Retiring in Mauritius for an expat

Whether it is for business or to change environments, expats retiring to Mauritius will find that living on the island a wonderful experience. At first of course it may be difficult for them to adapt in terms of culture change and everyday life but life in Mauritius is a simple one with plenty of sunshine and beaches to enjoy all year long. In fact one of the greatest advantages of living in Mauritius is that it has a tropical climate throughout the year which uplifts the mood of almost all people. There are only two seasons summer (November to April) and winter (May to October) and while summer can be quite a change for those not used to heat, winter is very mild. Things to consider before moving Once you have decided that you are indeed moving to Mauritius, you have to start preparing your move at least 3 months in advance. There are many things for you to consider like registration and obtaining the required documents from the government of Mauritius (if you are on business, your company will be able to get the required documents for you, else you have to do your homework for a smooth settling process). The person must obtain a residence permit to be able to live in Mauritius and one very important part of obtaining this is to have at least US 40,000/annually on a Mauritian bank account. There are also many legal procedures for you to take care of in your home place such as cancelling loans, changing bank accounts, cancelling schools for your children etc. Make sure that you have enough time to cover all that you have to do. Go through your belongings (furniture, goods, car) that you want to take along with you; you have to contact a shipping company in your area to get the things moved (remember to get insurance) and once they reach Mauritius, you may want to contact another company to have them moved or do so on your own. General information The Mauritian society is a mixture of local ethnicities of Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese and a European minority. Each group has its own different culture and traditions but on the broader plan, there is also a distinct Mauritian culture as can be seen in local dances, music, arts and cuisine. People from all over the world will not find it difficult to adapt to the local Mauritian culture as it has bits and parts from all over the world. The public schooling system in Mauritius is based on the British system of education where O levels and A levels are awarded. There are also a number of private schools where the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate can be obtained. The University of Mauritius provides for internationally recognised diplomas and degrees and there are some private universities in Mauritius affiliated to foreign universities. The public healthcare in Mauritius in hospitals and dispensaries is free for all people whether it is for common flu or pregnancy checkups. All over the island there are private clinics with differing fees based on the services being offered and offering world class service. Many business companies offer health insurance policies as part of their fringe benefits package. Living in any part of the island can be quite fun given the different micro climates that it has and thus location is a question of taste. While some people may choose to relocate on the coasts to be near the beach, others may prefer the cooler climate on the upper parts of the island. Real estate agencies provide for a large array of houses and bungalows for sale and rent and interested people can just contact these agencies for further information such as prices which will vary depending on the size, location and amenities being provided.