Mauritius Residence Permit Through Property Purchase
The complete how-to of the residence permit obtained by buying property in Mauritius — thresholds, schemes, steps and pitfalls to avoid.
The principle: a property purchase that grants residence
Mauritius created property schemes open to foreigners — PDS, IRS, RES, Smart City, and apartments in R+2 residences — in which a non-citizen buys freehold. As soon as the investment reaches USD 375,000 (about Rs 17.5 million), the buyer obtains a residence permit covering their spouse and dependent children, valid for as long as they own the property.
What the permit allows — and what it doesn't
It allows you to live in Mauritius year-round, school your children, open accounts and become a tax resident (15% income tax, no wealth tax, no council tax). On its own it does not grant the right to salaried employment: to work, you combine it with a work permit or an investor/self-employed status.
The purchase journey, step by step
1. Choose an eligible property — an EDB-approved scheme (all our new developments state it); 2. reserve and sign the preliminary contract at the notary; 3. file the application with the Economic Development Board (EDB) with supporting documents (passports, bank statement, source of funds); 4. deed of sale and issuance of the permit. Expect generally 2 to 4 months from reservation to permit, depending on the scheme and the structure (off-plan purchase possible).
Choosing your scheme wisely
PDS and IRS target villas and premium residences in estates; RES covers more compact residences; Smart Cities mix housing, offices and shops; R+2 opens apartments from USD 175,000 — but below the USD 375,000 threshold the purchase does not grant the residence permit. Our guide PDS, IRS, RES, R+2, Smart City: how to buy compares the schemes in detail.
Where to start
Look at prices town by town, explore the eligible developments, then tell us about your project: we check each property's eligibility, build the EDB file with you and stay at your side up to the notary — it is our daily work from Tamarin.
Frequently asked questions — residence permit
How much do I need to invest to obtain the residence permit?
A minimum of USD 375,000 (about Rs 17.5 million) in a property within an approved PDS, IRS, RES or Smart City scheme. Below that — for instance a USD 200,000 R+2 apartment — the purchase is possible but does not grant the permit.
Is my family covered by the permit?
Yes: the spouse and dependent children are included in the residence permit linked to the purchase, with no additional investment.
How long does the permit remain valid?
For as long as you own the property. If you sell, the permit lapses — unless you buy another eligible property or switch to another status (retired, investor, work).
Can I rent out my property when I am away?
Yes, renting is possible in most schemes (subject to the residence's rules), which lets you earn income while keeping the permit. We flag the precise rules scheme by scheme.