Golden Visa in Mauritius: the island positions itself as the new refuge for global fortunes

The Mauritian government officially launched a Golden Visa on April 10, 2026, a strategic decision that goes far beyond mere administrative measures. In a global context marked by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, economic turbulence in Europe, and the rise of populism in many countries, Mauritius is now positioning itself as the main wealth sanctuary in the Indian Ocean.

A strong political signal ahead of the June Budget

The decision was not a surprise for local economic observers, but its official announcement in April—two months before the annual Budget—sends a clear message to international investors: Mauritius is ready to accelerate its transformation into a premier financial and residential hub. The government chose not to wait for the budget presentation to send this signal. The competition with other destinations like Dubai, Malta, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates is intense, and every month counts.
According to initial available information, the Mauritian Golden Visa would target investors with a capital of at least 500,000 US dollars, which can be mobilized in residential real estate, funds approved by the Financial Services Commission, or the creation of local businesses. This threshold is lower than that of many European competitors, providing a significant competitive advantage.

The EDB Fast-Track: a promise of efficiency

A dedicated Fast-Track service has been established within the Economic Development Board (EDB) to expedite the processing of applications from wealthy investors. The announced target timelines would be fifteen working days for an initial response, compared to several months in standard procedures. This promise of administrative efficiency is at the heart of Mauritius’s value proposition.
The EDB also announced the appointment of dedicated relationship managers for each qualified investor, similar to practices in family offices in Geneva or Singapore. This personalized approach aims to reassure clients accustomed to premium service and reluctant to navigate complex bureaucracies.

Real estate, the central engine of the strategy

Real estate remains the central engine of this strategy to attract great fortunes. The Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) and Property Development Scheme (PDS) programs have already allowed thousands of foreigners to acquire properties in Mauritius over the past two decades. The Golden Visa adds to these existing frameworks a residency and international mobility framework, allowing capital to be converted into tangible assets protected by an attractive tax environment.
Mauritius indeed applies a maximum tax rate of 15% on income, no inheritance tax on local assets for non-residents, and a network of tax treaties with over forty-five countries. These structural advantages make the island one of the most competitive environments in Africa and the region.

A unique regional positioning

While Dubai currently captures most of the capital flows fleeing instability, Mauritius has an argument that the Emirates cannot offer: the political stability of a functioning parliamentary democracy since independence in 1968, an independent judiciary inherited from the British model, and a quality of life recognized in international rankings.
According to initial estimates from the EDB, the Golden Visa could attract between 200 and 400 new qualified investors in the first year, representing potential investment flows of around 300 to 600 million dollars. This is a significant amount for an economy with a GDP of about 14 billion dollars.
For families and international investors seeking stability, Mauritius now offers what few destinations can guarantee: the certainty of a robust legal framework, predictable taxation, and exceptional quality of life in one of the most preserved archipelagos in the world.

La rédaction ZotNews

L’équipe éditoriale de ZotNews. Une rédaction indépendante qui vérifie et cite ses sources pour informer l’île Maurice.