CategoriesEditor's Picks Things to do

Mauritius, a great outdoor sports destination to host the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup 2019

This year, Mauritius hosted the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup for the third time. The event was held on the prestigious Heritage Bel Ombre beach from 6 to 15 September 2019 with just the right amount of wind to offer a pleasant experience for kitesurfers from all over the world. The island has the perfect climate and wave conditions for water sports, ranking among the world’s best destinations for outdoor adventures.

Spectacular victories at the GKA

The GKA Kite-Surf World Tour consists of 12 different stages with two main disciplines, Freestyle and Wave Riding. The Mauritian league was sponsored by Heritage Resorts, ENL, Kite Globing and Helios.

In the Freestyle category, Adeuri Corniel from the Dominican Republic won the thrilling men’s final with only 0.01 point ahead of Valentin Rodriguez from Colombia. The third place went to Liam Whaley from Spain. Mikaili Sol from Brazil won the first place in the women’s category, followed by Rita Anaus from Spain and Bruna Kajiya from Brazil.

Airton Cozzolino from Cape Verde finished first in the Wave Riding discipline, followed by James Carew from Australia and Sebastian Ribeiro from Brazil. In the women’s category, Jalou Langeree from the Netherlands claimed the first place ahead of Ninja Ricot from Mauritius, who had also competed brilliantly in seven races. And finally, the third place was awarded to Carla Herrera-Oria from Spain.

All good things must come to an end… the tour’s Mauritian stage ended after nine days of sheer excitement with the traditional closing ceremony at Heritage C Beach Club on Sunday 15 October 2019.

Mauritian Heritage

Mauritius is a dream destination for kitesurfers and water sports enthusiasts. With breathtaking water bodies and impeccable wind conditions, sailing on the blue lagoon is a unique and unparalleled experience. The island is renowned worldwide as a haven for board sports. This is why the most famous kite brands regularly come here to try out their creations and latest collections.

Whether you are a water sports enthusiast or a simple adventure seeker, Mauritius is home to a plethora of activities for everyone.

Heritage Bel Ombre is a splendid 2,500-hectare estate with one of the finest golf courses in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has a favourable climate for a wide range of sporting activities and competitions, whether for water sports such as big-game fishing or mountain cycling in idyllic settings.

Mark also your agenda for events like the Moka Trail, the Mauritius Adventure Raid Trophy, the Mauritius Marathon, the Indian Ocean Triathlon and countless golf completions… a wonderful cocktail of emotions!

CategoriesEditor's Picks Local Touch Things to do

Music thrives in Mauritius; Kaz’Out, a work of art…

Concerts, exhibitions, plays, shows, festivals; Mauritius is full of cultural events. One good example is Kaz’Out. Over the past 6 years, on November 1st (public holiday), this festival has gathered about twenty local and international artists. The event can last one day or more, depending on the year. This year, it will be a full day followed by an after-party on Saturday. An electrifying festival, a lively atmosphere, all set in spectacular scenery…

Get out of “lakaz”

The word “lakaz” in Creole means house. The idea behind this festival is to step out of your house to discover, share and open up to new horizons. Kaz’Out is a production of Lively Up Ltd.

It is designed to professionalise and develop the music economy in Mauritius. It gives local artists the chance to perform on stage where they can make a living out of their art and free up some time for their endeavours. The presence of foreign artists is not only a plus for the public but also an opportunity for local artists to foster a professional cultural network.

2019 on stage

This year, Kaz’Out is spread over a day followed by an after-party, bursting with colours. The show will be held on Friday at “L’Aventure du Sucre”, Beau-Plan. The event will continue on Saturday next to? the swimming pool of “Mystik Life Style” hotel, Mont Choisy.

Headliners: The Dizzy Brain (Madagascar), garage rock featuring four raging boys. The Prophecy (Mauritius), who has won the hearts of many Mauritians. The Two, a Mauritian-Swiss duo that takes you on their blissful Blues journey. Votia (Reunion Island), sharing their traditional music. Manu Desroches (Mauritius), guitarist, bassist and singer, who will be playing a variety of chords in different musical styles. Another distinguished guest: Manudigital (France): this exceptionally talented jack-of-all-trades (bass player, DJ, producer, remixer, arranger, composer…) has been wandering the reggae-dub galaxy for a couple of years, he will showcase a digital and a passionate version of his good vibes.

Kaz’Out is a welcoming place, a secure location and a fun-filled event for children. It is a bright and colourful mix that awaits you!

The Art-Deco Residences, a pre-festival

Whether you use a paintbrush as an artist or as a professional, you are welcome to join in throughout October. Be it for a few hours, a day or a weekend, the Art-Deco Residences will welcome you to share unforgettable moments of togetherness while preparing for the festival (panels, furniture assembling, etc.). It is a unique opportunity to step into the spotlight.

Tickets are on sale at:
www.otayo.com : +230 466 9999
www.marideal.mu : +230 263 2769

Price of tickets

Children: – 12 years old = Free
Regular: Rs 800
VIP: Rs 1500 (Limited)

Regular : Rs 1000
VIP : Rs 2000 (subject to availability)

For party lovers who want to keep on celebrating, this “Pass” will give you access to the Festival on Friday, November 1st at L’Aventure du Sucre as well as the After Party on Saturday, November 2nd at Mystik Life Style

More informaition here: https://www.kaz-out.com/
Or here: https://www.facebook.com/kazoutfestival/

CategoriesEditor's Picks Things to do

The magnificient sceneries of the South of Mauritius

Untamed and authentic, the southern coast of Mauritius is a collection of magnificent sceneries that offers a whole world of experiences. This unspoilt coastline is the perfect destination to embrace the island’s natural beauty. Here is a list of places you can stop by to explore this sanctuary.

Le Morne

Rochester falls

Perched amidst sugar cane fields on the outskirts of Souillac village, Rochester Falls is a sight to behold. This stunning waterfall can be easily accessed by walking through sugarcane plantations. Carved flawlessly by Mother Nature, the distinctive shapes of the stones on which water flows are so impressive that one might think they were sculpted by a gem cutter. Enjoy a leisurely swim in this incredible natural swimming pool.

Macondé

Nestled between Le Morne and Baie du Cap with eye-catching ocean views, Macondé is a must-see for all. According to the famous French travel guide Le Petit Futé, the winding road leading to this breathtaking peninsula is classified among the 10 most striking roads in the world. A stone’s throw away is the picturesque La Prairie beach, a marvel for hikers and beach lovers alike. Unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the calm lagoon. Some fresh fish can also be purchased from the local fishermen.

Blue Bay

With golden sandy beaches lining crystal clear blue water, Blue Bay is renowned as one of the most exotic beaches on the island. Diving enthusiast will be delighted by the wide range of colourful corals and fish featured in the Blue Bay Marine Park. Discover the islet, Île des Deux Cocos, as you explore the bay. This private and isolated islet boasts a luxurious Moroccan-style villa that can be rented. Indulge yourself in a memorable and pleasant holiday with the utmost quality services offered by a dedicated staff. On reservation only.

Gris Gris / La Roche qui Pleure

Gris Gris is the epitome of the wild south. A breach in the reefs allows the waves to come crashing hard on the coast and creates a salty drizzle-like atmosphere. Overlooking the ocean and the stunning cliffs, you get a genuine Mediterranean vibe but without the cold. Further down, you will find a path leading to La Roche qui Pleure (literally translated as “the rock that cries”), a cliff that is constantly hammered by waves and on which the water runoff creates the illusion of tears. Beware: it is strongly recommended not to adventure at sea here… you can, however, go for a peaceful stroll on the beach.

Of course, the South is not limited to these five extraordinary sites, this part of Mauritius has many other surprises that deserve to be explored…

CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

[PODCAST] How to buy property in Mauritius as a foreigner

We recently published a podcast on our platforms to explain how to buy property in Mauritius as a foreigner. The article serves to help South Africans and residents from other countries to invest in freehold real estate in Mauritius.

An island that’s one of the ten most peaceful countries in the world with a stable political system, an African success story, one of New York Times’ places where history is being made, and (most importantly) filled with very nice, clever people of all origins and belief systems.

If you’re not so concerned about finance or the state of politics, of course, there’s always the question – do you really want to spend another damp, drizzly Northern-hemisphere summer, or freezing winter? Listen to this podcast to learn how to buy property in Mauritius as a foreigner.

Click here to listen to the podcast on YouTube.
Subscribe to our Soundcloud channel for new podcasts coming soon.

CategoriesEditor's Picks Things to do

The Wild and Sporty South

Lush and untouched forests, rolling mountains, sandy beaches and blue lagoons, the south is a sumptuous collection of wild and natural treasures. Whether you are an everyday-sports type of person or a oh-I’m-getting-fat-I-need-to-do-some-sports type of person, this sensational sports hub has got something for everyone, from water sports to land sports and everything in between. In addition to being naturally endowed, this region offers a number of top-notch sporting activities and hosts a series of local and international competitions all which can be enjoyed by the Heritage Villas Valriche owners.

For mountain or trail lovers: Heritage Trail

Want to discover the most pristine parts of the wild south by foot? Then you should definitely not miss the annual Heritage Trail held every year. This year, the trail took place on the 11th of August with over 825 local and international participants. From beginners to experienced trail runners, everyone had a whale of a time jogging through Baie du Cap, Chamarel and Heritage Bel Ombre.

The trail had different race categories: the 10km trail, a breezy run through the countryside, the 21km trail, a more difficult but worthwhile race, and the challenging 55 km race which took the trail runners to the highest summits of Heritage Bel Ombre. Even kids had the opportunity to participate in a fun 3 km jog.

Heritage Trail gives you some time to appreciate Mother Nature and breath in the purest air while exploring the hidden treasures of the south-west coast of Mauritius.

For ocean enthusiasts: GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Mauritius 2019

Another truly unforgettable experience in the south-west of the island took place from the 6th to the 15th of September. The GKA (Global Kitesports Association) Kite-Surf World Cup Mauritius 2019 invited lovers of this sport from Mauritius and abroad to hit the beach in Bel Ombre. Organised by Heritage Resorts in collaboration with the GKA, this annual championship consisted of two main disciplines namely the kite-surf and freestyle.

Discover Mauritius’ breath-taking lagoon and fulfil your passion by pumping and launching your kite on the beach, live out one of the breeziest experiences ever in the wild and sporty south.

For golf lovers: AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

Pioneered in Mauritius by the British Military in the mid-19th century, golf has now become a popular sport in Mauritius. Since 1994, many international golf tournaments have been organised on the island. Golf lovers, get ready! This year, once again, the biggest golfing event in the Indian Ocean will be held for the fifth time.

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is the only tri-sanctioned tournament promoted by the Asian, European and Sunshine Tours. This epic event will be held as from the 5th to 8th of December 2019 at Heritage Golf Club and the champion shall win a cash prize of 1 million Euro.

If you are not fan of international competitions, there is still a variety of other outdoor adventures for you to discover in the wild sporty south of Mauritius.

CategoriesEditor's Picks Local Touch

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations in Mauritius

One of the things that gives Mauritius its charms is its multicultural population!

People of Chinese, African, European and Indian origin live together in harmony. Indeed, very few countries can pride themselves on being such a peaceful rainbow nation. This rainbow brings with it a rich cultural heritage in terms of dress, food, customs, dance, music, art and festivals.

Ganesha Chaturthi is one such festival.

Celebrated in Mauritius mainly by the Marathi community, the ten-day festival marks the birthday of the deity Ganesha. There are many stories about the origin of Ganesha, but the most famous is the one in which the Goddess Parvati created her son Ganesha from the sandalwood of the body to guard the door while she took her bath. According to Hindu mythology, when her husband Shiva returned home, he was furious at being denied access by Ganesha. In his fury he severed the latter’s head, killing him instantly. Devastated by this sight, Parvati pleaded with him to bring her child back to life. Shiva accepted and asked his soldiers to bring back the head of the first creature lying with its head facing north. They returned with the head of an elephant and Shiva, by placing the animal’s head on Ganesha brought him back to life. Known as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings, Ganesha was also bestowed with the status of being foremost among the gods.

The festivities start ten days before the final ritual with the installation of the Ganesha statue, usually made out of clay, in the house and the final one is marked by the immersion of the statue in the rivers and sea around the country.

These intervening ten days are marked with fasting, prayers and rituals such as group chanting of Vedic hymns accompanied by the jhakri dance – a cultural dance form originating from the Konkan region in India.

On the eve of the final celebration, I had the chance to be invited by the “Maratha Sainik” group to join their procession to various houses and temples and to experience their performance of the jhakri dance. In a troup of about 25 men and one little girl, they dance and chant around the two main singers sitting and playing the dholak, a two-headed drum. Their devotion, the intensity of their adoration, the perfect synchronisation and grace of their movements and the beauty of the rhythm leave one speechless.

The guests present at the performance are offered sweets such as Kanawla, a small fried dumpling filled with coconut, said to be enjoyed by Lord Ganesha. I must say that the Kanawla tastes heavenly and goes very well with a good cup of tea! This festival is full of colours with both men and women seizing the opportunity to wear their traditional dress.The women are elegantly dressed in their Kashta – a traditional Maratha sari, and the men in their kurta and languti.

The last ritual known as Ganpati Visarjan consists of a procession carrying the Ganesha statue to be immersed in a river or the sea while chanting and dancing along the way.

The last prayers and mantra chanting are performed at sunset. The statue is then immersed in water with due reverence, this ritual symbolises the send-off of Ganesha on his journey towards his abode, taking away with him the misfortunes of all men.

CategoriesEditor's Picks Local Touch Things to do

4 Mauritian Quests to Get Your Adrenaline Pumping

There’s no doubt about it, life in Mauritius is best spent in the great outdoors! And if you’re looking for a thrill, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Discover 4 fantastic ways to get your adrenaline pumping all while soaking in the natural beauty of the island.

Abseiling

From mountains to waterfalls and even bridges, overcome your fear of heights by scaling down magnificent vertical drops. Abseiling is the art of skillfully sliding down a vertical surface from a high point using a rope to reach the ground. Proper gear and guidance are required to complete the activity safely.

The thrill:
This exhilarating experience obliges you to put all your trust into the rope, the equipment and your team members.

The spots:

  • Black River Gorges
  • Alexandra Falls
  • Moka mountain range

Rock climbing

Get a full-body workout while mentally challenging yourself with a rock climbing adventure. This extreme sport will get all your muscles working as you use your strength to reach the top. Mind-wise, your will-power will be tested as your muscles start to give in, so you just have to hold on and keep on climbing. For beginners, start with a smaller climb and if you’re scared of heights, don’t look down… just look up and focus on your goal.

The thrill:
The feeling you get when you finally conquer the summit of a mountain after enduring the climb.

The spots:

  • Albion Lighthouse
  • Pieter Both
  • Corps de Garde
  • Baie du Cap

Hiking

Explore Mauritius by discovering its various peaks and valleys. Walk, jog or run… family and friends… young or old, hiking is for everyone! Depending on the trail you choose to hike, the level of difficulty can range from easy-peasy to quite challenging. Either way, you’ll be working up a sweat, getting in touch with nature, enjoying unforgettable views and exploring the island.

The thrill:
Breathing in the freshest air as you discover endemic plant species, spot a monkey or two and indulge in some of the most scenic landscape and seascape views the island has to offer.

The spots:

  • Le Pouce
  • Le Morne
  • Black River Gorges
  • Lion Mountain
  • Signal Mountain
  • Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire

Canyoning

Get waist deep in nature! A not-to-be-missed adventure, suited to people of almost all ages, canyoning is a blend of hiking, climbing, swimming, zip-lining, abseiling and jumping in nature. Using a variety of techniques, this fun and exciting activity allows you to explore places you probably couldn’t have reached any other way. Canyons of varying difficulties can be undertaken in Mauritius.

The thrill:
Testing your limits physically and mentally through the various challenges as you visit some of the islands most magical spots.

The spots:

  • 7 Cascades
  • Chamarel Falls
  • Eau Bleu
  • Exil Waterfalls
  • Alexandra Falls


So, which one will you pick? Or better yet, just add them all to your bucket list, you won’t regret it!

For more information on one of these adventures, you can get in touch with:

• Vertical World
T: 697 5430
W: verticalworldltd.com

• Vertex Exploration
T: 57750551
F: @VertexDreamers

• Otelair
T: 5251 6680
W: otelair.com

• Rock Climbing Association
T: 5764 8797

CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment

“Mauritius, a world-class international financial centre” – Cathie Hannelas from Rogers Capital

A recognised expert in the tax advisory industry, Cathie Hannelas shares her views on Mauritius as a world-class international financial centre.

How has Mauritius managed to become an emerging international financial centre?

The surge in foreign investment to our island is due to a number of factors including a robust regulatory framework, harmonised tax environment, a bilingual and skilled workforce, political stability, economic diversity, an ideal time zone and compliance with international standards. If you combine all of these with a strategic geographical position and you have the right ingredients for the emergence of a world-class international financial centre (IFC). Today, the financial services sector accounts for 11.5% of our GDP and provides direct employment to more than 7,500 people and many more indirect employments through the transport or hospitality industries for example.

The credibility of the Mauritius IFC has been recognised in the recently published United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2019, whereby Mauritius is mentioned as playing an important role in intra-regional investment flow in addition to deriving quality investments into African and Asian countries.

As a founding member of the African Union, SADC and COMESA, Mauritius has been and remains a strong economic partner amongst African countries, participating in the economic development process and advocating for the economic empowerment of Africa. 

What incentives are offered to foreign companies looking to settle in Mauritius?

Mauritius has a conducive business environment and robust infrastructure. Right from the outset, foreigners get access through an international airport with a modern terminal and an airport city catering for high-value cargo. In addition, Mauritius has an efficient port with deep water quays as well as a reliable and expanding logistics platform. These are what I would call some of the ‘soft’ features which favours Mauritius.

On a more formal note, the followings make Mauritius attractive. There is no restriction on ownership of companies and Mauritius allows for 100% foreign shareholding. In settling here, foreign investors enjoy a hybrid legal system and an investment-friendly regulatory regime. Mauritius is currently 20th in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking. Being located in Mauritius offers a wide range of benefits, including preferential market access to Africa, Europe and USA; a harmonised tax regime; sophisticated product offerings such as Protected Cell Companies, Limited Partnerships, Trusts and Foundations, Regional Headquarters or Family Offices. These incentives can only contribute to provide foreign companies with optimised benefits they seek.

From a tax perspective, the advantages include, no capital gains tax; dividends paid by a Mauritian company are tax exempt; no withholding tax on dividends paid; and no inheritance tax.

Mauritius continuously strives to improve its attractiveness by being forward looking. For instance, in the recent National Budget 2019, the Prime Minister has announced that Mauritius will pursue its ambition to become a Fintech hub in the region through the implementation of the several measures, including new licences for Fintech Service providers and a regulatory regime for Robotics and AI enabled financial advisory services.

The financial reputation of Mauritius is often at stake on the international scene. According to you, is this justified?

The branding of Mauritius as a tax haven is grossly unfounded. The main characteristics of a tax haven jurisdiction are that there is no or low taxation, no treaties, the culture of secrecy and no substance. Mauritius ticks none of those boxes.

The country applies a harmonised 15% tax rate i.e. to residents and non-residents alike. 15% tax is certainly not negligible. If reduced rates of taxes are applied in certain instances, these rates do not discriminate between residents of Mauritius and non-residents i.e. both are treated the same way.

We have a proper treaty network, based on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) and UN Model, which have been negotiated bilaterally with partner countries founded on mutual understanding. Moreover, Mauritius has shown its commitment to combatting tax evasion by signing, in July 2017, the Multilateral Convention to implement the OECD measures to prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS “Multilateral Instrument” or “MLI”) and treaty abuses.

In addition, Mauritius has ratified Tax Information Exchange Agreements with several countries, disclosing information upon request. Tax treaties, by definition, also require the exchange of information with partner countries when necessary. Mauritius’ new Code of Corporate Governance, coupled with its presence on the OECD’s white list, represents great strides towards better transparency.

It is important to highlight that the country has been rated as Compliant by the OECD and the EU with regards to international standards for the exchange of information on request between tax authorities. With the view to enhance its transparency and collaboration framework, Mauritius is equally committed to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and Country-by-Country reporting. Also, none of our tax regime are considered as being harmful by the OECD.

We continue to reinforce our regulatory framework. In that respect, we have addressed the concerns of the EU by introducing the Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules and stiffening the economic substance in Mauritius. By “substance”, I mean that a company must have a real presence and genuine business activities in the country of incorporation – the absence of which could suggest that its intents are purely tax-driven. Rather than a mere incorporation, the companies must now prove that they are truly carrying out their core income generating activity in Mauritius.

Since 2016, Mauritius has joined the initiative on systematic sharing of beneficial information. Mauritius is a member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group to implement the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Recommendations. Our anti-money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism systems and procedures have been successfully re-evaluated and endorsed by the FATF Global Network.

As companies shift to Mauritius for more reasons other than its tax incentives, the value-creation story in the financial services sector slowly but surely becomes a reality.

This can only augur well for the Mauritius International Financial Centre.

CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

[PODCAST] Your guide to moving to Mauritius

Moving to Mauritius

You have finally decided to take the plunge and obtained all the necessary permits to move to Mauritius.

Yet you remain quite anxious about the steps to take prior to moving to your new country. Don’t worry, we will tell you all there is to know to make that transition as easy as possible.

Step 1: Ensuring that all your documents to relocate to Mauritius are in order

Before even thinking about moving out, make sure that you have all your documents to enter the country: passport, residence permit and valid vaccination certificate (the Mauritian authorities are particularly vigilant regarding health procedures).

Step 2: Shipping your personal belongings

If you do not intend to bring all your furniture and household appliances, there are a number of fully furnished and equipped residences available for rental or sale. Some luxury developments like La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche even provide interior designer services to help with decorating your new home.

Otherwise, planning is key if you want to take your belongings with you. It is recommended to initiate the procedures one to two months before you leave to ensure that all formalities are completed in the best conditions.

Find a professional moving firm for your relocation to Mauritius island

There are two ways to organise your move:

You can opt for a turnkey solution and choose an international moving company for a comprehensive end-to-end service. Services that are usually provided include wrapping your belongings, disassembling of furniture and selecting a local carrier and partner in Mauritius. A professional mover can also help you estimate the volume of your belongings in order to submit an appropriate proposal. It is important to choose a reliable company and this means doing some research. Here are some useful links:

FIDI – International Federation of International Movers

FEDEMAC – Federation of European Movers

Alternatively, some Mauritian freight forwarders such as Velogic and FTL operate internationally and can also help you in the steps to be taken in your country of origin. However, they do not usually provide wrapping and disassembling services.

For more information on freight forwarders available in Mauritius, please contact the Professional Association of Freight Forwarders of Mauritius (APT).

You can also seek advice from other expatriates who have previously used their services.

Compare offers

Take the time to compare the estimates of various moving companies in order to find the most suitable one.

A good moving firm should be able to advise you on certain issues, including:

  • services provided at departure and arrival (wrapping/unwrapping, supply of cartons and trunks, disassembling/reassembling of furniture…);
  • the type and duration of transport: shipping by air is fast but expensive while transport by sea offers various possibilities according to the volume to be transported (full container load, groupage);
  • dealing with port and airport authorities and the documents required;
  • the selected freight forwarder and transport time; and
  • the insurance coverage provided.

A good advice is to ask that all details be specified in a written contract.

Customs clearance

You must use a local freight forwarder to clear your belongings through the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).

If you do not already have one, you will find a list of approved freight forwarders on the website of the Professional Association of Freight Forwarders of Mauritius (APT). Please note that your residence permit is required for customs clearance procedures or your container may be blocked at customs, which may result in extra storage costs.

With regard to taxation, it is important to provide your mover or freight forwarder with a detailed list and the declaration of value of your belongings to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the time of customs clearance. There is no tax on personal belongings that have been in use for at least one year, such as clothing, household appliances, TV set, computer, household linen, furniture, photos, bedding, linen and cutlery.

However, new items are subject to tax and the amount varies according to product classifications.

Please remember also to check the list of prohibited products in Mauritius in order to avoid facing a heavy fine.

For more information on applicable taxes in Mauritius, please contact the MRA.

Relocating to Mauritius with your pet

The procedure can be time-consuming if you want to move to Mauritius with your pet, depending on the country of origin. The Mauritian authorities are very vigilant about the control of rabies and you may be required to obtain an import permit for your pet. Depending on the country of origin, one or more rabies tests may be required over a period of up to 6 months. Quarantine is also practised in Mauritius, the duration of which will again depend on your country of origin (from 5 days to one month). More information is available on the website of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Fisheries.

You can also call the Veterinary Department at +230 466 6662

Step 3: Living on the island

Where to stay?

Moka, in the very heart of the island, has all the facilities of a city in full economic and cultural boom close to nature. Schools, offices, houses, sports and shopping centres mix with the local market and typical shop. Le Pouce Mountain and the Bagatelle Dam are also perfect for a stroll or some trail running. If you are still house hunting, a variety of housing options are available in Moka, including apartments, luxury penthouses, unbuilt or built-up villas through the property developments, Les Allées d’Helvétia and Bagatelle Les Résidences.

If you are looking for something closer to the sea, Heritage Villas Valriche is nestled in the heart of a more than 2,500-hectare estate with leisure activities, a natural reserve and an 18-hole championship golf course. In the West, La Balise Marina and L’Estuaire feature waterfront residences with access to various facilities including restaurants, a bar, a spa and a sports centre.

Relocating to Mauritius with children: Education in Mauritius

Mauritius is a bilingual country that provides children with various educational opportunities. There are some well reputed private schools offering English, French or international programmes.

Moving to another country is a significant event for young children; it is therefore important to plan your move for the beginning of the school year in order to make their integration much smoother. Please note that the school year may start at different dates depending on the curriculum, with cycles beginning in September or January depending on the educational institutions.

Financial benefits of relocating to Mauritius

Even if Mauritius is sought after for its climate and lifestyle, the island also offers a variety of tax benefits. Given that Mauritius has signed double taxation agreements with 43 countries, you can choose to be a resident for tax purposes if you have stayed in the country for a minimum of 183 days per year. The income tax for both individuals and corporations is a flat 15%. In addition, there is no tax on capital gains, dividends and the inheritance of investments, assets or property in Mauritius. For more information on tax benefits, most of the major international accounting firms are present in the country and will be pleased to provide advice.
You probably feel more comfortable now and ready to get the ball rolling!
CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

Land Investment – A Regional Analysis of Real Estate Value

Buy land – they’re not making it anymore!” is a well-known, often-cited quote from Mark Twain, and one regularly present in the real estate pitch palette. In Mauritius, with a land surface area of only 2,040 km², paired with a transgenerational culture of real-estate investing, land has been particularly of high priority in a typical investment portfolio.

This said, roughly a hundred years after Twain, Peter St. Onge (from Profits of Chaos) writes, “As counterintuitive as it may seem, we make land all the time. It just doesn’t look like land.” To be fair, St. Onge has had the benefits of a century’s worth of advancement in economics. Surely, as he rightly puts it, land’s value comes from its economic usefulness, and is affected by factors such as access, regulations, and neighborhood, and not just supply.

When it comes to residential property, these qualitative factors are clear determinants of value. Along this line of thinking, we decided to analyze certain property value indicators in three regions of the island where we have invested in real estate development – Moka, Black River, and Savanne (Bel Ombre).

Moka:

All official residential towns in Mauritius are in the district of Plaines Wilhems, which contains 40% of the national population – historically being a question of accessibility, topography, and climate. A quick satellite view is enough to see the concentration. However, a common tendency for urban areas is to get more congested with time, and as a result, more expensive. In the absence of maintenance and upgrade, they also depreciate in living-quality.

Moka district, bordering Plaines Wilhems along its North-East side, has for long been an interesting, if not ideal alternative – part of the Central Plateau, temperate climate, proximity. With the development of Moka Smart City, new access roads, the largest shopping mall in Mauritius, and the relocation of several businesses, the effect on property prices has been clear.

As per information extracted from the registrar, the total value transacted over the 3-financial-year (FY) period ending June 2016-2018 was Rs. 9.1 billion (~US$ 259 million), with a notable 24.1% increase in 2018 to Rs. 4.5 billion ($US 129.9 million) – Chart 1.

We also observed that the average value of transaction per unit in FY 2018 was Rs. 26.6 million ($US 759.9 thousand), a 19.1% increase from FY 2017, which in turn had a little more than doubled from the year before. In addition, a look at residential land rates is also revealing. The price per arpent (1 arpent = 4,221 m²) of residential land in Moka, as per last available data in 2019, was Rs. 29.7 million/arpent, an increase of 10% over the past 3 years.

To measure real estate development activity, we also had a look at the number projects undertaken over the past 3 years. This indicator gave us an average of 8 projects over this period, which in fact coincides with the principle behind the Moka Smart City – high planning for high quality living, integrating residential, business, and leisure spaces.

Black River:

This district is defined by scenic landscapes, mountains rising from the coastline, along which is traced the longest beach in Mauritius, beautiful lagoons, a mecca for nautical activities. Further down the seaboard to the extreme southwestern tip, stands a monolith at 556 m above sea level – Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which also overlooks a legendary kite surfing spot. Also housed within Black River is a large part of the 6,574 hectares of forests making up the Black River Gorges National Park with its 60 km of trails. The main road A3 which converts to B9 and becomes a popular scenic route along the South coast, can be accessed at two points from the Center of the island. The region has also developed rapidly over the past recent years, now accommodating modern facilities, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, and essential services such as healthcare. However, it is reassuring to note that the rural cache has been mostly preserved.

The total value transacted over the 3-financial-year (FY) period ending June 2016-2018 in Black River was recorded at Rs. 29.3 billion (~US$ 836.5 million). The FY 2018 figure was Rs. 12.8 billion (~US$ 364.4 million), a 22.5% increase from the previous year – Chart 2.

Further information extracted revealed that the average value per transaction in Black River was Rs. 18.5 million (~US$ 527.4 thousand) in 2018. If this figure is lower than that recorded in Moka, we must also consider that total units transacted in 2018 in Black River were by far higher at 691 (as opposed to 171 in Moka). In development activity metrics, we recorded 146 projects in 2018 (up from 105 in 2017, and 35 in 2016).

Bel Ombre:

Property activity here is very much a function of select taste – for culture, for nature, for golf, or all three. In other words, it is niche. For this reason, it has imparted with the ideal setting for luxury property development.

We have focused our study in the area of Bel Ombre, and we have found that the total value transacted over the 3-financial-year (FY) period ending June 2016-2018 was Rs. 2.1 billion (~US$ 58.7 million), a sharp increase of 85% over the previous year – Chart 3.

Even though we applied the same metrics as for the previous regions, we found that the interpretation of them could not be directly applied. For example, we observed lesser units having been sold in FY 2018 (88) when compared to FY 2017 (116) even though the total property value transacted significantly increased. There have also been only 2 projects undertaken in 2018, and equivalently in 2017. This can be explained by the high-end nature of property development in this region – quality over quantity.

Buying land in Mauritius is a smart investing, and it is even smarter to buy land in regions which have been well planned!