Mauritius Crowned World’s 2nd Best Retirement Destination

Mauritius has been named the second most attractive destination globally for international retirees, according to the prestigious Global Retirement Report 2025. The Indian Ocean island secured an impressive overall score of 89.24 points, placing it just behind Portugal (92.61) and ahead of third-ranked Spain (88.52).

The study, published by Global Citizen Solutions, highlights the island’s growing strategic importance in an era where retirement is increasingly viewed as an international journey rather than one confined by national borders.

A Global Leader in Tax and Integration

The report analysed 44 countries using 20 targeted indicators across six thematic sub-indices. Mauritius distinguished itself as a global benchmark, particularly excelling in fiscal policy and social integration.

The island achieved two top-five sub-index rankings:

• Tax Optimisation: Ranked 5th worldwide with a near-perfect score of 99.7.
• Safety and Integration: Ranked 5th worldwide with a score of 91.24.

Alongside Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, and Austria, Mauritius is noted for excelling across all evaluation categories, which include Procedure, Citizenship and Mobility, Economy, Quality of Life, and Safety.

The “Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens”

The report attributes the island’s high ranking to its structured “Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens.” Key features of the Mauritian offering include:

• Income Requirements: A monthly income threshold of $1,500 (approx. ₹1,26,000).
• Efficiency: Administrative processing times averaging three months.
• Family Inclusion: The permit covers spouses, legal partners, and dependent children.
• Path to Citizenship: Eligibility for citizenship after six years, with dual nationality permitted.

Favourable Fiscal Climate

A major draw for international retirees is the Mauritian territorial tax system. The report confirms that the jurisdiction levies no tax on foreign-sourced income, nor does it impose wealth or inheritance taxes.

This shift toward international retirement comes as global life expectancy has risen dramatically.

The report notes that a child born in 2021 is expected to live, on average, 25 years longer than one born in 1950, fueling an unprecedented era of mobility for those entering their later years.

Source: Defi Media