Retired Non-Citizen Permit
Retire in Mauritius with a minimum monthly transfer of USD 1,500 — 10-year permit in one of the world's most beautiful retirement destinations.
The Retired Non-Citizen Permit is designed for foreign nationals aged 50 and above who wish to spend their retirement years in Mauritius. Issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB) under the Immigration Act, this permit grants the holder and their dependents the right to reside in Mauritius on a long-term basis in exchange for a minimum monthly foreign exchange transfer into a Mauritius bank account. The financial requirement is a minimum transfer of USD 1,500 per month (or the equivalent of USD 18,000 per year) from a foreign source into a Mauritius bank account.
The permit is valid for up to 10 years and is renewable, provided the transfer requirement continues to be met. Mauritius has firmly established itself as one of the world's premier retirement destinations. The island offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of the cost of comparable European or North American locations — tropical climate with year-round sunshine, world-class private healthcare facilities, international cuisine, pristine beaches, excellent golf courses, water sports, and a safe, multicultural community that is welcoming to expatriates.
The legal and regulatory environment is stable, the banking system is modern and internationally connected, and English is widely used in commerce and government. For retirees seeking a favourable tax environment, Mauritius is particularly attractive: there is no capital gains tax, no inheritance or estate tax, and no wealth tax. Personal income from foreign sources that is not remitted to Mauritius is generally not subject to Mauritius income tax, subject to individual tax residency circumstances.
Applicants must be at least 50 years of age. A minimum of USD 1,500 per month (or USD 18,000 per year as a lump sum) must be transferred from a foreign source into a Mauritius bank account. The permit holder cannot engage in any form of employment or business activity in Mauritius.
The permit is valid for 10 years and is renewable upon continued compliance. The spouse may be included as a dependent. Access to public healthcare is available to all residents.
Foreign income not remitted to Mauritius is generally not subject to Mauritius income tax, making the scheme especially attractive for individuals with overseas pension or investment income.
Key Features of a Retired Non-Citizen Permit in Mauritius
Age Requirement: 50+
Available to foreign nationals aged 50 years and above. There is no upper age limit. The permit is suitable for individuals who have retired or are approaching retirement.
USD 1,500 Monthly Transfer
A minimum of USD 1,500 per month (or equivalent in a freely convertible currency) must be transferred from abroad into a Mauritius bank account. Annual lump sum transfers of USD 18,000 are also accepted.
10-Year Validity
The permit is issued for up to 10 years, providing long-term certainty of residence. Renewable subject to continued compliance with the financial transfer requirement.
Dependents Included
Spouse and children under 24 may be included as dependents, enabling the whole family to reside in Mauritius.
No Employment
The Retired Permit does not permit paid employment in Mauritius. Holders may engage in volunteer activities. If you wish to work, an Investor or Professional Occupation Permit is required.
Property Ownership
Retired permit holders may purchase property in Mauritius through approved schemes such as the Property Development Scheme (PDS), Smart City Scheme, or Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), some of which may also confer a right of residence.
Tax Advantages
Foreign-sourced income not remitted to Mauritius is generally not taxable. No capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. Subject to individual residency and tax circumstances.
Healthcare & Lifestyle
Access to modern public healthcare (free to all residents) and world-class private hospitals. Year-round tropical climate, golf courses, beaches, water sports, and a safe multicultural environment.
No Business Activity Permitted
The Retired Non-Citizen Permit does not authorise the holder to engage in any employment, business, or commercial activity in Mauritius. The permit is strictly for residential purposes. Any business activities require a separate Occupation Permit.
Foreign Income Tax Efficiency
Foreign income not remitted to Mauritius is generally not subject to Mauritius income tax for tax residents. For retirees living on overseas pensions, investment income, or rental income from foreign properties, this creates a highly tax-efficient residence structure.
How to Obtain a Retired Permit in Mauritius
Eligibility Assessment
We verify that the applicant meets the age requirement, has sufficient income to meet the transfer requirement, and that the source of funds is acceptable. We advise on any additional requirements specific to the applicant's nationality.
Bank Account Opening
We assist the applicant in opening a Mauritius bank account prior to or concurrently with the permit application. The bank account is required to receive the monthly transfers.
Application Preparation
We prepare and compile the complete application including certified passport, proof of age, income evidence, police clearance, medical certificate, proof of accommodation, and bank statements.
EDB Submission
We submit the application to the Economic Development Board and manage all queries and supplementary information requests throughout the review process.
Permit Issuance
Upon approval, we assist the applicant with collecting the permit and completing arrival procedures, including registration with immigration authorities.
Settlement Support
We provide comprehensive settlement support including housing search, healthcare registration, school enrolment for dependents, utilities setup, and community introductions.
Renewal Management
We monitor permit expiry dates and initiate the renewal process in advance. We ensure continued compliance with the financial transfer requirement and advise on any regulatory changes.
Requirements for a Retired Permit in Mauritius
- Valid passport with a minimum of 18 months remaining validity
- Proof of age demonstrating the applicant is 50 years or older
- Evidence of income or pension sufficient to meet the USD 1,500/month transfer requirement
- Six months of bank statements from the overseas account funding the transfers
- Police clearance certificate from country of citizenship or current residence
- Medical certificate from a recognised medical practitioner
- Proof of accommodation in Mauritius (rental agreement, hotel booking, or PDS/IRS property)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Birth and marriage certificates for dependents being included on the permit
- Mauritius bank account details (for transfer evidence)
Costs Associated with the Retired Non-Citizen Permit
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| EDB Application Fee | USD 500 |
| Minimum Monthly Transfer | USD 1,500/month (or USD 18,000/year) |
| Minimum Investment | None required |
| Private Health Insurance | USD 500–2,000/year |
| Legal and Immigration Advisory | USD 1,000–2,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Retired Non-Citizen Permit
What is the minimum income requirement?
The applicant must transfer a minimum of USD 1,500 per month (or USD 18,000 per year) from a foreign source into a Mauritius bank account. This can be from pension income, investment returns, rental income, or other passive sources.
Can I work in Mauritius with a Retired Non-Citizen Permit?
No. The Retired Non-Citizen Permit does not authorise paid employment in Mauritius. If you wish to work, you should consider an Investor Occupation Permit (if you invest in a business) or a Professional Occupation Permit (if you have an employment offer).
Can I buy property in Mauritius?
Yes. Foreign nationals may purchase residential property in Mauritius through government-approved schemes including the Property Development Scheme (PDS), Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Smart City Scheme, and Ground+2 apartment projects. Purchasing a property above a prescribed value threshold under certain schemes may also confer a right of residence.
Is healthcare readily available?
Mauritius has a well-developed healthcare system. All residents have access to public hospitals free of charge. Private hospitals including Clinique Darné, Apollo Bramwell, and City Clinic offer international-standard care. We recommend private health insurance for access to private facilities and specialist care.
Is my foreign income taxable in Mauritius?
Generally, foreign-sourced income that is not remitted to Mauritius is not subject to Mauritius income tax. The remitted portion may be subject to tax at the flat 15% personal rate. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax. Each individual's tax position should be assessed with a qualified tax advisor.
How does Mauritius compare to other retirement destinations?
Mauritius offers a unique combination of tropical lifestyle, political stability, safety, modern infrastructure, English language, favourable tax environment, and competitive cost of living. Compared to European retirement destinations, the cost of living is 30–50% lower while the quality of life is comparable or superior for many retirees.