Why Mauritius Is One of the World’s Top Retirement Destinations
Mauritius has long attracted visitors for its beaches and climate. But over the past decade, it has quietly emerged as one of the world’s most credible destinations for retirement relocation. A stable political environment, a tax system built around the needs of internationally mobile residents, a high standard of living, and a well-structured legal framework for foreign nationals have combined to place it firmly on the radar of retirees. TBI Mauritius is a boutique advisory firm specialising in relocation, residency, and business setup on the island, led by British lawyers with over a decade of on-the-ground experience.
Mauritius Ranks 2nd Globally for Retirement Migration
The Global Retirement Report 2025, published in October 2025, evaluated 44 countries offering passive income and retirement visa programmes worldwide. Mauritius secured an impressive second place globally, with a score of 89.24 out of 100. The report assessed countries across six dimensions:
Procedure (3rd globally) — A streamlined application process managed by the Economic Development Board, with clear pathways and reasonable timeframes.
Tax Optimisation (5th globally) — No tax on foreign-sourced income that has already been taxed elsewhere, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax, making Mauritius particularly attractive for retirees managing international pension income and investments.
Safety and Integration (5th globally) — Strong personal security, a welcoming multicultural society, and widespread English proficiency make it straightforward for foreign nationals to settle in.
Quality of Life (24th globally) — Solid healthcare infrastructure, a stable and diverse society, and strong environmental standards.
Economics (26th globally) — A monthly income requirement of USD 2,000, with a reasonable overall cost of living relative to comparable lifestyle destinations.
Citizenship and Mobility (23rd globally) — Dual citizenship is permitted. Investment pathways exist that may allow for consideration of citizenship after a minimum of two years, though this remains at the discretion of the authorities.
A Tax Environment Built for International Retirees
The Mauritian tax framework is one of the primary reasons the jurisdiction attracts retirees and their advisors. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance or estate tax, no wealth tax, and no dividend tax. Foreign-sourced income that is not remitted to Mauritius is not subject to Mauritian tax. For those who do become tax resident, personal income tax is applied on a progressive basis from 0% to 20%, and Mauritius maintains Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with over 45 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, South Africa, and India. For a broader overview, TBI Mauritius provides a detailed tax guide for those considering the move.
The Mauritius Retirement Visa
The Mauritius Retirement Visa, formally the Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit, is a 10-year residence permit issued by the EDB. It is open to foreigners aged 50 and above who can demonstrate the ability to transfer USD 2,000 per month, or USD 24,000 per year, into a Mauritian bank account from a source outside Mauritius. The permit is renewable and, after five years, holders who have transferred a cumulative minimum of USD 200,000 become eligible for a 20-year Permanent Residency Permit.
There is no minimum stay requirement, which makes this permit an effective second residency for those who divide their time between countries. Remote work for foreign employers is permitted without any additional permit. Spouses and dependent children can be included in the application.
Living in Mauritius
Mauritius is consistently ranked the safest country in Africa and among the top 30 safest globally. The island’s multicultural, English-French bilingual society is welcoming and well-integrated. Healthcare infrastructure is strong, with a growing number of high-quality private clinics, and Mauritius is increasingly recognised as a medical tourism destination. The north and west coasts, particularly Grand Baie and Tamarin, are home to the largest expat communities and offer excellent amenities, international schools, and a relaxed pace of life. A full overview of areas, costs, schools, and healthcare is available on TBI’s moving to Mauritius guide.
About TBI Mauritius
TBI Mauritius is a boutique consultancy founded in 2018 by British lawyers, focused on business, investment, and relocation in Mauritius. TBI’s services cover the full spectrum of what a foreigner needs when moving to or investing in Mauritius: relocation and concierge support (bank account setup, accommodation, schooling, insurance, and high-net-worth concierge services), property acquisition, and company formation and structuring.
For those considering retirement in Mauritius, TBI guides clients through eligibility assessment, document preparation, and the full EDB application process. Enquiries can be directed to TBI Mauritius or by email to info@tbimauritius.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations are subject to change. Professional advice should be sought before making any relocation or investment decisions.
