Why Mauritius Appeals to Retirees
- Climate & Scenery: Tropical weather year-round, pristine beaches, and lush mountains make it a paradise for outdoor lovers.
- Safety & Stability: Ranked 20th on the Global Peace Index, Mauritius boasts low crime and political stability.
- Healthcare: High-quality private clinics and internationally trained doctors offer excellent care at lower costs than in the West.
- Multicultural Lifestyle: English and French are widely spoken, and the island’s blend of Indian, African, Chinese, and European cultures creates a vibrant social scene.
- Cost of Living: A couple can live comfortably on $1,400–$3,500/month depending on lifestyle and location.

Residency & Visa Options
- Retired Non-Citizen Visa: Available to those over 50 with a minimum income of $1,500/month or $18,000/year.
- Permanent Residency: Can be obtained by investing at least $375,000 in approved real estate.
- No Wealth or Inheritance Tax: Plus, a flat 15% income tax only applies to funds remitted to Mauritius.

Top Retirement Spots
| Location | Vibe & Highlights | Monthly Budget (Couple) |
|----------------|--------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Grand Baie | Cosmopolitan, beach clubs, strong expat community | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Flic en Flac | Relaxed, scenic sunsets, walkable, social activities | $1,400–$2,200 |
| Tamarin | Upscale, eco-living, wildlife, yoga & golf | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Roches Noires | Secluded, quiet beaches, close-knit community | Varies |
| Moka Region | Inland, cooler climate, modern infrastructure | Varies |

Integration & Community
- Friendly locals and thriving expat networks make settling in easy.
- Cultural festivals, beach yoga, and retiree meetups foster connection and belonging.

Mauritius isn’t just a postcard-perfect escape - it’s a well-rounded retirement haven. If you were to retire abroad, you could lean toward beachside bliss or mountain serenity.
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It's not quickly going under water?
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Not exactly - but Mauritius is feeling the pressure. As a Small Island Developing State, it’s highly vulnerable to sea level rise, and the data shows a clear upward trend:

Sea Level Rise in Mauritius
- Average rise: About 4.7 to 6.8 mm per year depending on location and dataset.
- Forecasts: Sea levels could rise by 49 cm by 2100, which would significantly impact coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
- Beach erosion: Some beaches have lost up to 20 meters in width over the past few decades.

How Mauritius Is Responding
- Seawalls & reef balls: Coastal defenses are being reinforced, especially in vulnerable areas like Riviere des Galets.
- Beach restoration: Projects at Mon Choisy and Grand Sable aim to rebuild eroded beaches and restore dunes.
- Mangrove planting: These natural buffers help reduce erosion and absorb storm surges.
- Setback policies: New developments must stay at least 30 meters from the high water mark.

Still Livable?
Yes - for now. Mauritius is actively adapting and investing in resilience. While it’s not sinking overnight, the long-term risks are real, especially for low-lying coastal communities. The government, NGOs, and private sector are working together to protect both people and paradise.
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Would it be easy for a single Swiss, age 72, with retirement income EUR 2000 per month, clean police record? What is the health system - public and/or private, and cost?
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Mauritius could be a very welcoming retirement option for a single Swiss national aged 72 with a clean record and a monthly income of €2,000. Here's how it stacks up:

? Residency Eligibility
Mauritius offers a Retired Non-Citizen Residence Permit for individuals aged 50+:
- Income requirement: Minimum USD 1,500/month or USD 18,000/year from abroad.
- Your income of €2,000/month (~USD 2,150) meets the requirement.
- Permit is valid for 10 years, renewable.
- Application can be done online, and you don’t need to travel to Mauritius to start the process.
- You’ll need:
- Certified bank statements
- Police clearance (less than 6 months old)
- Passport photo
- Birth certificate (translated if not in English/French)

Healthcare System Overview
Mauritius has both public and private healthcare options:

Public Healthcare
- Free for residents, including retirees with permits.
- Includes general consultations, hospitalization, maternity care, and emergency services.
- Downsides: Long wait times, limited advanced treatments, and basic infrastructure.

Private Healthcare
- Preferred by most expats for:
- Shorter wait times
- Modern facilities
- Internationally trained doctors
- Examples: Wellkin Hospital, Clinique Darné, Fortis Clinique.
- Costs:
- GP consultation: ~$40–80
- Specialist: ~$60–100
- Hospital room: ~$70–150/day
- Surgery: Can range from ~$1,000 to $10,000+ depending on complexity

Insurance
- Most expats opt for international health insurance.
- Plans from providers like Cigna Global or Allianz cover private care and emergency evacuation.
- Premiums vary by age and coverage, but expect €1,000–€2,500/year for comprehensive plans.

Final Thoughts
With your income and clean record, you'd likely qualify easily. The healthcare system is solid, especially if you budget for private care or insurance. Plus, the island’s lifestyle, safety, and expat-friendly vibe make it a strong contender.

Would you want help comparing towns or neighborhoods that suit your lifestyle? Grand Baie vs. Tamarin is a fun debate.

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