Cost of Relocating to Mauritius from Nigeria: ₦3,340,634–₦14,297,912
Relocating to Mauritius from Nigeria costs between ₦3,500,000 and ₦15,000,000 ($2,500–$10,700 USD) in 2026, depending on your pathway. Mauritius offers a Premium Visa for digital nomads that is essentially free (just a $50 processing fee since December 2025), making it one of the most accessible remote-work destinations in Africa. The island nation combines a stable democracy, bilingual English-French environment, and a quality of life that consistently ranks #1 in Africa on the Human Development Index.
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Cost Breakdown: Relocating to Mauritius
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦0 (~$0 USD) | |
| Proof of funds | ₦2,004,380 (~$1,489 USD) | |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) | If applicable |
| Language test (IELTS / TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) | |
| Credential evaluation (WES / ECA) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) | |
| Flight from Lagos | ₦1,061,911 (~$789 USD) | One-way economy |
| First 3 months rent | ₦1,603,504 (~$1,191 USD) | 1-bed, cheapest city |
| Estimated Total | ₦4,669,795 (~$3,469 USD) | Based on Premium Visa (Digital Nomad) |
Costs are estimates and may vary. Exchange rates as of 16 April 2026 via open.er-api.com.
Visa Options for Mauritius
Premium Visa (Digital Nomad)2–4 weeks₦0
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Proof of funds (refundable — your own savings) | ₦2,004,380 (~$1,489 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
Expert Tip
Mauritius scrapped the $1,000 Premium Visa fee in December 2025 — it is now FREE with only a $50 processing fee. This is a massive win for Nigerian remote workers. The visa is valid for 12 months and renewable. You need to prove you earn at least $1,500/month from a source outside Mauritius. Apply online through passport.govmu.org. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You get full residency rights — open a bank account, rent property, drive with your Nigerian licence (for 3 months, then convert). The catch: you cannot take local employment. This is strictly for people earning remotely. Bring proof of remote employment (contract, invoices, or bank statements showing consistent foreign income).
Occupation Permit (ProPass)4–8 weeks₦1,336,253
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | ₦534,501 (~$397 USD) |
| Proof of funds (refundable — your own savings) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
Expert Tip
The Occupation Permit (now called ProPass) is Mauritius's combined work + residence permit. Costs range from $400 to $1,000 depending on the permit duration and category. For professionals, you need a job offer with a minimum salary of MUR 30,000/month (~$670 USD). The permit is processed through the Economic Development Board (EDB) — apply online. Key sectors hiring foreign workers include financial services (Mauritius is a major offshore finance hub), ICT, and tourism. The main advantage over the Premium Visa is that you can take local employment. Processing is 4–8 weeks. Your spouse and dependents are automatically covered. Note: Mauritius has no capital gains tax and a flat 15% income tax rate — one of the lowest in the world.
Tourist Visa (Visa-Free Entry)On arrival (14-day stamp for Nigerian passport holders)₦0
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Proof of funds (refundable — your own savings) | ₦668,127 (~$496 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
Expert Tip
Nigerians get visa-free entry to Mauritius for up to 14-days — no visa application needed. You just need a valid passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds (~$100/day or equivalent). This is perfect for a scouting trip before committing to the Premium Visa or Occupation Permit. Use the 14-days to explore Port Louis, check out coworking spaces, visit potential neighborhoods, and open a bank account (some banks allow tourist account opening). Mauritius is small — you can see the entire island in a weekend. The 14-day stay is extendable at the Passport and Immigration Office.
Top Cities in Mauritius for Nigerians
Port Louis
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | ₦601,314/mo (~$447 USD) |
| Flight from Lagos | $789 |
| Cost of living index | 42 |
| Nigerian community | Small |
Quatre Bornes
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent | ₦534,501/mo (~$397 USD) |
| Flight from Lagos | $789 |
| Cost of living index | 35 |
| Nigerian community | Small |
Insider Tips for Relocating to Mauritius
Premium Visa (Digital Nomad)
Mauritius scrapped the $1,000 Premium Visa fee in December 2025 — it is now FREE with only a $50 processing fee. This is a massive win for Nigerian remote workers. The visa is valid for 12 months and renewable. You need to prove you earn at least $1,500/month from a source outside Mauritius. Apply online through passport.govmu.org. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. You get full residency rights — open a bank account, rent property, drive with your Nigerian licence (for 3 months, then convert). The catch: you cannot take local employment. This is strictly for people earning remotely. Bring proof of remote employment (contract, invoices, or bank statements showing consistent foreign income).
Occupation Permit (ProPass)
The Occupation Permit (now called ProPass) is Mauritius's combined work + residence permit. Costs range from $400 to $1,000 depending on the permit duration and category. For professionals, you need a job offer with a minimum salary of MUR 30,000/month (~$670 USD). The permit is processed through the Economic Development Board (EDB) — apply online. Key sectors hiring foreign workers include financial services (Mauritius is a major offshore finance hub), ICT, and tourism. The main advantage over the Premium Visa is that you can take local employment. Processing is 4–8 weeks. Your spouse and dependents are automatically covered. Note: Mauritius has no capital gains tax and a flat 15% income tax rate — one of the lowest in the world.
Tourist Visa (Visa-Free Entry)
Nigerians get visa-free entry to Mauritius for up to 14-days — no visa application needed. You just need a valid passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds (~$100/day or equivalent). This is perfect for a scouting trip before committing to the Premium Visa or Occupation Permit. Use the 14-days to explore Port Louis, check out coworking spaces, visit potential neighborhoods, and open a bank account (some banks allow tourist account opening). Mauritius is small — you can see the entire island in a weekend. The 14-day stay is extendable at the Passport and Immigration Office.
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital and economic hub, where most jobs and coworking spaces are concentrated. A 1-bed apartment in the city center runs $535–700/month, dropping to $350–450 in suburbs like Quatre Bornes or Curepipe. The city is compact and walkable in the center, but you will want a car for daily life — public buses exist but are slow. The Caudan Waterfront area has the best restaurants and nightlife. Groceries are affordable for local produce but imported goods are expensive (it is an island). Internet is reliable — Mauritius Telecom fiber covers most of the island at 100Mbps+ for about $30/month. The Nigerian community is small but growing, mostly in finance and tech. English is the official language, but Creole is what locals speak day-to-day — you will pick it up quickly as it is French-based.
Quatre Bornes
Quatre Bornes is a residential town in the central plateau, about 20 minutes from Port Louis. It is significantly cheaper than the capital — a 1-bed apartment costs $350–450/month. The town has a famous open-air market (the Quatre Bornes Fair) every Thursday and Sunday where you get fresh produce, clothes, and household goods at local prices. It is well-connected by bus to Port Louis, Ebène (the business hub where many IT companies are based), and the southern beaches. The Ebène Cybercity — Mauritius's tech and business park — is just 10 minutes away, making Quatre Bornes ideal for tech workers who want lower rent but easy access to offices. The area is quieter and more family-friendly than Port Louis.
Your Relocation Checklist
- 1
Enter Mauritius visa-free (14-day stamp on arrival)
Nigerians get visa-free entry for up to 14 days. Bring a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of funds. No advance application needed.
- 2
Apply for Premium Visa or Occupation Permit
Remote workers apply for the Premium Visa ($50 processing fee, 12 months, requires $1,500/month income proof). For local employment, apply for the Occupation Permit ($400–1,000) through the Economic Development Board.
- 3
Open a bank account (MCB, SBM, ABSA Mauritius)
Open a bank account with MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank), SBM, or ABSA Mauritius. Requirements include passport, visa/permit, and proof of address. Set up Wise for international transfers from Nigeria.
- 4
Arrange health insurance
Health insurance is required for the Premium Visa. Private insurance from providers like Swan, MUA, or international plans like SafetyWing cover you adequately. Public healthcare exists but private is recommended for expats.
- 5
Find accommodation in Port Louis or central plateau
Search for apartments on lexpress.mu, MyProperty.mu, or Facebook groups. Port Louis center costs $535–700/month for a 1-bed. Quatre Bornes and Curepipe on the central plateau are cheaper at $350–450/month.
- 6
Register with Nigerian High Commission
Register at the Nigerian High Commission in Port Louis for consular services and to maintain your connection with Nigerian government services while abroad.
- 7
Get a local SIM card and set up internet
Pick up a SIM from Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, or MTML at the airport or any phone shop. Fiber broadband (100Mbps+) costs about $30/month. 4G coverage is excellent across the island.
- 8
Book flight from Lagos (connections via Nairobi or Addis Ababa)
No direct flights exist — connect via Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), or Johannesburg (SAA). One-way costs approximately $789. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for best prices.
Written by Max Ayobami
Founder of Japa Calculator, Nigeria's first data-driven relocation decision tool. Max built Japa Calculator after going through the relocation research process himself and realizing how fragmented and unreliable the information was for Nigerians. Every cost figure, visa fee, and expert tip on this page is independently researched and verified against official government immigration sources. Data is verified quarterly.
Data methodology: Visa fees sourced from official government websites. Cost of living from Numbeo and local sources. Flight prices from aggregator averages. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 16 April 2026) — official CBN rate may differ. All costs are estimates and subject to change with exchange rates, visa fee updates, and policy changes. Verify with official immigration websites before making decisions. Last verified: 2026-03-29
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Start Free CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to move to Mauritius from Nigeria in 2026?
- The total cost ranges from ₦3,500,000 to ₦15,000,000 ($2,500–$10,700) depending on your pathway. The Premium Visa for remote workers now costs just $50 processing (fee was scrapped in December 2025). Major costs are flights from Lagos (~$789 one-way with connections), rent deposits (1–3 months upfront, $400–700/month), and settling-in expenses. An Occupation Permit for local employment costs $400–1,000. Mauritius has no capital gains tax and a flat 15% income tax.
- Do Nigerians need a visa to enter Mauritius?
- No. Nigerians get visa-free entry to Mauritius for up to 14-days. You need a valid passport with 6+ months validity, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds (approximately $100/day). To work or stay longer, apply for a Premium Visa (remote workers, $50 processing fee) or Occupation Permit (local employment, $400–1,000). The visa-free entry makes it easy to do a scouting trip before committing.
- What is the cost of living in Mauritius compared to Lagos?
- Mauritius is roughly comparable to Lagos for overall cost of living, but with notable differences. Rent in Port Louis ($535–700/month for a 1-bed) is similar to Lagos Island. However, transport, healthcare, and safety costs are lower. Groceries for local produce are affordable, but imported goods are expensive since everything ships to the island. A single person needs about $1,200–1,800/month for comfortable living. The big win is quality of life — reliable power, clean water, excellent healthcare, and personal safety are all significantly better than Lagos.
- Is the Mauritius Premium Visa really free now?
- Yes. Since December 2025, the Mauritius government removed the $1,000 Premium Visa fee. You now pay only a $50 processing fee. The visa is valid for 12 months and renewable indefinitely. Requirements: proof of remote income of at least $1,500/month, valid passport, health insurance, and proof of accommodation. You cannot take local employment on this visa — it is strictly for remote workers earning from outside Mauritius. Apply online through passport.govmu.org.
- How do I fly from Lagos to Mauritius?
- There are no direct flights from Lagos to Mauritius. The most common routes connect via Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), or Johannesburg (South African Airways). Flight costs are approximately $789 one-way. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is typically the cheapest option. Total travel time is 12–18 hours depending on the connection. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for the best fares. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is about 45 minutes from Port Louis.
How Mauritius Compares
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| Metric | Mauritius | Ghana | Cape Verde | South Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total cost (NGN) | ₦3,340,634–₦14,297,912 | ₦760,406–₦4,269,149 | ₦2,618,360–₦10,327,977 | ₦1,836,318–₦8,757,823 |
| Total cost (USD) | $2,482–$10,623 | $565–$3,172 | $1,945–$7,674 | $1,364–$6,507 |
| Cheapest visa fee | ₦0 | ₦0 | ₦0 | ₦252,829 |
| Avg 1-bed rent (cheapest city) | ₦534,501/mo | ₦106,704/mo | ₦509,126/mo | ₦423,766/mo |
| Processing time (fastest) | On arrival (14-day stamp for Nigerian passport holders) | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Language | English, French, Creole | English (official), Akan, Ewe, Ga | Portuguese, Creole | English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans (11 official languages) |
Comparing Mauritius against similar relocation destinations. Costs are estimates.
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