Immigration Act 2022 in Mauritius Review

# Immigration Act 2022 in Mauritius: What Property Investors and Expats Need to Know

Mauritius has long been one of the most attractive destinations in the Indian Ocean for British and European investors seeking a combination of sun-soaked lifestyle, political stability, and compelling real estate opportunities. In 2022, the Mauritian government introduced sweeping reforms to its immigration framework — changes that have meaningfully reshaped the landscape for foreign nationals looking to live, work, and invest on the island.

If you are considering buying property in Mauritius or making it your permanent base, understanding the **Immigration Act 2022** is not optional — it is essential.

What Changed with the Immigration Act 2022?

The **Immigration Act 2022** replaced the previous Immigration Act of 1970, modernising legislation that had remained largely unchanged for over five decades. The new Act introduced clearer definitions, updated residency categories, and — crucially for property investors — tightened the link between real estate ownership and the right to reside in Mauritius.

One of the most significant shifts was the formalisation of the **Premium Visa**, which allows foreign nationals to live and work remotely in Mauritius for up to one year, renewable indefinitely. This was a direct response to the global rise of remote working and a strategic move to attract high-net-worth individuals and digital nomads to the island.

The Property Investment Threshold and Residency Rights

Perhaps the most talked-about element of the 2022 reforms concerns the **minimum investment threshold** for acquiring residency through real estate. Under the updated framework, foreign nationals who purchase property through one of the government-approved schemes — such as the **Property Development Scheme (PDS)**, the **Smart City Scheme**, or the **Ground + 2 (G+2)** apartment scheme — automatically qualify for a residence permit, provided the purchase price meets or exceeds **USD 375,000**.

This threshold, while revised upwards from earlier benchmarks, reflects Mauritius's positioning as a premium destination rather than a budget retreat. For British and European buyers, this investment level is often well within reach for a luxury villa or penthouse apartment, particularly when compared to comparable properties in the South of France or Algarve.

It is worth noting that the residence permit granted under this route extends to the investor's **spouse and dependants**, making it a genuinely family-friendly pathway to relocation.

Occupation Permits: A Broader Picture

Beyond real estate, the Immigration Act 2022 also refined the **Occupation Permit (OP)** framework, which covers investors, professionals, and the self-employed. For those looking to establish a business on the island alongside a property purchase, the OP remains one of the most popular dual-purpose instruments available.

The **Investor Occupation Permit** now requires a minimum annual turnover threshold rather than a fixed initial investment, making it more accessible for entrepreneurial Europeans who want to run a business while enjoying the Mauritian lifestyle. Combined with the island's **flat 15% income tax rate** and its network of **double taxation agreements** with the UK and key European nations, the financial case for relocating to Mauritius is increasingly compelling.

What the Act Means for Long-Term Residents

The 2022 legislation also introduced a cleaner pathway to **Permanent Residency (PR)**. Foreign nationals who have held a valid residence or occupation permit for a continuous period of **three years** may now apply for PR, provided they meet the relevant financial criteria. Previously, the pathway was less clearly defined, causing uncertainty for long-term residents planning their futures on the island.

For those who have already fallen in love with Mauritius — the turquoise lagoons, the vibrant blend of cultures, the world-class cuisine and golf courses — this clarity is welcome news. It means that a property purchase today can genuinely become the foundation of a permanent new chapter.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

While the Immigration Act 2022 has broadly been welcomed by the expat and investor community, there are important practical considerations to keep in mind:

- **Only properties within approved schemes** qualify for automatic residency rights — freehold land outside these schemes is not open to foreign buyers. - **Due diligence on developers** is critical; ensure any project is formally approved by the **Economic Development Board (EDB)** of Mauritius. - **Currency and transfer regulations** should be reviewed with a specialist, particularly for UK nationals navigating post-Brexit financial rules. - Legal advice from a qualified **Mauritian notary** is strongly recommended before signing any purchase agreement.

A New Era for Mauritius Property Investment

The Immigration Act 2022 represents a mature, forward-thinking approach to foreign residency — one that balances openness to international talent and capital with a clear regulatory framework. For British and European buyers, the message from Port Louis is unambiguous: Mauritius is open for business, and it wants high-quality, long-term residents who will invest in the island's future.

Whether you are drawn by the lifestyle, the tax efficiency, or simply the prospect of waking up to the Indian Ocean every morning, the legal groundwork has never been clearer.

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