Everything happens before the plane.
To successfully settle in Mauritius, you must above all calculate a realistic budget, choosing the right area for accommodation And securing a school solution (if you are coming as a family). In this guide, you will find concrete points of reference (with sourced data), administrative considerations, and a simple method for building your plan.’expatriation to Mauritius without any unpleasant surprises.
1) Budget: how much should I expect to spend to settle in Mauritius?
The 3 items that (really) affect the budget
- The accommodation : the area (North, West, Central…), the type (apartment/villa) and the level of service (furnished, residence with swimming pool, security…).
- The school : public (free on the state side) vs private/international (often the biggest expense for families).
- The status Visa/permit type, processing times, supporting documents (local or remote activity, investment, retirement, etc.). The system is constantly evolving, so it's best to confirm your plan from the outset.
Key figures (2025) for estimating the cost of living
To give a sense of scale, a summary based on Numbeo (relayed by Foyer Global Health) indicates average monthly rents of around 20,900 MUR for a 1 bedroom in the city center And 36550 MUR for a 3 bedrooms in the city center (2025 data, indicative).foyerglobalhealth.com)
Regarding energy, you can rely on the Central Electricity Board official domestic tariffs (current tiered pricing system).ceb.mu)
Practical tip: For a realistic budget, think in terms of “cost of month 1”"(deposits + entry fees) then "“stable monthly cost”"(from month 3).
Table – Indicative monthly budget (2025) according to profile
The amounts below are forks They serve to frame a project, not to replace a personalized budget. The "benchmark" rents come from a Numbeo 2025 summary.foyerglobalhealth.com)
| Job | Solo (simple mode) | Couple (comfort mode) | Family (2 adults + 2 children) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (reference point) | 1 bedroom, city center: ~20,900 MUR/month | 2–3 ch. (variable) | 3 bedrooms, city center: ~36,550 MUR/month |
| Electricity (order of magnitude) | Heavily dependent on air conditioning. Official tiered tariff (CEB): the more you consume, the higher the kWh price.ceb.mu) | ||
| Transportation | Because it is often essential depending on the area. The price of gasoline varies; a 2025 reference (source: Numbeo) mentions ~€1.32/liter.foyerglobalhealth.com) | ||
| Schooling | — | — | Public: Free at the state level (secondary education has been free since 1977). Private/international: Can exceed several hundred thousand MUR/year depending on the school.education.govmu.org) |
The "entry" fees to anticipate (month 1)
- Security deposit : often 1 to 3 months' rent depending on the landlord and the type of rental (market practice, to be confirmed on a case-by-case basis).
- Electricity connection : the CEB indicates connection fees and one security deposit (e.g., domestic connection advertised at 750 MUR + deposit according to rate).ceb.mu)
- School fees Registration and deposit fees vary considerably. For example, Saint Exupéry International School Mauritius displays 40,000 WALLS registration fees (non-refundable) + 37,000 MUR refundable deposit (see “Tuition fees” page).en.seis.mu)
- Permit / Residence Depending on the program, statutory fees may apply. Note: the EDB indicates that a processing fee of USD 50 (non-refundable) applies from December 1, 2025 for Occupation Permit and Residence Permit applications.residency.mu)
2) Accommodation: where to live in Mauritius and how to rent without stress
Choose your zone: North, West, Central… (simple logic)
- North (Grand Baie, etc.) : very popular with expats, lively atmosphere, beach access, but rents often higher.
- West (Tamarin, etc.) : “sea + activities” lifestyle, appreciated for the work/leisure balance.
- Center (Moka and central plateau) : convenient for travel, schools, services, cooler climate.
- Port Louis / surrounding area : “business proximity” logic, but the living experience depends heavily on the neighborhood.
Rental: points to check before signing
- Furnished vs. unfurnished : a furnished apartment reduces initial purchases (often useful in the first 3–6 months).
- Energy-intensive equipment Air conditioning, water heater, swimming pool… (direct impact on the bill, with a progressive kWh rate).ceb.mu)
- Internet : request a speed test and the installation time before moving in (crucial for teleworking).
- Daily access : real-time travel to school, supermarket, main roads (in Mauritius, a few kilometers can change the routine).
Buying property: pay attention to residency status
Depending on your strategy (residence, investment, long term), the rules vary. For the "residence/permit" process, the EDB centralizes many procedures via the NELS system and publishes reference information.residency.mu)
To discover the "turnkey expatriation" approach (housing, schools, settling in), you can consult the page Live in Mauritius with Expat Mauritius.
3) Schools in Mauritius: public, private, international (and how much they cost)
Public schools: what the state says (and what it implies)
THE Secondary education has been free in Mauritius since 1977 and he is became compulsory up to age 16 from 2005 (Information published on the ministry's website).education.govmu.org)
In practice, many expatriate families nevertheless choose private/international schools for reasons of language, continuity of program (IB, British, French) or availability of places.
Private/International Schools: Ranges and Examples 2024–2027
Fees vary depending on the program, age, and institution. To illustrate with published figures:
- Saint Exupéry International School Mauritius (Grand Baie) : poster 222,000 MUR annual fees (period indicated “September 2026 to August 2027”) + registration fees.en.seis.mu)
- Northfields International School : 2025/2026 expense data (according to a specialized database) mentions, for example 161,700 MUR/year for Nursery 2 and levels that rise significantly in secondary school. (international-schools-database.com)
How to choose a school (5-criteria method)
- Curriculum French, British (IGCSE/A-Levels), IB…
- Language : language of instruction + languages actually used on a daily basis.
- Journeys : the “right” choice of school also depends on the neighborhood where you live.
- Total budget : annual fees + registration + deposit + uniform + transport + canteen.
- Availability : possible waiting lists (so start early, especially in the North/West).
For more practical resources, you can consult Expat Mauritius expatriation guides.
4) Visas, permits, taxes: what you need to understand before settling in
Premium Visa: for a long stay (remote work / extended stay)
THE Premium Visa is presented by the authorities as a visa allowing a non-citizen to stay 1 year, renewable, particularly for a long stay (tourist, retiree, remote professional).passport.govmu.org)
The Passport and Immigration Office also indicates that the Premium Visa is free (no charge).passport.govmu.org)
Regarding supporting documents, press sources often indicate an order of magnitude of’at least USD 1,500/month and travel/health insurance. These criteria may change, so you should check the required documents at the time of application.ndtv.com)
Occupation Permit / Residence Permit: be aware of application fees (since 2025)
For more “structural” permits (local activity, residence, etc.), the EDB reminds applicants that applications are made via NELS and specifies that a processing fee of USD 50 applies from December 1, 2025 for Occupation Permit and Residence Permit applications.residency.mu)
Taxes and duties: useful benchmarks (2025–2026)
- Income tax (PAY) The MRA table indicates a 3-tier scale (0% on the first 500,000 MUR, 10% on the next 500,000 MUR, then 20% beyond).mra.mu)
- Budget Measures 2025–2026 PwC Mauritius details, in particular, adjustments and a “Fair-Share Contribution” for certain high incomes (to be analyzed according to your profile).pwc.com)
- VAT The MRA reminds everyone that the VAT rate in Mauritius is 15%. (mra.mu)
5) Health, insurance, daily life: the essentials to get off to a good start
Healthcare: public vs. private
In Mauritius, there is a network of public hospitals and private clinics. Specialist guides indicate that access to public hospitals is generally free for residents (but not necessarily for non-residents), while private hospitals are faster but more expensive.expat.com)
In practice, many expatriates prefer a international health insurance (at least for the first few years), especially if you want access to the private area and/or evacuation coverage.
Electricity: understanding the “progressive” (and avoiding the air conditioning surprise)
The CEB domestic tariff is progressive in stages The price per kWh increases with consumption, making air conditioning a significant factor in the budget. The official tariff schedule (rates 110/120/140) is published by the CEB.ceb.mu)
6) Installation checklist (simple and effective)
- Confirm status (visa/permit) and gather key supporting documents (income, insurance, accommodation).
- Choose an area depending on school / work / lifestyle.
- Signing a housing agreement (anticipating storage + connections + internet).
- Block the school (registration + schedule + transport).
- Build a stable monthly budget (rent + energy + transport + health + schooling + margin).
FAQ – Expatriation to Mauritius (frequently asked questions)
What monthly budget should I plan for to live in Mauritius in 2026?
There is no single figure: the budget depends mainly on the accommodation, of the schooling and of the comfort level. To provide a framework, you can start with "benchmark" rents for 2025 (e.g., ~20,900 MUR/month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center, ~36,550 MUR/month for a 3-bedroom apartment) and add energy/transport/healthcare costs.foyerglobalhealth.comThe best calculation is to separate “month 1” (deposits, registrations, connections) and “stabilized monthly” from month 3 onwards.
Are public schools in Mauritius free for expatriates?
The government indicates that the Secondary education has been free since 1977 and compulsory up to the age of 16 since 2005.education.govmu.orgIn reality, access and experience can depend on the language of instruction, the sector, and the availability of places. Many expatriate families favor private/international schools for educational continuity (IB/British/French programs) and language learning, which significantly impacts the annual budget.
How much do international schools cost in Mauritius?
Fees vary considerably depending on the institution and level. For example, Saint Exupéry International School Mauritius charges 222,000 MUR of annual fees (2026–2027 period) and registration/deposit fees. (en.seis.muOther schools may have higher fees, particularly at the secondary level (several hundred thousand MUR/year). The important thing is to add up the total cost : school fees + registration + deposit + uniform + canteen + transport.
Is the Premium Visa a paid service and how long does it last?
The Passport and Immigration Office presents the Premium Visa as a visa allowing stay 1 year, renewable, and indicates that it is free (no charge).passport.govmu.orgRegarding practical requirements (funds, insurance, proof), press sources often mention a ballpark figure (e.g., USD 1,500/month) and insurance, but it is essential to verify the list of required documents when submitting the application.ndtv.com)
What taxes do you pay when you live and work in Mauritius?
For employees, the PAYE system provides for tax brackets published by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA): 0% on the first 500,000 MUR, 10% on the next bracket, and then 20% beyond that.mra.muMeasures in the 2025–2026 Budget may add specific provisions for certain high incomes (to be analyzed according to your situation).pwc.comThe VAT (VAT) is 15%.mra.mu)
And now? (next step)
If you want to secure your project (budget, choice of location, accommodation, schools, and administrative procedures), Expat Mauritius can support you with a local approach and personalized guidance. Start by exploring our offer. Living in Mauritius: a turnkey expatriation solution, then explore Expat Mauritius support solutions to move forward quickly and calmly.
