Finance Bill 2025-26 – New Rules That Change Everything for Foreigners

Finance Bill 2025-2026: A development for non-citizens in Mauritius

Summary of new measures for expatriates

Details of new measures for expatriates

This year, the Finance Bill 2025, 333 pages long, introduces amendments to nearly sixty existing laws. This so-called "omnibus" text is crucial: it legally translates budgetary commitments, particularly in tax, regulatory and public governance matters. The objective is clear: to reorient the Mauritian economic model, while laying the foundations for a sustainable consolidation of public finances.

On July 27, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Navin Ramgoolam, laid the foundations for a strategic shift. During the budget presentation to the National Assembly, he defined three pillars of reform: the transition to a more resilient economic model, the implementation of a new social pact, and a strengthening of fiscal responsibility.

For non-citizens, these reforms mark a major transformation of the conditions of immigration, investment and residence. The government is banking on a professionalization of criteria while significantly raising the financial access thresholds.

Comprehensive reform of immigration permits: towards higher standards

The most structural reform concerns the occupation permit, now valid for a period of 10 yearsThis extension of duration is accompanied by considerably increased financial requirements, reflecting the Mauritian desire to attract more substantial investors.

Investors: two options for establishing a lasting presence

Future investors will have to choose between two distinct routes, each imposing specific financial commitments over five years. The first option requires a initial investment of $50000 with a written commitment to transfer within 60 days. The minimum turnover starts at 1.5 million Mauritian rupees ($33051) in the first year, rising to 20 million MUR ($440679) cumulatively over five years. From the sixth year onwards, an annual turnover of 5 million Mauritian rupees ($110170) will be required for renewal.

The second option, more accessible in terms of performance, requires a initial investment doubled to $100000In return, the minimum turnover is set at 1 million MUR ($22034) in the first year, increasing to 15 million Mauritian rupees ($330509) over five years, with the same threshold of 5 million Mauritian rupees ($110170) annually for renewal.

Professionals: a spectacular increase in minimum wages

The non-citizen professionals face an upheaval in their salary conditions. The system is now divided into two distinct categories: the ProPass demands a minimum wage of 50 thousand Rs ($1102) per month, more than double the current 22.5 thousand Mauritian rupees ($496). This dramatic increase reflects the desire to attract only highly qualified profiles.

L'Expert Pass targets the professional elite with a minimum salary of 250 thousand Mauritian rupees ($5508) per month. These permits, valid 10 years maximum or the duration of the employment contract, introduce unprecedented investment restrictions: holders can invest in companies without being employed there, but cannot be majority shareholders in the company that employs them.

Self-employed workers: a sector refocused on services

The self-employed see their access conditions tightened with an initial investment increased to $50000, against $35000 previously. Now confined to services only, they will have to generate minimum revenues of 750 thousand Mauritian rupees ($16525) the first year, progressing to 6 million MUR ($132204) cumulative over five years.

From the sixth year onwards, a threshold of 1.5 million Mauritian rupees ($33051) per year will be required for renewal. An administrative requirement is added: three letters of intent minimum, including two from potential local clients, attesting to the viability of the project.

Residence permit for retirees: a specific regime maintained

The non-citizen retirees benefit from an adapted regime with permits 10 years. Financial conditions remain accessible: a minimum initial transfer of $2000 within 60 days, followed by continuous transfers of $24000 annually ou $2000 monthly.

However, the restrictions are strict: no paid employment allowed, but the possibility of investing in companies without receiving a salary or social benefits. This measure aims to maintain the attractiveness for wealthy retirees while avoiding competition in the local labor market.

Family residence and extension for children

Le family residence permit requires a contribution of $250000 to the COVID-19 Projects Development Fund. A social measure accompanies these reforms: the age limit for dependent children is extended up to 24 years, compared to 18 years previously, recognizing contemporary educational realities.

Real estate taxation: a doubling of taxes from July 2026

One of the most impactful measures for the non-citizen real estate investors will take effect on 1st July 2026The government doubles property taxes, bringing the rate to 5% to 10% for two crucial taxes.

La Land Transfer Tax (LTT) go to 10% on the transfer value during sales of residential properties by non-citizens. At the same time, the Registration Duty also establishes itself at 10% on the registration deed for purchases of residential properties by non-citizens.

This measure applies to properties acquired under several specific schemes: the Real Estate Development Scheme Regulations 2022, the Invest Hotel Scheme Regulations 2015, the Smart City Scheme Regulations 2015, and the Property Development Scheme Regulations 2015. A transitional protection is granted: properties acquired before July 1, 2026 will not be affected by these new taxes.

Permanent residency: a long-term goal rewarded

The system introduces 20-year permanent residence permit to reward established and high-performing non-citizens. Access requires five years minimum of holding the initial license, with strict performance criteria according to the category.

The investors must demonstrate a performance of 15 million Mauritian rupees ($330509) annually for five years or 75 million MUR ($1652545) cumulatively over the same period. professionals will have to provide proof of a salary of 400 thousand Rs ($8814) per month for five consecutive years.

For self-employed, the threshold is set at 3 million Mauritian rupees ($66102) annually for five years or 15 million MUR ($330509) cumulatively. Retired will have to prove transfers of $200000 minimum over five consecutive years.

A notable exception concerns the Diaspora program : Mauritians in the diaspora benefit from a special period of 10 years instead of the standard 20 years, recognizing their historical ties to the island.

New tax and social measures: towards greater inclusion

The Finance Bill 2025 introduces theIncome Support for Non-Citizens from September 2025. This unprecedented social measure concerns people of 60 years and older (under pensionable age) with an amount of 10 thousand Mauritian rupees ($220) monthly.

Income requirements are strict: a maximum of 10 Rs ($220) per month for a single individual, or a combined 20 Mauritian rupees ($441) for a couple. This extension of the social safety net to non-citizens reflects a more inclusive approach to Mauritian society.

At the same time, a new tourist tax of €3 per night will apply from October 1, 2025 to registered tourist accommodation, indirectly impacting investors in the hotel sector.

Administrative reforms: digitalization and centralization

The Mauritian administration is modernizing its approach with a new centralized processing systemA joint committee comprising the Ministry, the Passport and Immigration Office, and the EDB now oversees applications via the platform. NELS (National Electronic Licensing System).

The major innovation lies in the combined permits : work and residence merge into a single document issued by the Director General of Immigration. This administrative simplification is accompanied by new obligations for employers: a non-refundable annual fee per non-citizen worker employed, with the possibility of exemptions by ministerial decision.

Implementation schedule: a gradual implementation

The government is spreading out the implementation of measures to facilitate adaptation. Some provisions are retroactive to July 1, 2025, others are spread out until 2026. The tourist tax begins on October 1, 2025, the VAT on foreign digital services January 1, 2026, and crucially, the new real estate taxes the 1er July 2026.

The new immigration permit criteria will come into force on a date fixed by proclamation, allowing time for candidates to prepare their files according to the new requirements.

Impact and perspectives: between opportunities and challenges

The Finance Bill 2025 marks a professionalization of standards for non-citizens in Mauritius. Established and successful investors will benefit from the stability offered by 10- to 20-year permits. However, new entrants will have to meet significantly increased financial requirements.

This reform aims for a delicate balance: attracting qualified investments by higher thresholds, generate tax revenues by doubling property taxes, and regulating immigration through reinforced performance criteria.

For ongoing projects, the urgency concerns the real estate acquisitions to be finalized before July 2026. New projects will have to integrate these additional costs in their budgets and plan their performance according to the new required thresholds. Mauritius is thus betting on an upgrade of its reception ecosystem for non-citizens, favoring quality over quantity.