Buying property in Mauritius
Non- Mauritian Citizens and Expats
There are multiple schemes approved and managed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) in Mauritius that allow non Mauritian citizens to acquire property:
The Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act (the ‘NCPR Act’)
A non mauritian citizen holding an occupation permit, a permanent residence permit or a residence permit as a retired non-citizen, can acquire a property outside of the PDS/IRS/IRS/G+2 and SCS schemes based on the following criteria:
- Should the residential property be constructed on a plot of land not exceeding 0,5276 hectares (1,25 arpent).
- Should the residential property hold a minimum value of USD 500,000 and is used for his/her own personal residence.
- Should the residential property be defined as a residential serviced land that respects the criteria mentioned above. In this case, construction must be done within a period of 5 years from the day of its acquisition.
This acquisition does not provide a residence permit, occupation permit or permanent residence permit, and has to be validated by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES) and Property Development Schemes (PDS)
The IRS and RES, which have now been replaced by the PDS, are real-estate developments including high-end residential properties often including facilities such as a gym, communal pool, offices, spas and/or restaurants and bars. The most prestigious schemes mostly include championship golf courses and access to the sea.
A Mauritian residence permit is applicable upon purchase of a property from one of these schemes should the purchase price be a minimum of USD 375,000 or its equivalent in any freely convertible foreign currency.
The owners may rent the property, become tax resident in Mauritius and face no restriction on the repatriation of funds or revenue raised from the sale or renting of the property.
Smart City Scheme
Revolving around the work, life and play concept, and focusing on the development of self-sufficient cities, the Smart City scheme allows non-citizens to acquire residential properties including villas, townhouses, apartments and duplexes.
Ground+2 Apartments
Apartments in blocks that are two levels above ground (G+2) are also accessible to expatriates with the prior approval of the EDB. The purchase price must be over MUR 6 Million or its equivalent in any other hard convertible foreign currency.
Residence Permit
If the price of an apartment is over USD 375,000 or its equivalent in any convertible currencies, a residence permit is applicable.
Mauritian citizens
Home Ownership Refund Scheme
This scheme consists of refunding 5% (not more than Rs 500,000) of the declared value of the acquisition of a house, apartment or bare land to build a residential unit.
The amount received must be reimbursed should the property be sold within the same year of purchase.
First time buyer scheme
First time buyers will be exempt of registration duty (5%) to the first Rs 5 million of the buying price
Loan repayment schemes
5% of home loans for the construction of a residential unit will be refunded to the buyer (up to Rs 500,000)
For more information, visit the EDB website here