Mauritius could be a retirement option if beautiful beaches, palm trees, and a permanent staycation sound like the ideal retirement plan. Located 800km from Madagascar and a four-hour flight from South Africa, the idyllic island is a destination much-loved by South African honeymooners and travellers. It could soon be the home for many retirees, too, thanks to the country’s new retirement visa option.
Retirement Visa
The president of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, is inviting residents to retire in the island nation with its newly launched Retired Non-Citizen +50 years visa. The visa specifically targets those 50 years and above.
According to the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, the visa offers a 10-year renewable residence permit for residents who have a monthly income of $1 500 per month (R27 612.29) with the possibility of renewing it for a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit after three consecutive years. This visa also requires evidence of the availability of funds of $18 000 yearly from the country of origin or residence.
The EDB website explains in depth what the visa offers and its implications. Retirees may have a few essential considerations when looking at their options for moving abroad:
Dependents:
The visa allows dependents to join the permit holder. The website explains, “Dependents of Occupation Permit holders and/or Retired non-citizens are eligible to apply for a residence permit, allowing them to live in Mauritius for the same duration as the main holder.”
Property Ownership:
The retirement visa also allows visa holders to own property in certain freehold areas in the country, known as the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS).
Cost of Living:
Applicants may also want to consider the cost of living, which, according to Numbeo – a website that compares the cost of living worldwide, brings South Africa in at 14.2 per cent lower than Mauritius (without rent).
Tax implications would be another important factor contributing toward the application, and the economic development board says when a person stays 183 days or more, or for an aggregate period of 270 days or more in the 2 preceding income years, a person may become a tax resident.
Healthcare would be a consideration when choosing a retirement destination, and according to AXA – a healthcare company, as an expat, you will need to pay for public or private health facilities in Mauritius. Health insurance will give residents access to private healthcare, but this comes at a cost which needs to be considered when moving.
Regarding language, English is the official language of Mauritius, but Creole and French are widely spoken in the East African country. Other factors to consider are the favourable exchange rate currently at R1 to 2.50 Mauritian Rupees, proximity to South Africa, growing economy, and good weather, which make it a good option.
The list of requirements to apply for the visa include:
- Birth Certificate – original (either in English or French) If not, a certified/sworn translated copy by a competent authority should be submitted.
- Passport – Biodata page
- Certificate of Character /Police Clearance covering the last ten years – less than six months old
- 1 recent colour passport size digital photograph – dimensions 3.5cm (413 pixels) x 4.5cm (531 pixels) (less than six months old)
- Signed undertaking – to be filled and signed by the applicant.
- Copy of any other permit, if applicable– Occupation Permit/Work/Residence Permit
To learn more, visit: https://residency.mu/
Retirement Options
Mauritius joins a list of other countries promoting retirement visa options, including Portugal’s D7 Visa, which requires proof of a passive income outside the country.
A Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O” is another option for retirees looking to transition to Thailand, which can be applied for a one-year retirement visa extension at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand.
