Mauritius has positioned itself as a tax‑friendly destination for high‑net‑worth individuals by offering both a Permanent Residency (PR) program and a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. The schemes combine real‑estate investment, residency requirements, and a passport that grants visa‑free access to more than 140 countries.
Permanent Residency
- Investment threshold: US $375,000 in approved real‑estate or government‑backed projects.
- Property rights: Certain developments allow foreign ownership; others are restricted to citizens.
- Residency obligations: Maintain the investment and spend 1–2 days per year on the island to keep the PR status active.
- Path to citizenship: After seven years of continuous PR, investors may apply for citizenship, provided the residency is kept active.
Citizenship by Investment (2‑year route)
- Investment threshold: US $500,000 (typically in real‑estate).
- Residency requirement: Live continuously in Mauritius for two years without leaving the island.
- Outcome: Eligibility for Mauritian citizenship and a passport ranked among the top two in Africa, with visa‑free travel to over 140 destinations.
Alternative timelines for specific nationals
- Commonwealth citizens and investors holding Saint Kitts and Nevis or UK citizenship may qualify for citizenship after five years of maintaining PR, rather than the standard seven‑year period.
Dual citizenship
- Mauritius does allow dual citizenship. Investors who have completed the PR period and spend six months in Mauritius before applying for citizenship can retain existing passports (e.g., Serbian, US, etc.) while obtaining a Mauritian passport.
Tax advantages
- Zero percent tax on foreign‑sourced income, provided the income is not generated from a Mauritian source.
- Example: An individual earning income through a Dubai‑registered company while residing in Mauritius would not be subject to Mauritian income tax.
- The regime is designed to attract wealth; a Henley & Partners study reported over 200 millionaires relocating to Mauritius in the previous year, with a similar number projected for 2023.
Practical considerations
- Continuous residence: The two‑year citizenship track requires no travel outside Mauritius, which may be impractical for many investors.
- Investment lock‑in: Funds are tied to approved real‑estate or projects for the duration of the residency/citizenship process.
- Policy risk: Changes to immigration or tax legislation could affect the benefits; investors should monitor official announcements.
- Lifestyle: Mauritius is English‑speaking, has a low poverty rate relative to other African nations, and offers a stable, non‑corrupt environment—factors that contribute to its appeal as a “Plan B” location.
Decision criteria
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Investment amount | Determines eligibility for PR vs. fast‑track citizenship. |
| Residency commitment | Two‑year continuous stay is required for the quickest citizenship route. |
| Tax residency | To benefit from zero tax on foreign income, the individual must be tax resident in Mauritius. |
| Dual‑nationality goals | Ability to retain existing passports may influence the choice of program. |
| Long‑term plans | Seven‑year PR‑to‑citizenship path may suit investors seeking flexibility after the initial period. |
Mauritius thus offers a structured pathway for wealthy individuals to obtain residency and, eventually, citizenship, leveraging real‑estate investment, a favorable tax regime, and a passport with broad travel freedom. Prospective applicants should weigh the required residency commitment, investment lock‑in, and potential policy changes against the benefits of tax exemption and dual‑nationality flexibility.
