There are many reasons that people move to Mauritius. Sometimes it is for a job or business opportunity. Other times it is for a change of lifestyle, a safe environment for their family or just to pay less tax. The global business sector in particular continues to show great strength as it adapts to the current regulatory landscape, providing stability whilst being fiscally advantageous and dynamic for those coming to live and do business here.
Mauritius offers an idyllic lifestyle balancing work and play. There are some of the largest names in the world from banks to accounting firms, mining firms and funds that are stationed in Mauritius to utilise the opportunities in Africa and beyond. One can have all of this whilst living within a walk or short drive from the beach, having a swim and BBQs almost any day of the year, and be in a safe and tranquil environment with beautiful culture and delicious food.
Considerations when relocating to Mauritius
Permits and visas
The starting point is to work out how you can stay here. The Permits and Visas page provides a basic summary of the options one has. These are to be looked at in conjunction with your other business and work needs. Do you need to work in Mauritius, if so will the work be with global clients or local clients, will you employ other people or do it all yourself? Is it something that requires a special licence or just a regular trading licence? The process is best discussed on a video call but once you know the path you will take, then you can start to set a timetable for the process.
Location
One needs to choose where to live. There are several options, but generally expats choose the North and the West. If you need to work in the centre, hate to commute and don’t mind coming to Mauritius but living away from the coast, then you can join the majority of the locals and live in the centre.
The North
This includes the North West around Grand Baie, from Troux-aux-Biches up the coast all the way to Grand Gaube. The North East is also very popular around Roches Noires.
The West / South-west
This starts at around Flic-en-Flac and goes South to Tamarin and then Black River.
The North and the South-West are quite different, and we lay out a couple of the advantages and disadvantages of both. We have had to generalise a little and it is clear that both locations are great, and you just need to see which suits you and your family more.
The North is full of energy, beautiful beaches, it has nightlife and restaurants but also tranquil and calm the further from Grand Baie you go. Grand Baie is where the tourists and the Mauritians come to enjoy themselves. Everything is open relatively late, and you have a full choice of restaurants, schools, offices, accommodation and medical facilities to name but a few.
The South West is stunningly beautiful thanks to the striking mountains next to the coast, the relatively calm and ordered roads, commercial and residential complexes and a relaxed outdoor vibe throughout. However, the commute is awful to anywhere on the island, there is far less choice for doing things or services, for example less schools, and the heat in the summer due to the mountains blocking the wind is unbearable at times.
Children and School
We only refer to private schools on this page. For Primary Schools there are a lot of good choices, but secondary schools are more limited in every sense of the word in comparison to the international schools of Singapore or Dubai. The schools here do however provide a safe, happy, balanced and nurturing environment for children to grow up in. Some of the schools get booked in advance so perhaps one of the key decisions will be location and school, with one possibly dictating the other. Target this early we suggest.
Accommodation
Ideally start with short-term accommodation so that you are not choosing a place to live for at least a year’s lease without seeing it and properly assessing it, especially when it rains. Pick a good reliable local agent who knows the landlord well and can vouch for him or her. There are a lot of times when things go wrong with landlords, deposits are taken, repairs are not carried out etc. The main advice is to get everything down in writing. Not that the courts will resolve any matter quickly, but it at least gives everyone a starting point on what was agreed.
Practicalities
You will need to think about buying a car, the insurance and tax for the car, medical insurance, the CEB for electricity, the CWA for water, Household Insurance, domestic staff to help in the house to name but a small number. In advance you will have already chosen a moving company, who will always have a local partner here so generally there is little to do in this regard. We can assist in advance with items like permits and schools, setting up companies and finding accommodation, provide a local number to call and ask for advice when you are here for a few months just to help the individual and family to settle.
What TBI Business Advisors can do for you
- We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
- We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations.
- We can assist with relocation/ concierge tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations and then support once you have arrived here.
- We can assist with appropriate permits or visas for coming to Mauritius.
- We can assist with introducing reliable and trustworthy property agents, promoters and Developers, finding and purchasing property or other businesses, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
- We will assist with setting up companies if you are an investor or just creating a business here
- The directors of TBI can act as a Commissioner for Oaths and certify documents.
- We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firms and other specialist services as and when required, with a focus on costs and reliability.
Please contact us via our website or via email to info@tbimauritius.com.