The island emerging as South Africa’s latest retirement hotspot
Alongside its status as a popular getaway for South Africans, Mauritius is also becoming a favored retirement option.
In addition to being a favored vacation spot for South Africans, Mauritius is also gaining popularity as a retirement destination.
What makes Mauritius appealing?
Mauritius offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, pristine beaches, and also luxurious resorts. Additionally, Mauritius has a visa-free policy for South Africans, further enhancing its appeal, according to Business Tech.
Mauritius has a welcoming environment for expats and a diverse expat community. English is widely spoken in Mauritius. These factors contribute to non-local people feeling welcome.
According to Two Futures Realty, Mauritius is very favourable for real estate investment. This is due to its investor-friendly policies, diverse lifestyle, robust infrastructure, and well-established business environment.
One of the safest countries worldwide
Another key aspect that makes Mauritius a popular retirement destination is its reputation for safety. Mauritius ranked 28th on Global Finance magazine’s safest country index for last year, 2023. This index takes into account factors such as natural disasters, violent crimes, terrorism, and war to present a well-rounded analysis of overall societal safety. In comparison, South Africa ranked 120th on this index.
The Global Peace Index 2024 stated that Mauritius is the most peaceful country in sub-Saharan Africa for the 17th consecutive year. It ranked 22nd on their global index.
“Mauritius is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has not been involved in any internal or external conflicts over the past five years.”
Global Peace Index 2024
Retirees flocking to Mauritius for a high quality of life
Mauritius has experienced an almost three-fold increase in the number of retirees flocking to its shores, with South Africa being one of the top three feeder countries.
According to the Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDB), more and more people are finding the island to be an affordable, safe, and healthcare-focused retirement option. It continues to attract retirees from across the world.
The total number of retirees increased by over 150% between 2007 and 2023, with France, South Africa, and the United Kingdom being the top three feeder countries.
The introduction of various residency and investment schemes by the Mauritian government has further facilitated this trend.
One of the primary reasons South Africans are considering Mauritius for retirement is its favourable tax regime. The island nation offers a low and straightforward tax structure, with no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax.
This is particularly appealing to retirees looking to preserve their savings and investments while enjoying a high quality of life.