Buying a car in Mauritius requires preparation.
Between new vehicles, local used vehicles and imports, the rules, taxes and required documents are not the same.
For a prospective resident, buying a car is often part of a larger project: in Mauritius, VAT remains at 15 %, personal income tax follows a scale of 0 %, 10 % and 20 % since July 1, 2025, and an investor can aim for a 20-year residence permit with at least USD 375,000 in a qualifying activity.mra.mu)
New, used locally or imported: how to choose?
The right choice depends on your length of stay, your budget in Mauritian rupees, and your tolerance for red tape. In practice, buying locally is often the smoothest process, while personal import offers more choice but imposes more rules. This can be deduced from the difference between the very structured local transfer procedure and the customs constraints applicable to imported used vehicles.nlta.govmu.org)
Compare the three scenarios before signing
| Option | Main advantage | Points to be aware of | Official marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| New from a dealer | The simplest solution if you want a clear history and a vehicle without wear and tear. | Carefully check what is included in the final price, especially if the car is a first registration or an imported vehicle. | For a new vehicle, the RGD requires the bill of sale, the bill of entry issued by the MRA, and the NLTA fitness form.registrar.govmu.org) |
| Local opportunity | Often the best compromise for a newcomer who wants to get started quickly. | The deed of sale must be registered within 15 days and the transfer must then be finalized with the NLTA with the insurance in the name of the new owner. | The RGD also indicates an administrative fee of Rs 400 for a used local vehicle. |
| Used import | Interesting if you are looking for a specific model that is unavailable locally. | Import permit before shipment, right-hand drive, good condition, original chassis and acceptable proof that the vehicle is not stolen. | The taxable value of used vehicles depends on the FOB value with progressive depreciation, and excise duties remain highly variable depending on the category.mra.mu) |
If you are also building your installation budget, the Practical guides for expats in Mauritius help you to integrate the car into all your daily life activities.
How much should I budget for fees, taxes and financing?
The advertised price is not enough. The actual budget depends on the vehicle's status, its import value, and the financing method. For imported vehicles, VAT is 15% and excise duties vary according to the category and engine type; for used cars, transfer fees and, sometimes, an inspection must also be factored in.mra.mu)
Table of anticipated costs
| Job | Amount or reference | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| RGD administrative fees for a used local vehicle | Rs 400 | When buying second-hand goods locally. |
| Transfer of ownership to the NLTA | Rs 300 for other vehicles, Rs 200 for a motorbike | Upon change of ownership after registration of the deed of sale.nlta.govmu.org) |
| Technical examination | Rs 600 for a motor car | If the vehicle is due for inspection; passenger cars and motorcycles are exempt for the first seven years from the date of first registration.nlta.govmu.org) |
| Importing a vehicle | Variable excise duty + VAT 15 % | When importing, the cost depends on the engine size, the engine type, and the taxable value. |
| Funding | Leasing up to 90% (% incl. VAT) at MauBank; car loan up to 100% (%) of the showroom price at BCP Bank, including road fees and VAT | Depending on your profile, new or used items, and the establishment's policy.maubank.mu) |
For financing, several Mauritian banks offer dedicated packages. MauBank highlights car leasing up to 90 % of the total amount including VAT, with a duration of up to 8 years for new vehicles, while BCP Bank announces financing up to 100 % of the showroom price, including road costs and VAT, with maximum durations of 7 years for new vehicles and 5 years for used vehicles.
Buying a new car in Mauritius
For a new car, the process is simplest when the dealer handles the local registration. If the vehicle is being registered for the first time in Mauritius or imported, the standard file required by the RGD includes the bill of sale, the MRA bill of entry, and the NLTA fitness form.
- Request a written quote specifying the model, options, any additional costs, and what is included before delivery.
- Verify that the seller's, vehicle's, and buyer's documents exactly match the future owner's.
- If the vehicle is to be registered as a first registration, prepare the bill of entry and fitness form required by the NLTA.
- Make sure insurance is in place before hitting the road, as the NLTA requires a valid insurance certificate in the new owner's name during the transfer or inspection.
- Use the RGD online module if needed to save time on the documentation part.
Buying a local used car
Buying locally is often the best compromise for a newcomer, provided you check the paperwork before signing. The deed of sale must be registered with the Registrar-General's Department within 15 days, and the NLTA then requests the vehicle registration, the registered deed, the roadworthiness certificate, and proof of insurance in the new owner's name.
- Check the vehicle history, chassis number and any lien or encumbrance status.
- Check if the sale is between two private individuals, because the lien certificate is not required in this case; however, it becomes useful in several other situations, for example when a company is involved.
- Register the deed of sale with the RGD within 15 days to avoid the penalty.
- Next, submit the documents requested to the NLTA for the transfer of ownership and the update of the file.
- If the car needs to be examined, expect to pay Rs 600 for a motor car; however, private cars and motorcycles are exempt from testing for the first seven years from the first registration.
As a point of reference, the RGD indicates an administrative fee of Rs 400 for a used local vehicle, and the NLTA displays a transfer fee of Rs 300 for other vehicles, with a possible additional charge if re-registration is required.
Importing a car to Mauritius: in what cases is it worthwhile?
Importing can make sense if you're looking for a specific model that's unavailable locally, but the process is very regulated. For a used car, an import permit must be obtained before shipping; the vehicle must be registered in the applicant's name, be right-hand drive, in good condition, undamaged, with its original chassis, and provide acceptable proof that it is not stolen. Furthermore, an individual or an unauthorized company can only import one car every five years, except in certain specific cases.
- Internal combustion engine cars are subject to excise duties ranging from 0 % to 100 % depending on the engine size, plus VAT of 15 %.
- Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles benefit from specific tax rates, often more favorable than comparable internal combustion engines.
- For used vehicles, the taxable value is calculated from the FOB value of identical vehicles already imported, reduced by 9 % for the first month of use and then by 1 % per additional month, up to a limit of 50 %.
In practice, personal import is therefore more advantageous for a very specific need than for the pursuit of administrative simplicity. This conclusion is drawn from the current customs and registration regulations.
FAQ
How do I buy a new car in Mauritius and what are the exact steps to follow?
Start by obtaining a detailed quote from the dealer, then check if the vehicle is already locally available or if it's a first-time registration. For a new vehicle registered for the first time, the documents required by the RGD include the bill of sale, the MRA bill of entry, and the NLTA fitness form. Insurance must be in place before the vehicle is put into service. In some cases, certain steps can also be completed online via the RGD.
How to buy a used car in Mauritius and what documents do you need to prepare?
For a locally purchased used car, first request the deed of sale, the vehicle registration, and the insurance certificate in the future owner's name. The deed must be registered with the Registrar-General's Department within 15 days, and then the transfer is made to the NLTA with the registered document and the roadworthiness form if an inspection is required. Between two private individuals, a lien certificate is not necessary, which simplifies the process.
What are the steps to register a vehicle in Mauritius and obtain license plates?
In practice, vehicle registration involves two steps: the RGD (General Registration Document) for registering the title, and then the NLTA (National Vehicle Licensing Agency) for transferring and updating the vehicle information. Once the application is approved and payment is made, the vehicle receives its registration mark. If you require personalized markings, the NLTA also offers a dedicated procedure for custom plates or markings.
Should you import a car to Mauritius or buy locally from a dealer, and what are the customs and tax rules?
If you want the simplest solution, buying locally is often preferable. Importing a used car requires a permit before shipping, right-hand drive, a vehicle in good condition, and, in most cases, a limit of one car every five years for an individual or an unauthorized company. Conversely, buying locally avoids this customs hurdle, but you still need to properly register the transfer.
What are the typical costs and financing options available for purchasing a new or used car in Mauritius?
For a local sale, expect to pay a minimum of Rs 400 in RGD administrative fees, plus Rs 300 for the NLTA transfer for most vehicles. If an inspection is required, the NLTA charges Rs 600 for a motor car. Regarding financing, MauBank offers car leasing up to 90 % including VAT, while BCP Bank advertises a car loan that can cover up to 100 % of the showroom price, including road tolls and VAT. Terms vary depending on your profile.
And now ?
If you are preparing to move to Mauritius and wish to secure your car purchase within a larger expatriation or investment project, the team at’Expat Mauritius They can help you structure the process and request a free assessment. You can also contact them via the website or WhatsApp to move forward more quickly, with support tailored to your situation.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized tax, legal or customs advice.
