moka

Moka is a modern inland hub with business, education, healthcare and infrastructure.

Flic en Flac

Flic en Flac offers a long beach, established residential areas, restaurants and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

North, West, Centre, East or South?

The best region depends on school, budget, lifestyle, commute, climate, healthcare and investment logic.

Retirement

Retiring in Mauritius.

Mauritius can be an excellent retirement destination for people seeking climate, safety, private healthcare, coastal lifestyle and a more relaxed pace of life.

Retirement planning should not be based on weather alone. Healthcare access, insurance, mobility, budget, proximity to services, social life and long-term care considerations should all be reviewed before choosing a region.

Retirees in Mauritius Retirement Guide

Daily life

What daily life feels like after the holiday is over.

The real test of Mauritius is not a luxury resort stay. It is normal life: shopping, driving, school runs, doctor visits, administration, work, banking, internet, neighbours, humidity, rain, maintenance and social integration.

Many people love Mauritius because daily life can still feel special. The ocean, mountains, climate and multicultural atmosphere create a sense of openness. But successful residents also accept that island life has its own pace and limitations.

Mistakes

Common mistakes when moving to Mauritius.

Buying too early

Holiday emotion can lead to expensive property decisions before daily life is understood.

Ignoring taxes

Home-country tax rules, exit taxation and reporting obligations must be checked early.

Choosing the wrong region

The best holiday area is not always the best place to live permanently.

Underestimating schools

Families should plan school access before property decisions.

No healthcare plan

Insurance and specialist access should be clarified before relocation.

Expecting Europe

Mauritius is different. Adapting is part of the success formula.

Mauritius1331 English ecosystem

Continue with related English guides.

Mauritius1331 HomeStart here for the English Mauritius1331 advisory world. Expat PerformancePreparation for relocation, resilience and cultural adaptation. Entrepreneurs & FamiliesRelocation planning for business owners and families. Retirees in MauritiusRetirement, healthcare, safety and lifestyle planning. Business & Real EstateProperty, company and investment orientation. Tax Optimisation & OffshoreStrategic tax and structure considerations.

FAQ

Living in Mauritius – frequently asked questions.

Is Mauritius a good place to live?

Yes, for the right profile. Mauritius offers quality of life, stability, climate, private healthcare, international schools and property opportunities.

Can foreigners buy property in Mauritius?

Yes, foreigners can buy qualifying property through approved schemes and structures. Professional verification is essential.

Is Mauritius expensive?

It depends on lifestyle. Local living can be reasonable, while premium housing, international schools and imported goods increase costs.

Is English spoken in Mauritius?

Yes. English is the official language. French and Mauritian Creole are widely used in daily life.

Is Mauritius safe?

Mauritius is widely regarded as one of Africa’s safer countries, though normal precautions remain necessary.

Can I retire in Mauritius?

Yes. Mauritius offers attractive options for retirees, but healthcare, insurance, location and long-term planning are important.

Should I rent before buying?

Often yes. Renting first helps you understand regions, traffic, microclimates and daily routines before committing capital.

Can I work remotely from Mauritius?

Yes. Fibre internet, coworking spaces and international connectivity make Mauritius suitable for many remote professionals.

What are the best places to live in Mauritius?

Popular areas include Grand Baie, Tamarin, Black River, Moka and Flic en Flac. The right choice depends on lifestyle, family needs and budget.

Does Mauritius have good healthcare?

Private healthcare is used by many international residents. People with complex medical needs should clarify treatment options before relocating.

About Mauritius1331

Plan your move with more clarity.

Mauritius1331 helps future residents, entrepreneurs, investors, retirees and families understand Mauritius beyond holiday impressions. The focus is practical orientation, honest preparation and access to trusted local expertise.

Personal consultation

Before choosing a region, property or residency route, speak with someone who understands Mauritius as a long-term decision.

Book a Consultation Contact Mauritius1331