As an indicative guide, a comfortable retirement in Mauritius costs roughly £2,100/month for a couple — about £25,200/year (≈ ₨132,300/month). A modest budget is nearer £1,400; a premium one nearer £3,300.
Roughly where a comfortable £2,100/month goes:
Indicative estimates for a couple, general guidance only — real costs vary by location, lifestyle and exchange rates.
A stable, English- and French-speaking Indian Ocean island with tropical beaches, a low-tax regime and modern healthcare, Mauritius is a long-standing favourite for comfortable, safe retirement in the sun.
Non-citizens buy mainly through government-approved schemes such as the Property Development Scheme (PDS), IRS and RES, or in ground-plus-two apartment developments, where they can own freehold. A qualifying purchase above set price thresholds can also confer residence. Buying ordinary land outside these schemes generally requires special approval. As a general guide only — always confirm the current rules with a qualified local lawyer. Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how ownership works step by step.
Those aged 50+ can apply for a Retired Non-Citizen residence permit by undertaking to transfer around USD 2,000 a month into a local account; buying a qualifying scheme property can also grant residence for as long as it is held. Visa rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and verify the latest requirements before you plan.
Grand Baie and the north for a lively expat hub, Tamarin and Black River on the west coast for a laid-back beach lifestyle, and Flic en Flac for lagoons and amenities.
Free public hospitals exist but expats use private clinics, chiefly the C-Care group (with branches at Grand Baie, Tamarin and Wellkin in Moka) plus others, offering good care in English and French, with anything highly specialised sometimes handled abroad. Private insurance is widely used and relatively affordable.
Mauritius has a flat 15% income tax and no capital-gains or inheritance tax, and a resident is taxed on foreign income only if it is remitted to Mauritius; the over-50s retirement permit needs about USD 24,000 a year of income. Take advice on remittance timing.
Warm and tropical all year, with hot humid summers from December to March and pleasantly mild drier winters from June to September; cyclone season runs January to March. Winter is the most comfortable time. Very easy for British retirees, as English is an official language and driving is on the left as in the UK; the island is safe, stable and welcoming with a large established expat community.
Foreign buyers purchase through approved schemes such as the PDS from a USD 375,000 minimum, and expect registration duty of around 5%, though from mid-2026 this is rising toward 10% for scheme purchases, so check the current rate; completion takes weeks to a few months.
Thinking seriously about Mauritius?
Two honest Brits, a private call, and straight answers — see if a freehold home abroad is a fit for you.
See if you qualify →