Foreign Buyers’ Guide to Purchasing Property in Mauritius
Summary
Foreigners Buyers’ Guide Buying Process Additional Fees (Resale Property) Property Development Scheme (PDS) Smart City Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) Real Estate Scheme (RES) Ground Plus 2 (G+2) Developments Who Can Acquire Ownership Tax Implications Mauritian Residency
A foreigner (non-citizen of Mauritius) can purchase property only within designated Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS), Smart City (SC), and Ground plus 2 (G+2) developments. Purchases above US$375,000 allow the purchaser, spouse, and immediate family under 24 to obtain permanent residency, including employment rights.
A residential property under IRS, RES, PDS, G+2, or Smart City may be sold off-plan, during construction, or when complete. Steps include:
- Signature of Preliminary Reservation Agreement (CRP) with certified passport, utility bill, and KYC letter.
- Signature of three bank escrow agreements.
- Signature of site plan including unit number.
- Signature of finishing schedule and furniture schedule, if applicable.
- Signature of selected unit plans.
Investor protection is well-regulated; all deposits are held in escrow and only released upon completion guarantees.
- Transfer Tax: 5% of purchase price
- Notary Fee: 1% + VAT of purchase price
- Agency Fee: 2.75% + VAT
- EDB Processing Fee: Rs40,000
- No commission for off-plan purchases
The PDS replaced IRS and RES and allows mixed residences for citizens, non-citizens, and Mauritian diaspora. Non-citizens investing >US$375,000 are eligible for residency. Registration duty harmonized to 5%.
Smart Cities provide a live/work/play lifestyle with sustainable, self-sufficient urban developments. Non-citizens investing >US$375,000 can obtain residency.
IRS properties include luxury villas, apartments, and penthouses with minimum purchase US$375,000 for residency eligibility. Includes amenities like golf courses, marinas, wellness centers, and more.
RES allows mixed residences on freehold land (≤10ha) with no minimum price. Investments >US$375,000 grant residency. Suitable for investors, residents, or holiday home owners.
Foreigners may purchase apartments ≥2 levels above ground with Economic Development Board approval. Minimum purchase Rs6m. Ensure reputable developer due to less strict investor protection. Investments >US$375,000 allow residency.
- Trust with licensed trustee
- Non-citizen of Mauritius
- Citizen of Mauritius
- Foreign company registered under Companies Act 2001
- Mauritian company incorporated under Companies Act 2001
- Society set up by licensed Financial Services Commission
Global Business License holders may not acquire property under IRS/RES.
- 15% corporate and individual income tax rate
- Double taxation agreements with 36 countries
- No capital gains or inheritance tax
Note: Subject to change as per Mauritius Revenue Authority.
Permanent residency is granted for property investments ≥US$375,000, including spouse and dependents. Mauritian passport application possible after prescribed years. Mauritius is a residency-by-investment program, not citizenship-by-investment.