Mauritius has quietly become one of the most foreign-buyer-friendly real estate markets in the world.

With its political stability, transparent legal system, attractive tax regime, and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that more people are asking:

“Can foreigners buy property in Mauritius legally?”

The short answer is yes — but not without rules.

In this legal guide, we break down Mauritius property law for foreigners, explain approved ownership schemes, compare IRS vs PDS, and show how buying property can even lead to residency.

Whether you’re an investor, retiree, or lifestyle buyer, this guide gives you clarity before you commit.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mauritius Legally?

Yes. Foreigners can buy property in Mauritius, but only under specific, government-approved frameworks designed to protect the local market while encouraging quality foreign investment.

Foreign ownership is regulated, not prohibited.

This balance is what makes Mauritius unique — and trusted.

Overview of Foreign Ownership Rules in Mauritius

Under Mauritius property law, non-citizens cannot freely buy any property like locals can.

Instead, foreigners may purchase property through:

Approved real estate schemes
Qualifying apartment developments
Specific government authorizations

These rules are overseen by authorities such as the Economic Development Board (EDB) and enforced through notarial control.

Approved Property Schemes for Foreign Buyers

Property Development Scheme (PDS)

The PDS Mauritius framework is currently the most popular option for foreign buyers.

Key features:

Villas, townhouses, and apartments
Gated communities with amenities
Minimum purchase price (usually USD 375,000 for residency eligibility)
Allows resale to foreigners or locals

PDS developments are found in areas like Grand Baie, Tamarin, Black River, and East Coast resorts.

Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)

The IRS Mauritius model focuses on ultra-luxury properties.

Characteristics:

High-end villas
Golf estates and resort services
Higher price points
Lower inventory availability

IRS properties appeal mainly to high-net-worth individuals.

Real Estate Scheme (RES)

RES is an older framework:

Smaller developments
Fewer amenities
Often absorbed into PDS today

While still valid, PDS has largely replaced RES for new projects.

Buying Apartments as a Foreigner in Mauritius

Foreigners can also buy qualifying apartments outside PDS/IRS projects if:

The apartment is part of an approved building
The price meets minimum thresholds
The transaction is approved by authorities

This has increased foreign interest in urban apartments and coastal residences.

IRS vs PDS Mauritius – What’s the Difference?

Feature	IRS	PDS
Target Market	Ultra-luxury	Mid to high-end
Price Level	Very high	More accessible
Amenities	Resort-style	Lifestyle communities
Popularity (2026)	Limited	Very high
Resale Flexibility	Moderate	High

Most foreign buyers today choose PDS for flexibility and value.

Residency by Property Investment in Mauritius

One of the biggest advantages of buying property in Mauritius as a foreigner is residency eligibility.

How It Works

Buy qualifying property (usually USD 375,000+)
Apply for residency permit
Permit linked to property ownership

Residency allows you to:

Live in Mauritius
Open local bank accounts
Conduct business (with proper permits)

This is a major draw for retirees and remote professionals.

Step-by-Step – Buying Property in Mauritius as a Foreigner

1. Choose an Approved Property

Use trusted platforms like Bricklist.mu to filter:

Foreign-eligible listings
PDS/IRS projects
Verified developers

2. Reserve the Property

Reservation agreements are common, especially in new developments.

3. Notary Due Diligence (Mandatory)

The notary:

Confirms eligibility
Verifies title deed
Handles government approvals
Secures funds

4. Government Authorization

Approval from authorities is part of the process — handled by the notary and developer.

5. Final Sale & Registration

Once registered, ownership is legally secured.

Taxes & Costs for Foreign Property Buyers

Mauritius is known for tax transparency.

Typical costs include:

Registration duty
Notary fees
Land transfer tax

There is:

No capital gains tax
No inheritance tax
No wealth tax

This is a major reason Mauritius ranks high for international investors.

Common Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make

Assuming all properties are foreign-eligible

Buying without notarial checks

Overpaying in tourist hotspots

Ignoring resale restrictions

Relying on unverified listings

Smart foreign buyers focus on legal clarity and long-term value.

How Bricklist.mu Helps Foreign Buyers

Bricklist.mu is designed to simplify foreign property ownership in Mauritius.

Through Bricklist, foreign buyers can:

Find foreign-eligible properties
Explore PDS and IRS listings
Compare prices by location
Access owner-listed opportunities
Avoid misinformation and inflated pricing

It’s a buyer-first marketplace built for transparency.

Is Buying Property in Mauritius as a Foreigner Worth It?

For many international buyers, the answer is yes.

Mauritius offers:

✔ Legal clarity

✔ Residency opportunities

✔ Tax efficiency

✔ Lifestyle appeal

✔ Long-term stability

As long as buyers follow the rules and use trusted platforms, foreign property ownership in Mauritius is both safe and rewarding.

Explore foreign-eligible properties today on Bricklist.mu and buy with confidence.

FAQs

1. Can foreigners buy property in Mauritius legally?

Yes. Foreigners can buy property under approved schemes such as PDS, IRS, RES, and qualifying apartments.

2. What is the difference between IRS and PDS in Mauritius?

IRS targets ultra-luxury buyers, while PDS offers more flexible, lifestyle-focused developments.

3. Can buying property give residency in Mauritius?

Yes. Purchasing qualifying property can grant residency linked to ownership.

4. Are there taxes for foreign property buyers?

Yes, but Mauritius has no capital gains or inheritance tax, making it investor-friendly.

5. Where should foreigners look for property listings?

Trusted platforms like Bricklist.mu provide verified, foreign-eligible listings.