<body> <article> <span class="tag">RESIDENCY UPDATE • 2026</span> <h1>Mauritius Residency 2026: The New Rules of the Game</h1> <p>For years, <a href="/countries/mauritius">Mauritius</a> has been the gold standard for expats seeking a blend of island lifestyle and fiscal prudence. But if you have been watching the market, you have likely noticed a shift. The government has moved from a "come one, come all" approach to a strategy focused on "quality integration."</p> <p>The message is clear: Mauritius wants residents who are serious about living, investing, and remaining on the island long-term.</p> <p>If you are currently navigating the <a href="/visa-requirements/mauritius">Mauritius visa requirements</a>, the landscape has changed. With a major tax hike looming in July 2026 and new currency rules already in play, here is your reality check on what it takes to call this island home.</p> <div class="highlight-box"> <h3>⚠️ The "Hard" Deadline: July 1, 2026</h3> <p>If you take only one thing away from this update, let it be this date. </p> <p>Starting <strong>July 1, 2026</strong>, the Registration Duty for non-citizens purchasing property under approved schemes (IRS, RES, PDS, Smart City) will <strong>double from 5% to 10%</strong>.</p> <p><strong>The Bottom Line:</strong> If you are on the fence about buying, finalizing your purchase before July 1st represents an instant 5% savings on your property value. On a $500,000 villa, that is $25,000 kept in your pocket.</p> </div> <h2>Changes That Are Already Here</h2> <p>While the tax hike is approaching, several significant policy shifts were introduced in late 2025 and are already effective today. If you are relying on advice from a year ago, it might be outdated.</p> <h3>1. The Path to Permanent Residency (PR) is Longer</h3> <p>The "probation period" for expats has been extended. The eligibility period to apply for Permanent Residence has increased from <strong>3 years to 5 years</strong> for most categories, including Investors, Professionals, and the Self-Employed. The government is looking for a half-decade commitment before granting PR status.</p> <h3>2. The "Buy Anywhere" Scheme is Gone</h3> <p>Previously, holders of a Permanent Residence Permit could purchase property anywhere on the island—even outside designated schemes—provided they spent a minimum of USD 500,000. <strong>This has been discontinued.</strong> Non-citizens are now largely restricted to specific, managed developments (IRS, RES, PDS, and G+2 apartments).</p> <h3>3. New Currency Rules (The "85% Rule")</h3> <p>Effective as of December 2024, a new financial regulation requires that <strong>85% of the property purchase price must be paid in Mauritian Rupees (MUR)</strong> directly to the developer. </p> <p><em>Note:</em> You generally cannot pay the developer directly in USD or EUR for this portion. You must transfer your foreign currency into Mauritius first, convert it at a local bank, and then settle the payment. This adds a layer of forex planning to your transaction.</p> <h2>Who Is Affected? A Category Breakdown</h2> <h3>For Real Estate Investors</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Entry Price:</strong> The minimum investment remains <strong>USD 375,000</strong> for the standard residence-by-investment path.</li> <li><strong>Taxes:</strong> The registration duty doubles to 10% in July 2026.</li> <li><strong>Compliance:</strong> Strict adherence to the "85% in MUR" payment rule is now mandatory for closing.</li> </ul> <h3>For Retirees</h3> <p>The "sun and sand" route has tightened to ensure retirees are actually contributing to the local economy.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Permit Validity:</strong> The initial residence permit has been reduced from 10 years to <strong>5 years</strong> (renewable).</li> <li><strong>Financial Proof:</strong> You must transfer at least <strong>USD 2,000/month</strong> (or USD 24,000/year) into a local Mauritius bank account.</li> <li><strong>Presence:</strong> Authorities are enforcing stricter physical presence checks (often 180 days/year) to approve renewals.</li> </ul> <h3>For Professionals & Business Investors</h3> <p>The bar for talent and business turnover has been raised.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Salary Thresholds:</strong> Expect higher salary requirements for permits (e.g., ProPass at MUR 50k/month; Expert Pass at MUR 250k/month).</li> <li><strong>Young Professionals:</strong> The permit duration is now shorter, reduced to <strong>2 years</strong> (previously 3).</li> <li><strong>Turnover:</strong> Investors must meet cumulative turnover targets (e.g., MUR 20 million over 5 years) to renew permits or qualify for PR.</li> </ul> <div class="info-box"> <h3>Is it still "Citizenship by Investment"?</h3> <p>It is important to manage expectations. Mauritius offers <strong>Residency by Investment</strong>, not instant citizenship. You obtain a Residence Permit first. Only after 5 to 7 years of continuous residence (and meeting the stricter criteria) can you apply for Naturalization. There is no instant passport option here.</p> </div> <h2>Summary</h2> <p>The Mauritian government is refining its immigration strategy. The door is still open, but the entry fee is changing, and the expectations for staying are higher. If you are looking at the real estate route, <strong>July 1, 2026</strong> is your hard deadline to avoid a significant tax increase.</p> <div class="cta-section"> <h3>Don't Navigate These Changes Alone</h3> <p>Whether you need to beat the July tax deadline or structure your move to comply with the new 5-year PR track, our team is on the ground to help.</p> <a href="/contact" class="cta-button">Contact Our Experts Today</a> </div> </article> </body>
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