Buying to obtain residency in Mauritius: the 375,000 $ threshold explained

Couple admiring a luxury villa by the sea in Mauritius.

375,000 $s open the door to Mauritian residency through real estate. In Mauritius, this threshold corresponds to certain residential purchases within approved schemes, with the amount displayed in USD or a freely convertible currency. (edbmauritius.org)

The key point is simple: price alone is not enough. You need an eligible property, a recognized program, and an application that complies with current regulations. The official websites of the EDB and the Passport and Immigration Office still reflect this framework in 2026. (edbmauritius.org)

The right benchmark is not “buy anywhere”, but buy within an eligible residential scheme and reach the public threshold of 375,000 $. (edbmauritius.org)

What the 375,000 $ threshold really means

When people talk about buying property to obtain residency in Mauritius, they are primarily referring to a real estate investment scheme. The EDB describes this program as a way for foreigners to invest in local real estate and obtain a residency permit to live, work, and retire in Mauritius. (edbmauritius.org)

The threshold of 375,000 $ is therefore not a “psychological price”: it is the officially recognized minimum threshold for access to residency in certain housing schemes. In other words, it is not just any purchase that counts, but a purchase made within an approved framework. (edbmauritius.org)

It is also important to avoid a common misconception: Mauritius also offers another avenue related to business investment. The Passport and Immigration Office indicates that an investor who invests at least 375,000 $ in a qualified business activity can apply for a 20-year permanent residence permit. This is not the same as a real estate purchase.passport.govmu.org)

What assets qualify for residency?

In practice, the best approach is to first check the property scheme, then the price, and finally the effects on the residence. The EDB specifically mentions approved residential programs and G+2 type apartments as relevant options for non-citizens. (edbmauritius.org)

Quick comparison of the most common routes

Way Public threshold Very concerned Key takeaways
Real estate purchase within an approved scheme Starting from USD 375,000 Residences under IRS, RES or PDS The residence permit may be granted to the buyer and, according to the scheme, to their dependents. (edbmauritius.org)
Apartment in building G+2 No less than USD 375,000 Residential property in a building with at least two stories above the ground floor The permit remains valid as long as you remain the owner of the property. (edbmauritius.org)
Qualified business investment USD 375,000 Eligible business activity This is not a real estate purchase: this path falls under a different 20-year residence permit.

The EDB also specifies that, in the residential schemes concerned, the spouse and children under 24 years of age can be included. For the PDS, the official page also mentions an exemption from an Occupation Permit or Work Permit for investing and working in Mauritius. (edbmauritius.org)

Another important point is the duration of the right to residency. For the G+2 status, the EDB indicates that the residence permit remains valid as long as the non-citizen retains ownership of the property. For the PDS status, the logic is similar: residency is linked to property ownership. (edbmauritius.org)

Points to consider before signing

Since December 13, 2024, the EDB indicates that acquisitions under IRS, RES, IHS, PDS, and SCS are subject to a specific settlement rule: 85 % of the price in Mauritian rupees and 15 % in foreign currency or Mauritian rupees. This change does not alter the residency threshold itself, but it does change the payment structure. (edbmauritius.org)

  • Verify that the project belongs to an authorized real estate scheme.
  • Confirm that the applicable price threshold corresponds to your property type.
  • Anticipate the fact that residence may be linked to maintaining ownership.
  • Prepare your payment schedule before making any irreversible commitments.

To maintain an overview of the processes, the practical guides to expatriation can usefully complement your thinking.

How to build a coherent case

  1. Start by identifying the eligible scheme that matches your project.
  2. Next, check if the property is indeed residential and if its price exceeds the expected threshold.
  3. Organize your overall budget so that the purchase price, payment, and administrative timeline remain consistent.
  4. Have the logic of the case validated before committing to a compromise or a significant payment.

This sequence may seem basic, but it avoids most common mistakes: poor planning, bad timing, or simple confusion between a residence acquired through real estate purchase and a residence linked to a business investment. (edbmauritius.org)

FAQ about residency in Mauritius through real estate purchase

What is the Mauritius Residency by Investment Scheme?

This mechanism allows certain non-citizens to obtain a residence permit in Mauritius by making a real estate investment within an approved scheme. The EDB presents this pathway as a solution for living, working, and retiring in Mauritius through residential real estate. The reference threshold stated by official sources is USD 375,000, subject to the type of property and the chosen program. (edbmauritius.org)

What investment options are available under the Mauritius Residency by Investment Scheme?

The options most often cited by official sources are residential properties under IRS, RES, and PDS schemes, as well as certain G+2 apartments. The common idea is the same: to buy a residential property within a recognized framework and reach the expected threshold. In parallel, there is also another avenue, separate from real estate, for some investors in commercial activities. (edbmauritius.org)

What is the minimum investment required for the Mauritius Residency by Investment Scheme?

The threshold to remember is generally USD 375,000, or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency, for the real estate pathways promoted by the EDB. Depending on the scheme, the wording may vary slightly, but the threshold remains USD 375,000. However, be careful not to confuse this real estate threshold with the business pathway, where USD 375,000 refers to a different residence permit. (edbmauritius.org)

Can family members be included in the application file?

Yes, official sources indicate that spouses and children under 24 can be included in certain residential schemes. This is an important point for families wishing to settle down together, as the purchase decision is not limited to the property itself: it must also consider the family structure and the conditions of the chosen program. The EDB also mentions specific benefits for the PDS. (edbmauritius.org)

What are the residency requirements to benefit from the Mauritius Residency by Investment Scheme?

You must purchase an eligible property under an approved scheme, reach the required financial threshold, and comply with the program's administrative rules. For some properties, residency remains tied to ownership. Since December 2024, new payment terms for several real estate schemes must also be considered. In short, the key is to have a project that is coherent from a legal, financial, and family perspective. (edbmauritius.org)

And now ?

If your project aims for a permanent settlement in Mauritius, start with a clear understanding of the property structure, the total budget, and the implications for the residence. You can begin by the homepage of EXPAT MAURITIUS to understand the support offered, then keep it handy the website's legal notices for the general framework. And if you wish to compare several scenarios, the practical guides to expatriation remain a good starting point.