Buying an apartment in Mauritius is possible for a foreigner. The right scheme changes everything: investment threshold, authorization, timeline, and eventual access to the residence. The rules differ depending on whether it's a G+2 apartment, a PDS/IRS/RES project, or a Smart City development. (migration.govmu.org)
If you would like assistance in choosing the right scheme and preparing your application, a local contact can save you time, especially when the property purchase is part of a larger relocation project. You can start by comprehensive support for living and investing in Mauritius.
Good news: official guidelines indicate that a non-citizen can apply to purchase an apartment even without an occupancy permit, residence permit, or permanent residence permit. The decisive factor remains the project's compliance and the quality of the application. (edbmauritius.org)
Which real estate programs are open to foreigners?
To verify the official framework, the best starting point remains the government page on the acquisition of an apartment by a foreigner and the EDB's real estate file. These sources summarize the most common purchase schemes and applicable thresholds. (migration.govmu.org)
| Diet | Property type | Key takeaways | For which profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| G+2 | Apartment in a building with at least two floors above ground. | The most straightforward option for purchasing a standard apartment, with a minimum price of MUR 6 million and prior authorization. (migration.govmu.org) | If you are looking for a standard apartment, without necessarily aiming for a high-end residential program. (migration.govmu.org) |
| PDS | Approved residential program, often geared towards high-end properties. | Project listed and overseen by the EDB, with rules specific to the program and the promoter. (edbmauritius.org) | If you are aiming for a more premium residence, with a view to building wealth. (edbmauritius.org) |
| IRS / RES | Residential projects approved in already identified complexes. | This is useful when you are targeting a specific asset within an existing or already commercialized project. (edbmauritius.org) | If you're looking for a structured residential setting, often sought after for its prime location and amenities. (edbmauritius.org) |
| Smart City | Residency in an integrated “work, live, play” city. | The application process is now largely modernized via PAMS, with project-specific conditions. (edbmauritius.org) | If you are looking for a new, mixed-use environment, highly structured around everyday uses. (edbmauritius.org) |
If your goal includes obtaining a residence permit, keep this in mind: the EDB indicates that an acquisition of at least USD 375,000 in the relevant schemes can grant residency, which remains valid as long as you retain ownership of the property. (edbmauritius.org)
What has changed recently
The key factor to watch in 2026 is not only the property price, but also the payment currency and the deposit platform. Mauritian authorities have indicated that, starting December 13, 2024, purchases made under IRS, RES, IHS, PDS, and SCS schemes will require a deposit of 85 % of the price in Mauritian rupees to the developer, with the remaining 15 % payable in hard currency or rupees. In parallel, the EDB has launched PAMS on NELS to simplify several real estate applications. (edbmauritius.org)
For the standard PRA scheme, the government website states that no processing fee applies. However, the EDB introduced non-refundable processing fees in 2024 for certain applications it administers.dha.govmu.org)
Which tax regime should you choose based on your project?
If you are looking for a standard apartment: G+2 is often the most easily understood entry point, as the rule explicitly targets buildings with at least two above-ground stories and sets a clear threshold. (migration.govmu.org)
If you are aiming for a premium property: PDS, and sometimes IRS or RES depending on the project, are more suitable if you want a structured developer environment and a more upscale residential setting. (edbmauritius.org)
If you prefer a new and integrated neighborhood: The Smart City concept can be relevant if you are looking for a "work, life, leisure" approach and a more urban experience. (edbmauritius.org)
To plan your overall budget, banking procedures, and move-in preparations, you can also browse practical guides designed for expatriation to Mauritius.
And if you are comparing several interlocutors, also take the time to check their legal framework; ; legal notices This allows us to know who is using the platform and in what capacity. This is a useful precaution when dealing with an estate matter abroad.
Step-by-step steps to buying an apartment
The process becomes much simpler if you prepare your application in the correct order and avoid submitting an incomplete one. For property acquisitions, the EDB and the administration remind applicants that some forms are only considered valid once all the required information has been provided. (edbmauritius.org)
- Define the right plan before committing. An apartment in a G+2 building is not treated like a plot in a Smart City or a PDS program, and the best approach depends on your intended use, budget, and investment goals. (migration.govmu.org)
- Check the price threshold and your eligibility. For the G+2, the regulatory threshold is MUR 6 million, while the schemes covered by the EDB can also grant residency permits starting from a threshold of USD 375,000. (migration.govmu.org)
- Prepare the main components. The government is requesting at a minimum a site plan, a valuation report, and information on the source of funding. (dha.govmu.org)
- Submit the application in the correct place. For the PRA scheme, the application is processed through the relevant administration; for several EDB schemes, the application is now centralized via PAMS. (dha.govmu.org)
- Don't sign too early. In matters of property, an acquisition without authorization may be declared null and void, and the administration specifies that an incomplete application will not be processed. (dha.govmu.org)
- Involve the notary. The EDB reminds everyone that the notary has a legal obligation to draft the deed and verify the absence of any encumbrances on the property before finalization. (edbmauritius.org)
- Register the deed and secure the proof of acquisition. According to the PDS guidelines, the permit is valid for six months and the property is only considered acquired upon registration and payment of the fixed fee. (edbmauritius.org)
- Apply for residency if your property qualifies you for it. In the cases covered by the EDB, residency is linked to the purchase of the property and remains valid as long as you remain the owner. (edbmauritius.org)
What documents should I prepare before submitting the application?
Before submitting an application, it's best to gather all the necessary documents and verify the overall budget. If you want a comprehensive overview of the costs and installation, the easiest way is to keep the following documents readily available. presentation pages for the support to avoid losing track between purchase, residence and installation.
- A site plan prepared by a certified surveyor. (dha.govmu.org)
- An assessment report of the property. (dha.govmu.org)
- An indication of the origin of the funds, with transfer from abroad via an official channel or equivalent mechanism. (dha.govmu.org)
- If the purchase is made through a company, trust, or other structure, the administration may request additional corporate documents. (dha.govmu.org)
The EDB also reserves the right to request additional documents or information during the investigation. (edbmauritius.org)
FAQ about buying an apartment in Mauritius as a foreigner
Is it possible to buy an apartment in Mauritius as a foreigner and what conditions must be met?
Yes. Official regulations allow non-citizens to purchase an apartment, even without an occupancy permit, residence permit, or permanent residence permit. For a G+2 apartment, the basic rule remains a minimum price of MUR 6 million and prior authorization. A complete application, including all documents requested by the administration, must also be submitted; otherwise, the application will not be processed. (edbmauritius.org)
What approved real estate programs exist for foreigners in Mauritius and which one should you choose?
The main options are G+2, PDS, IRS/RES projects, and Smart Cities. For a standard apartment, G+2 is often the most direct route. If you're looking for a premium residence, PDS or certain IRS/RES projects are more suitable. If you want a new, mixed-use neighborhood, a Smart City is an interesting option. The best choice therefore depends primarily on your needs, the desired level of service, and your budget. (migration.govmu.org)
What are the official procedures for acquiring an apartment under the G+2 scheme and obtaining a residence permit?
The process begins with verification of the tax regime and price, followed by the submission of a complete application including a site plan, valuation report, and proof of the source of funds. Once authorization is granted, the notary drafts the deed, and the transaction must be registered. If the property meets the applicable residency threshold, the EDB indicates that the permit can be issued and remains valid as long as you retain ownership. (dha.govmu.org)
What is the minimum budget required to buy an apartment as a foreigner and obtain a residence permit in Mauritius?
For the G+2 scheme, the regulatory purchase threshold is MUR 6 million. For residency access under the relevant schemes, the EDB highlights a benchmark of USD 375,000 or equivalent. Beyond the property price, also consider notary fees, registration fees, and, depending on the scheme, potential processing fees. Payment rules also changed in 2024 for several schemes. (migration.govmu.org)
What supporting documents and organizations (EDB, PMO) should be consulted before purchasing?
To ensure the transaction is secure, the first step is to identify the correct contact person: the relevant government department depending on the scheme, the EDB (Environmental Development Bank) for several real estate schemes, and the notary for the deed. The officially required documents are the site plan, the valuation report, and proof of funding, with additional documents required if the purchase is made through a structure. If in doubt, it is best to verify the exact scheme before signing. (dha.govmu.org)
And now ?
If you're in the initial search phase, the most cost-effective step is to confirm the tax regime before reserving a property. Then, get professional help to review the application, timeline, and overall budget. To move forward smoothly, you can start again from the full presentation of the support in Mauritius and keep an eye on the steps to follow. (migration.govmu.org)
