Residence by Property
Buy from USD 375,000 in an approved development and residency comes with the title — a home you can live in, and an asset you can pass on.
A Home That Comes With Residence Rights
Buy a residential property worth at least USD 375,000 in a Mauritian government-approved development and you and your family can obtain a residence permit—residence runs with ownership, so as long as you hold the property, your residence remains valid.
This is the most "lifestyle-oriented" of the four routes: the home is yours, you can live in it or rent it out, there is no mandatory minimum stay, and you avoid the hassle of applying separately for a work permit. For families who want to combine asset allocation with quality of life, it is often the most natural answer.
One point deserves particular attention: only government-approved developments carry residence rights. An ordinary private property transaction gives you title only and does not create residence eligibility. That is why we recommend confirming a project's approved status before you choose a property.
Which Projects Carry Residence Rights
Mauritius has established several schemes for developments at different stages and market positions, all approved and supervised by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
IRS · Integrated Resort Scheme
An early scheme for high-end villas and resort residences, often in prime beachfront locations.
RES · Real Estate Scheme
A residential development scheme that followed IRS, covering detached villas and semi-detached housing projects.
PDS · Property Development Scheme
The mainstream residential development framework today, covering villas, apartments and senior living residences.
Smart City Scheme
Mixed-use developments combining residential, office, commercial and educational components, suited to families who want to live and do business in the same place.
Core Requirements and Rights
Minimum Purchase Price
From approximately RMB 2.7 million, for a residential unit within an EDB-approved project.
Term of Residence
As long as you continue to hold the property, the residence permit remains valid; if you sell the property, the residence eligibility ends.
Invest and Operate
Holders of this residence permit may invest and operate in Mauritius without applying separately for an occupation permit.
Family Scope
A spouse and dependent children may accompany; accompanying dependent parents require a letter of undertaking from the main applicant and case-by-case approval by the Immigration Office.
How the Purchase and Residence Timelines Relate
The property purchase and the residence application can proceed in parallel: once you have chosen a project and signed the reservation documents, you can prepare the residence application at the same time, and once the transfer and registration of the property are complete, the permit enters the issuance stage. The overall timeline is usually 2–6 months, depending on the delivery status of the project and the progress of your documents.
Taxes and Fees Involved in the Purchase
Beyond the purchase price itself, a property purchase involves transfer tax, legal and notarial fees, registration fees and possibly project management and maintenance charges. The rates and reliefs applicable to non-citizens are adjusted with the finance act, so please rely on the latest official rules; at the property selection stage we will set out the full schedule for you rather than using a vague lump sum.
How to Apply
Discuss Your Needs
Clarify your budget, preferred areas, whether the property is for personal use or letting, and whether international schooling is needed.
Project Selection and Site Visits
We provide a list of EDB-approved projects and arrange site visits and meetings with developers.
Reservation and Due Diligence
A practising lawyer completes the title search, and you sign the reservation documents once the project's approved status and the contract terms are confirmed.
Residence Application in Parallel
Prepare your passport, police clearance, proof of funds, marriage certificate and other documents, and submit the residence application to EDB.
Transfer and Collection
Complete the transfer and registration of title, pay the taxes, fees and government permit fee, and collect the residence permit.
Settling In
On-the-ground support with bank account opening, utilities and internet, school enrolment, and property and rental management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residence by Property
Can I buy first and apply for residence later?
Yes, but we recommend proceeding in parallel. The documents for the purchase contract and the residence application overlap heavily, so handling them together usually saves time.
Can the property be rented out? Do I have to live in it?
Properties in approved projects can generally be let out, and Mauritius imposes no mandatory minimum stay for this type of residence. Letting and owner-occupation arrangements must comply with the project and property rules.
What happens to my residence if I sell the property?
Residence is tied to ownership, so the permit ends when the property is sold. If by then you meet the conditions of another category (for example the Investor Visa or long-term residence), you can switch to that route separately.
What is the difference between an apartment and a villa?
Villas are mostly located in IRS/RES/PDS projects, carry residence rights and offer greater privacy; G+2 apartments have a lower entry threshold and simpler purchase formalities, but the applicable conditions need to be checked separately.
Check the Project's Approved Status Before Discussing Price
Tell us your budget and living requirements, and we will compile a matching list of approved projects and explain the fees and residence conditions.