Over 10,000 South Africans Now Permanently Reside in Mauritius

South African investors have bought more than ZAR 101 million (approximately Rs 285.7 million) worth of luxury apartments in Mauritius within just 30 minutes of them going on sale.

The rapid sell-out of the 36-unit Alba residential project in Trou-aux-Biches, conducted via the digital platform listingplatform.alba.mu, highlights a massive acceleration of South African capital into the island nation.

According to the March 2026 Property Cloud Weekly Real Estate Digest, the event underscores a deep, structural trend of South Africans driving Mauritian real estate, tourism, and foreign direct investment (FDI).

This surge follows a blockbuster year in 2024, when South African buyers poured Rs 4.66 billion into Mauritian property, representing a 22.6% year-on-year increase.

Property Cloud noted that between 2010 and 2022, South Africa was the top source of foreign investment across all sectors, injecting nearly ZAR 18.97 billion across 19 projects, with ZAR 13.8 billion targeting the high-end residential segment.

Low Taxes and Peace Rating Drive Relocation

Industry experts point to a stark contrast in fiscal regimes as a primary motivator. While South Africa’s tax rates can climb to 45%, Mauritius operates a progressive tax system capped at 20%, with an exemption up to Rs 500,000.

The island also levies no taxes on capital gains, dividends, inheritance, or property.

Mauritius is currently ranked fourth globally in the 2026 index of low-tax relocation destinations, boasting an affordable monthly cost of living estimated at 591 dollars for a single person.

Beyond finances, the island offers exceptional stability and convenience. Mauritius has ranked first in Africa on the Global Peace Index for 18 consecutive years.

For investors managing businesses or families, it features a double taxation avoidance agreement and a highly accessible four-hour direct flight connecting Johannesburg to Port Louis.

Expat Community and Tourism Surge

This economic migration has fundamentally altered the island’s demographics. Around 10,000 South Africans now permanently reside in Mauritius, making them the second-largest expatriate community behind the French, according to South African diplomatic authorities.

The influx is reflected in official immigration data. South African occupation permits have skyrocketed from 1,247 in 2021 to 5,049 in 2025.

This aligns with a broader 48% expansion of overall foreign permits on the island over the last four years, which reached more than 5,000 units in 2025.

Tourism is tracking a similar upward trajectory. South Africa is the fifth-largest source market for tourism in Mauritius and the only African nation in the top five. South African arrivals grew steadily from 96,316 in 2022 to 110,287 in 2025, out of a total of 1.44 million global visitors.

Chosen Hotspots

Geographically, South African buyers remain loyal to established coastal enclaves but are increasingly diversifying into urban centers:

• Grand-Baie: Highly favoured in the north for lifestyle and established amenities.
• Tamarin and Rivière-Noire: Popular on the west coast for international infrastructure.
• Moka Smart City: A fast-growing inland hub attracting a new wave of professionals and families due to its planned urban layout and family-centric services.

“This dynamic confirms the evolution of Mauritius into a regional hub for investment and residency, where South Africa now occupies a central position in economic and human flows,” Property Cloud concluded.

Source: Defi Media