The price South Africans are paying to move to a tiny island for safety
Wealthy South Africans are increasingly turning to Mauritius as a safe and stable alternative, spending millions on luxury property to secure permanent residency and, in many cases, a more secure future for their families.
According to Severine Dalais-Pietersen of Seeff Mauritius, on average, South Africans who relocate to Mauritius are investing between R7 million and R12 million in property purchases.
With South Africa struggling with high crime rates, political uncertainty, and economic headwinds, Mauritius has emerged as a natural alternative for those who can afford it.
The latest Africa Wealth Report highlighted Mauritius and Morocco as the two fastest-growing luxury property markets on the continent.
Mauritius alone is now home to around 4,800 millionaires, with Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group, noting that many South Africans have relocated for lifestyle, business, and tax reasons.
“Most of these expatriates have settled in exclusive gated communities along the island’s west coast, especially around Tamarin, where property prices average about USD 4,500 per square metre (R79,700),” he said.
Many have also shifted their business headquarters to the island to take advantage of its favourable tax environment.
This trend has had a measurable impact on the Mauritian economy. According to preliminary estimates from the Bank of Mauritius, foreign direct investment in the island’s real estate sector rose by 13% in 2024, reaching almost 24 billion rupees (about R9.5 billion).
Property acquisitions alone accounted for 18.6 billion rupees (R7.4 billion), up nearly 34% from 2023. Real estate now represents about 70% of total foreign inflows into Mauritius.
France and South Africa are the biggest sources of this investment, with South African buyers contributing 4.66 billion rupees (R1.8 billion) in 2024, an increase of 22.6% compared to the year before.
According to Dalais-Pietersen, the island’s proximity to South Africa and direct flight connections have made it an especially popular relocation choice.
She pointed out that Mauritius offers world-class beaches and a highly favourable tax regime. Income tax is capped at 15%, there is no inheritance tax, and, until recently, no capital gains tax.
Proximity and opporunity
Government-backed property investment schemes for foreigners provide access to high-quality real estate, typically in sought-after tourist areas, which means buyers can also generate attractive rental returns.
For South Africans, the path to permanent residency often comes through property investment, with the threshold set at USD 375,000 (around R6.9 million).
Most South Africans invest between that minimum and USD 600,000 (roughly R12 million), purchasing apartments linked to five-star hotels, second homes for holidays, or villas to rent out.
Long-term villa rentals can yield upwards of 130,000 rupees (R65,000) per month, while apartments and penthouses fetch around 60,000 rupees (R25,000), depending on location. Rental yields range between 3% and 6% for luxury properties.
Dalais-Pietersen said South Africans are relocating in growing numbers, not only families and business professionals but also retirees seeking a secure and comfortable lifestyle.
Holiday properties are also in strong demand, either for personal use or as investments in the lucrative short-term rental market.
“The lifestyle is very similar to what South Africans enjoy, but with the added benefit of safety and stability,” she said.
“It’s only a six-hour flight from Johannesburg, and the island offers excellent healthcare and education, making it a practical long-term option.
Another significant drawcard is that Mauritius allows foreigners to open bank accounts, obtain financing, and benefit from the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with South Africa.
This gives buyers additional room to optimise their tax exposure. For many, the decision is as much about financial planning as it is about lifestyle.
One of the biggest push factors for South Africans is safety. The Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, in its annual global ranking of the most violent cities, continues to place several South African metros among the most dangerous in the world.
These stark statistics are pushing many families to consider emigration as the only viable option for a secure future.
Mauritius, in contrast, consistently ranks among the safest and most peaceful nations globally.
The Institute for Economics and Peace’s 2025 Global Peace Index lists Mauritius, Botswana, and Namibia as the most peaceful countries in Africa, with Mauritius holding the top spot.
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