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Recent budget announcements for 2025-2026 bring significant changes affecting non-citizens looking to buy property in Mauritius. Here's what you need to know.
Increased Registration Duty
One of the major changes is the increase in registration duty. Non-citizens acquiring residential properties through Economic Development Board (EDB) schemes, such as Smart City Scheme, Property Development Scheme, and Integrated Resort Scheme, will now pay 10% instead of the previous 5% registration duty.
Higher Land Transfer Taxes
If you plan to sell your residential property later, be prepared for higher taxes. Non-citizens selling properties acquired under EDB schemes will pay a land transfer tax of either 10% of the property's value or 30% of the capital gain, whichever is higher.
Restrictions on Property Acquisition
Significant restrictions have also been introduced:
- Non-citizens can no longer acquire apartments in buildings constructed on State Land or Pas Géométriques.
- The USD 500,000 minimum investment scheme, allowing property purchase anywhere in Mauritius, has been discontinued.
Changes in Permits
The government introduced several updates regarding residence and occupation permits:
- The duration of residence permits for retirees is now reduced from 10 to 5 years, renewable. Retirees must transfer USD 24,000 annually or USD 2,000 monthly to a local bank and reside at least 180 days per year in Mauritius.
- A new simplified, rules-based work permit system will fast-track applications through the Economic Development Board.
- Occupation permits for professionals now have two categories, attracting highly qualified individuals. Young professionals’ permits have been reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
Ending Ministerial Approvals
Previously, ministers could approve property acquisitions by non-citizens even after the deed was registered. This provision has now been removed, ensuring stricter compliance from the outset.
These new budget measures emphasize Mauritius’ focus on regulating foreign investments in real estate, ensuring structured growth, and clearer immigration policies. Non-citizens planning property investments in Mauritius should carefully evaluate these changes to ensure compliance and optimize their investments.
#Mauritius 2025-2026 Budget
