SAPES unlocks doors for expats moving to Mauritius

It is government programmes like the SAPES (Scheme to Attract Professionals for Emerging Sectors) that help bring plenty of expats moving to Mauritius. Significantly, this scheme dovetails with Programmes providing incentives to foreigners investing in Mauritius real estate properties.

The government launched the SAPES to spur the development of key sectors of the Mauritian economy. It provides incentives for non-citizen professionals contributing their talents and skills in government-identified economic drivers like information technology. Other areas that the scheme covers include financial services, film production and freeport operations.

Long-term benefits

Besides local employment, expats eligible under the SAPES can also set up an office or practice their profession in Mauritius. These foreigners, in turn, can enjoy long term the tax perks and the nature’s bounty that living in Mauritius brings.

The government grants a three-year work and residence permit to expats under the SAPES. The spouse of the expats also gets the same permit. After three consecutive years of living in Mauritius, these foreigners can seek a permanent resident permit.

Notably, a new government policy announced in June 2020 extends the permanent resident permit from 10 years to 20 years. Expats holding Mauritius occupation permits can also bring their parents to the country under the new guidelines.

Property acquisition incentive

The SAPES opens to qualified expats the opportunity to acquire an immovable property as their personal residence after moving to Mauritius. If land is involved in this acquisition, the parcel should not exceed 5,275 square metres. For a flat or an apartment as a personal residence, the value shall be at USD50,000 minimum.

The scheme also exempts expats from import duties and taxes. This exemption applies to the household and personal effects that the expats and their family bring in relocating to Mauritius. Motor vehicles are excluded though.

Here are hot spots to watch

Financial services count as one hot spot for expats on the lookout for opportunities under the SAPES. The Mauritian government is diversifying the country’s financial services sector as part of its Covid-19 economic recovery measures. For instance, it is launching new financial products including a digital currency. The Bank of Mauritius is also coming up with new initiatives in private banking and wealth management.

More opportunities for expats in information technology also loom ahead as Mauritius is going all out for a digital-driven economy.  The government’s economic recovery plans likewise include the opening of a new Data Technology Park at Côte d’Or. The park will have 12 specialised centres that could very well open the doors for techie expats soon moving to Mauritius.

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