Real Estate
Real Estate
"MAURITIUS"
In 1598, under Admiral Wybrand Van Warwyck, a Dutch squadron set foot at Grand Port and “Mauritius” was named after the Prince Maurice of Nassau. Mauritius has a total area of 2,040 km2 and has an Exclusive Economic Zone covering 2.3 million square kilometres. Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean, located off the south-eastern coast of Africa and just over 1,130 kilometres east of Madagascar. Its population is a little over 1.3 million and its capital Port Louis. A Republic since 1992, Mauritius is the most prosperous of the Indian Ocean islands and the countries of the African continent.
Mauritius, known as the star and key of the Indian Ocean and one of the most peaceful countries in the world, has achieved a remarkably successful economic performance, moving from the status of developing country to that of a newly industrialised country. It has brought about significant structural changes over the past fifty years in order to challenged the conditions of a modern economy.
Mauritius has evolved from a low-income, agriculture-based economy to a high-income diversified economy. As a result, the country has already laid the foundations and set up the standard in sectors like textile, tourism, sugar production, financial and ICT services.
According to World Bank 2019 ratings, Mauritius has been ranked as the most developed and competitive economies in Africa and classified as “High-Income” economy. The modern infrastructures and a World Class banking, business sector has brought Mauritius as the hub for the African and Asian regions.
RANKED 1st IN AFRICA IN VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL INDICES:
Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance 2019
The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness 2019
Democracy Index 2020 (Economist Intelligence Unit) | 17th in the world
Best Countries for Doing Business 2020 (Forbes) | 20th worldwide
World Bank Doing Business Report 2020 | 13th worldwide
Global Competitiveness Index 2019 | 49th worldwide
Mauritius at one Glance:
Capital
Port Louis
National Languages
French and English
Time Zone
UTC +4
Dialling code
+230
Currency
Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
Emergency number
Ambulance – 114
Police – 999
Population
1.3 million
Driving
On the LEFT side
Just imagine life of crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and discover the Fauna and Flora of Mauritius; Where there are over 290 days of sun each year, the country is a melting pot in terms of ethnicity, culture, language and faith. It may sound like a dream to you, but life in Mauritius makes this a reality. Within minutes, you can be at your office, or simply at the beach, at the heart of nature with your family.
Mauritius is an ever-dynamic country which has recorded the highest Increase in population of new international residents during the past years. Its growing attractiveness rests upon the increase of the overall development and wellbeing. It is well set to be a sustainable, integrated and connected Island to drop down your suitcase.
The Economic Development Board became a body in Year 2018 with the overarching goal to position Mauritius as a benchmark of facilitating businesses and investments from overseas.
Are you seeking for:
- A holiday home with a Capital Growth of 30-40% over the last 5 years,
A great property investment for rental purposes with 2-6% of Rental Returns or
A home to fulfill a happy retirement.
Mauritian lifestyle allows the most discerning clientele for a perfect balance between active life and family life. Each of these developments offers unique advantages and where tax is low and even free on various circumstances. It is the result of a wide range of structured plans under multiple key sectors and now made available for any foreign entity – including companies, société, foundation, limited partnership and trusts – in the acquisition of a residential property.
A visionary understanding of the future lifestyle has shaped a comprehensive and streamlined approach to the development of Mauritius. The strategies have encompassed a wide set of objectives and principles designed in line with sustainable development principles economies.
Delayed land transfer tax payment:
Land transfer tax for immovable property sold under a VEFA contract is payable in four 6-Monthly instalments
Pre-defined framework for sale:
Sale of immovable property can be made by way of ‘Vente en Etat Futur d’Achèvement’ (VEFA) or ‘Vente à Terme’ contracts.
Attracting Returning Citizens:
Members registered under the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme are exempted from the payment of registration duty on acquisition of a residential unit under the Scheme.
The HEALTH System
Accessibility and quality of healthcare and medical facilities is one of the key factors when looking to move abroad. Mauritius has a public healthcare system under the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. There are many private health institutions as well, offering international standard and competent medical facilities.
Public and Private Healthcare:
5 main hospitals and 2 district hospitals cover the whole island. Mauritius is also catered with hospitals for specialized treatments such as the otorhinolaryngological hospital known as ENT – Ears, Nose and Throat, a psychiatric hospital known as Brown Sequard hospital, the Subramaniam Bharati Eye hospital, and the Poudre d‘Or hospital for pulmonary diseases treatment. To complete the chart, there is a dispensary in each area of Mauritius for minor treatments.
The public health institutions offer free healthcare which is one of the rare countries still offering this service. Private clinics are provided with modern and the latest equipment on the medical market. The services are practiced at a cost which can sometimes be quite expensive. Funds for the clinics are obtained through private investments such as la Caisse des Français de l’Etranger – CFE for Clinic Darne. Consequently, services like Hair Transplant for example which is unique in the Indian ocean, there has been a boost in the medical tourism industry in Mauritius and ways to relieve foreign patients from the red-tape procedures regarding medical visas is under constant review.
Mauritius is in a position to treat most conditions in the health sector, but some specific patients have to travel abroad to get appropriate treatment. The time frame to travel to these foreign institutions varies from a 30minutes up to a 5hr30 flight. Daily and weekly flights get you to these destinations – Reunion Island, India, and South Africa.
Important EMERGENCY Nos. you must have while in MAURITIUS: SAMU (Ambulance) – 114, Police – 112/999, Fire Services – 115/995.
Private Health Insurance:
It is strongly recommended that any foreigners to have the appropriate health insurance coverage for Mauritius in order to receive proper care. There exist a Bilateral Social Security Agreement between Mauritius and the UK. British Citizens having a Statement of the National Insurance up to date and coming to Mauritius for a short period may use their existing Healthcare Insurance. This Agreement is extended to other countries, you must consult your Healthcare Institutions to understand the Terms and Conditions before moving to Mauritius in order to make a claim. On the other hand, to benefit from an optimised health coverage, foreign nationals are advised to subscribe for private international health insurance.
Some of the leading health insurance providers are:
- Cigna Global
- Allianz Care (New branch in Mauritius)
Social Security:
The social security system in Mauritius provides pension benefits for the following people:
- Retired citizens
- Invalid residents (non-citizens with a residence permit)
- Widows
- Those on a social aid scheme
Financial assistance is provided by the Social Aid Scheme to people who are unable of earning a livelihood due to disability, sickness, accident, loss of their spouse, or sudden loss of employment. There might be an agreement between your home country and Mauritius regarding the social security framework, and it is best to find out prior to moving to Mauritius. It is also advisable to get international travel insurance before leaving your home country.
Note that the social security pension does not include healthcare benefits.
Premium Visa in Mauritius
Mauritius offers today foreign nationals of all Ages the opportunity to settle in our paradise island without entering the Labour Market. Being a COVID SAFE island, we are ready to welcome Investors, Professionals, Individuals or family and retirees wishing to take advantages of the new favorable Law which has been eased, the idyllic beaches and the quality of life.
The Premium Visa is intended for foreigners who wish to stay in Mauritius for at least one year, alone or with their family. It is ideal for foreign professionals, investors as well as retirees. While it allows you to live in Mauritius, you are not allowed to enter the local labour market. You must be a remote worker and earn income from foreign sources.
For how long is it valid?
The Premium Visa is valid for 1 year and is renewable. To obtain this visa, you must prove that you intend to stay for more than 180 days in a year.
How do you qualify for the Premium Visa?
Depending on your nationality, you can find out whether you are eligible for the Premium Visa. There’s a complete list on the Economic Development Board website.
https://www.edbmauritius.org/premium-visa
You must have Proof that you don’t intend to work in Mauritius and that your income comes from abroad. Your employer, or your professional activity if you are self-employed, must be based in a foreign country. You must also prove that you intend to stay for a long term period, you possess a Health Insurance and that you have booked your accommodation. You will have to comply with local immigration regulations in force at all times.
How to apply for a Premium Visa?
The procedure can be done on the EDB website for free or through De La Costa Properties Mauritius, who will assist you and monitor from start to finish every step of the process.
To apply, you have to produce the following:
- a Valid Passport
- a copy of your Return Plane Tickets
- a Passport-Sized ID Photo
- Travel and Health Insurance covering your entire stay
- Proof of Sufficient Funds to support yourself and your family during your stay, such as a bank statement
- a Valid E-Mail Address
- Quarantine and Post-Quarantine accommodation booking.
If your request is accepted, you will receive a response within 48 hours on working days. For applications made over the weekend, it can take a little longer. You’re therefore advised to submit your applications in advance.
Benefits of a Premium Visa
Tourist visa holders in Mauritius are also allowed to apply for a Premium Visa. As a Premium Visa holder, all your payments with foreign debit or credit cards will be tax-exempt.
Premium Visa holders can also apply for an Occupation Permit if they intend to stay long term in Mauritius, to work, invest or retire.
Premium Visa allows you to purchase real estate under special schemes, namely, the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), the Real Estate Scheme (RES) the Property Development Scheme (PDS) and the Smart City Scheme (SCS). You can also own an apartment located in a building of at least two floors.
Spending a minimum of 183 days in Mauritius, you become a tax resident, which means that you will have to pay Income Tax.
It has been agreed to introduce a new Visa Scheme (Premium Visa) for a period of one year (renewable) as a bridge to mitigate the risk of Mauritius’ current COVID-free status versus allowing expatriates into the island with a restricting 14-day compulsory quarantine stay. The aim is to encourage eligible foreigners to stay in Mauritius, a COVID-safe destination, for an extended period once the compulsory quarantine period has been completed. The Premium Visa would allow non-citizens from countries listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Passport Regulations to come to Mauritius (which can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/35BorM8).
The following categories of non-citizens are eligible to apply:
a. repeat tourists who had planned to retire and migrate in Mauritius before the COVID-19 pandemic;
b. retirees in countries where COVID-19 is putting them at risk and who could be convinced to ride out in a safe destination;
c. investors/professionals willing to come with their family and carry out their businesses or work remotely from Mauritius or offer their staff this facility; and
d. those having their children studying in Mauritius.
Eligible applicants should provide satisfactory proof of sufficient travel and health insurance, as well as detailed long stay plans for the entire period of intended stay, as well as satisfying the below criteria:
i. applicants should not enter the Mauritius Labour Market;
ii. the main place of business and source of income and profits should be outside Mauritius;
iii. documentary evidence to support application such as purpose of visit, accommodation etc.; and
iv. other basic immigration requirements.
It is anticipated that more detailed information insofar as the Application procedure, approval process and duration as well as eligibility of Premium Visa Holders to open bank accounts in Mauritius will follow in the coming days.
Contact us for more informations:
+230 212 9810
www.mauritiusexpatdesk.comexpatdesk@templegroup.mu
Quarantine Protocol
Upon arrival to Mauritius, all travellers are quarantined for 14 days according to the protocol defined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare until further Notice. It includes adults, children and infants, all must undergo a PCR test 7 days prior to their arrival. Once in Mauritius, Proof that you have booked quarantine accommodation on a full-board basis is mandatory and everyone is directly taken to quarantine center, a Hotel.
On the 7th and 14th days of quarantine, you will undergo another PCR test. Those with Positive tests will be transferred to a designated public health facility for treatment and those with a Negative test, are free to move around the island while keeping in mind the sanitary measures in force in the country.
TRANSPORT:
From Abroad:
Traveling to Mauritius is straight forward, with many airlines offering regular flights to the country, including Air Mauritius, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Condor, Air Austral, Ethiad and Turkish Airline.
Direct flights to Mauritius from some of the world’s major cities make traveling very manageable and today the focus of 1 million tourists is reached. Direct flights from London or Paris to Mauritius takes just under 12 hours, while it takes less than 5 hours from South Africa and 7 hours from Dubai. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport meets International standards and is located in the South East. Named after the politician who campaigned for independence of Mauritius, 12th March 1968, and went on to become the first Mauritian Prime Minister.
Inland:
The main mode of transportation within Mauritius is by road and in Year 2019, we have the Metro Express, from Rose Hill to Port-Louis, in operation on the island. The M1 motorway is the main link from the North crossing the capital, Port Louis, with a number of towns to the international airport. Several bus services, public and private owners, covers the whole island from 5.00am to 7.00pm in general. Taxis are plentiful in every corner, if you choose to hire one it is recommended that you agree on a fixed fare before and it varies from Rs150 to Rs3000 depending on the trip specificities and sometimes more.
Bring your stuff as Cargo:
Mauritius is known as the Main Hub in the Indian Ocean linking Asia to Africa and to the rest of the world.
Air Freights and Cargo have daily and weekly schedules to and from Mauritius. DHL, UPS, FEDEX, Air France, Emirates and Air Mauritius cargo are the most commonly used in Mauritius.
The Port Louis harbor is an active port in the Sub-Saharian region and it is in constant evolution to meet the International demand and challenges. Cargo shipping companies like Maesk, DHL and MSC have their offices since long.
De La Costa Properties Mauritius will take charge of everything here leaving you Stress Free. It is Hassle Free process to bring your Personal stuff as cargo, we have professional partners Handling companies who work with us.
Buying a Vehicle:
To buy a car or any vehicle in Mauritius, you will need to:
1. Have the purchase agreement papers signed, “papier de vente”, in 3 originals – 1 for the Vendor and 2 for the Buyer, done in mutual agreement bearing all the vehicle details, the price and signature. The vendor then hands over the Horse Power and ID photocopy to the Buyer after payment.
2. Arrange for the transfer at the National Transport Authority (NTA) Change of name on the Horse Power paper and road tax, known locally as the “declaration”. The amount payable during the process depends on the vehicle’s engine size and the Year. You must have a 1 Year insurance cover and photocopies of your ID card in place during the transfer. Cars do not require a “fitness test certificate” until they are 7 years old.
3. After the Horse Power, Insurance, Fitness Certificate where applicable and Declaration is under your name – Congratulation, you are the New Owner of your car.
License Needed:
Any visitor can drive for up to 1 Month using their National Driver’s License (or an international driver’s license in case their national one is not written in Latin letters).
If you are residing and wishing to drive in the country for longer period, you will need to get a Temporary Permit from the Local Traffic Police Branch.
Accident:
If you become involved in a minor traffic accident where no one is hurt and responsibility is clear and agreed with all parties involved.
You will need to complete an Agreed Statement of Facts on Motor Vehicle Accident form which is always accompany any vehicle – 2 Originals and signed by all parties involved and this must be done within 24 hours of the incident.
However, if the accident is really serious, you must Dial 999 immediately which the Police Emergency Number. As a bilingual country, you may speak English or French but if you speak another language, you are advised to seek the assistance of a friend, colleague or a family member.
Bringing your Pet along to Mauritius
Non-resident’s pet owners need to have the Approval of the Residence Permit before any attempt. Once the Permit is obtained, the procedures may start.
As a first step, pet owners need to seek approval from the Mauritius Veterinary Committee, which is usually granted within 15 days. Nevertheless, this approval is not the same as the actual approved permit for pet relocation. The veterinarian will perform a blood test on your pet to check for antibodies/rabies level within 30 days of the vaccination, and a sterilization certificate will be also issued.
Your pet will undergo another blood test to detect the presence of ehrlichiosis and brucellosis, 45 days before arriving to Mauritius. A certificate of good health will be issued 3-4 days before the departure day. This document must be validated by departmental veterinary services. Make sure to bring all the papers for your pet when leaving to Mauritius.
Obtaining an import permit for your Pet
Once the veterinary results are obtained, you can proceed to apply for the import permit with the Mauritian Veterinary Services in Reduit. The approval process usually takes 2 working days, and the processing fee is Rs. 1,000.
You will need to provide all the details about your pet’s arrival (date, time, flight number) to the veterinary authorities in Reduit at least 2-3 days before arrival. Upon arrival, your pet will be taken in at the airport in your presence. Please note that you’ll need to present all the official/original documents at this point. In case of not being able to present these documents, your pet will be either sent back to your country of origin or be euthanized.
Quarantine of your Pet
Pets are placed into quarantine for 5 days, during which you are allowed to visit them twice a day.
At the end of the quarantine, you must register your pet with the MSAW in Rose Hill (Rs. 500). A proof of payment also needs to be submitted to Reduit. You can then proceed with the payment of the quarantine period of your pet (Rs. 15 per day). Once the payment is completed and the registration is finalized with the MSAW, you will be able to pick up your pet and take it home.
Customs in Mauritius
One of the most serious Customs Authority in the world is certainly in Mauritius. The Mauritius Revenue Authority, Mauritius Customs, is a regulator under the Ministry of Finance. What you bring with you while coming to Mauritius is under strict regulations.
Duty Free Products
Your Personal belongings – your clothes, personal items and jewellery whether they are with you upon arrival or sent as Cargo as long as they are intended for your personal use. These personal items include:
Sport Equipment: Golf Clubs, Diving Materials, Bicycle, Windsurf board up to 3 sails, Fishing Gear, Kite Surf.
Personal Equipment: Cameras, Drones, Musical Instruments, Bluetooth Speakers, Laptops, Playing games, Tablets.
At the Airport:
On arrival in Mauritius, passengers aged 18 years old and above on international flights are allowed:
200 g of tobacco (cigars and cigarettes)
Wine, ale, and beer not exceeding 2 litres
Spirits not exceeding 2 litres
100 ml of perfumes
Any plants, seeds, fresh fruits and flowers require an Import Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture beforehand and must be declared at Customs Authorities upon arrival.
A Phytosanitary Certificate applies to flower boxes sold at the airport, which allows for their import and export.
Animals: The importation of animals is subject to prior authorization by the Ministry of Agriculture and must be declared to customs on arrival. The animals will be quarantined as from their arrival in Mauritius.
Weapons – hunting, underwater fishing and ammunition are prohibited. In professional context, weapons must be declared upon both arrival and departure. The required supporting documents and authorizations must be handed over to the authorities.
Prohibited Products:
Hard drugs and soft drugs are strictly forbidden. It is strictly prohibited to import and trafficking is severely punished by the Mauritian Law. The possession of rolling paper and chewing tobacco are also prohibited.
Not declaring prohibited items or any product requiring prior authorisation to customs is an offence. Ofenders are liable to a fine or even imprisonment and the products will be confiscated.
Golf:
In Year 1844, Golf was introduced to Mauritius by officers of the British military. This Colonial Heritage granted us the privilege with the First golf course constructed in the Southern Hemisphere. The sport was played on the grounds of the military base in Vacoas. The founding of the Mauritius Gymkhana Club in 1849, resulted in Mauritius to become the fourth oldest golfing country club in the world.
Mauritius to date has ten 18 hole and four 9 hole golf courses in idyllic spots over the island and in the Centre. Each of the golf courses brings a unique and unprecedented experience each time a golfer plays on one of them.
Being at Championship Level and having hosted a few International Tournaments, the golf courses in Mauritius offers great potential and a Must Play for any golfer worldwide.
09 BEST GOLF COURSES IN MAURITIUS:
AVALON Golf Estate
ANAHITA Golf Club
HERITAGE LE TELFAIR Golf Club
ILE AUX CERFS Golf Club
PARADISE Golf Club Beachcomber
MON CHOISY Le Golf
BELLE MARE Links Golf
TAMARINA Golf Club
CONSTANCE BELLE MARE LEGENDS Golf Course