Mauritius may soon be joining the global “Golden Visa” club.
In parliamentary remarks in early May, the Mauritian Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, indicated that the government is looking to introduce a new investment-based residence framework aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to the island.
The proposal appears to be driven by growing international interest. As he explained, it follows “multiple enquiries” from foreigners seeking to relocate with their families, with Mauritius targeting around 100 high-net-worth individuals per year under the programme.
So, what do we know so far?
At this stage, only a few key elements have been publicly indicated, but they give a useful sense of direction.
The proposed framework is expected to require:
- A minimum investment of USD 1 million
- The investment to be made within 12 months of arrival in Mauritius
Beyond that, the finer details are still to come. In particular, we are still waiting to see exactly what types of investments will qualify.
A continued focus on attracting international investors
This initiative reflects Mauritius’ ongoing commitment to positioning itself as an attractive and stable jurisdiction for foreign investors and internationally mobile families.
Over the years, Mauritius has consistently refined its offering to global business owners and private clients, combining a business-friendly environment with a well-established legal and regulatory framework. The proposed “Golden Visa” appears to be a natural extension of this approach.
How might it work in practice?
While nothing has been formally published yet, the expectation is that the Economic Development Board will play a central role in facilitating applications, as it already does for existing residence and investment routes.
We would also expect some form of streamlined or fast-track process, although this has not yet been confirmed.
And what about existing residence options?
Mauritius already offers a number of residence pathways, including:
- Property-linked residence permits
- Occupation permits for investors and professionals
What is not yet clear is whether this new “Golden Visa” will sit alongside these, or whether it will eventually replace or consolidate some of the existing routes.
What we don’t know yet
As with any new regime at this stage, there are still a few important points to be clarified:
- The legal structure of the permit
- Duration and renewal conditions
- Whether it leads to permanent residence or citizenship
- The exact investment options that will qualify
- The tax treatment of participants
Our take
This is a clear indication that Mauritius continues to evolve its offering to international investors and families looking for a stable, well-regulated jurisdiction from which to live and invest.
For clients considering relocation or investment into Mauritius, this is one to watch closely. We will continue to monitor developments and share a further update as soon as more concrete details are released.
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