First Grand Property Management · Mauritius
G+2, IRS, RES Explained: How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Mauritius
Thinking of buying property in Mauritius as a foreigner? With its tropical beauty, stable economy, and growing luxury rental market, Mauritius remains one of the most attractive destinations for international real estate investment. This guide breaks down the key schemes – and shows you how to legally purchase, own, and monetise property on the island.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mauritius?
Yes – under government-approved schemes designed to encourage foreign direct investment. The key points:
- Only eligible properties in designated developments can be purchased by non-citizens.
- Each transaction must be approved by the Economic Development Board (EDB) prior to final registration.
- Ownership is freehold within the approved project – not leasehold.
- Many schemes also provide a pathway to a residence permit when purchase-thresholds are met. [oai_citation:5‡Harvey Law Corporation](https://harveylawcorporation.com/mauritius-residence-permit/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Overview of the Main Property Schemes for Foreign Buyers
Here are the key government-approved schemes you’ll encounter:
| Scheme | Full Name | Minimum Investment* | Type of Property | Residency Offered? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G+2 (Ground + 2) | Apartments in 2+ storey buildings | Approx. USD 150k / MUR 6 million (for purchase) – BUT no automatic residency unless investment meets threshold. [oai_citation:6‡Real Estate Mauritius](https://real-estate-mauritius.mu/en/real-estate-schemes-mauritius-pds-r2-irs-res-smart-city/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Apartments | No (unless meets higher threshold) |
| IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme) | Luxury villas/apartments in resort-style estates | From USD 375,000+ in many recent guidelines. [oai_citation:7‡Property Mauritius](https://property-mauritius.mu/en/irs?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Villas / luxury | Yes (with threshold) |
| RES (Real Estate Scheme) | Villas/duplexes/apartments in approved developments | From USD 375,000+ to qualify for residency in many cases. [oai_citation:8‡Property Mauritius](https://property-mauritius.mu/en/irs?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Villas / apartments | Yes (if investment threshold met) |
| PDS (Property Development Scheme) | Modern integrated developments replacing IRS/RES | USD 375,000+ typical to qualify for residence. [oai_citation:9‡EDB Mauritius](https://edbmauritius.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Guidelines-Acquisition-of-property-USD-500-000-.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Villas / apartments / mixed use | Yes |
*Minimums are subject to change – always verify with the EDB and legal advisor.
What Makes Mauritius a Stand-Out for Foreign Property Investment
Mauritius offers more than just a tropical backdrop. For foreign investors it delivers:
- A stable, English-friendly legal system.
- No inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and no capital gains tax on resale in many cases. [oai_citation:10‡Veles Club](https://veles-club.com/blog/x2xpimdhlw6ouf2bskoovzpx?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- A growing luxury rental market supported by tourism, expats and remote workers.
- Clearer thresholds for residence permits (USD 375k+ for many schemes) and ability to repatriate rental income freely. [oai_citation:11‡Worldwide Property Co.](https://worldwideproperty.co/buyers-guide/mauritius-property-guides/mauritius-golden-visa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Can I Rent My Property on Short-Term Platforms Like Airbnb?
In most approved developments (IRS/RES/PDS) yes, short-term letting is allowed – meaning you can list on Airbnb, Booking.com or other OTAs. Many investors use professional management companies to optimise yield and guest experience. Always check the individual estate rules and service contracts.
Taxes & Fees You Need to Know
| Item | Rate / Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration Duty | Typically 5% of purchase price (in many schemes) – confirm with notary. |
| Notary / Legal Fees | ~1-2% of price plus VAT. |
| Rental Income Tax | Flat ~15% for many foreign-owner structures. [oai_citation:12‡Veles Club](https://veles-club.com/blog/x2xpimdhlw6ouf2bskoovzpx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) |
| No Capital Gains Tax | In many cases for non-resident owners. [oai_citation:13‡Veles Club](https://veles-club.com/blog/x2xpimdhlw6ouf2bskoovzpx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) |
How to Choose the Right Property Management Partner
Buying the property is one thing – managing it well is another. Here’s what smart investors ask:
- Specialisation: Do they focus on luxury short-term rentals, or just generic letting?
- Revenue logic: Can they show you how they price, adjust, and protect your yield?
- Operational checklists: Cleaning standards, guest screening, quality control?
- Owner transparency: Will you get clear dashboards with ADR, occupancy, net yield?
- Alignment: Are their incentives aligned with yours (long-term yield, asset protection, reputation)?
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