How to start and list your property on Airbnb in Mauritius: 6-step guide

Mauritius is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the African continent. More and more tourists visit Mauritius, which has drawn the attention of real estate investors. Anyone can list their property in Mauritius on Airbnb, although it’s important to understand the rules and regulations regarding running an Airbnb in Mauritius.

List your property on Airbnb in Mauritius

Listing your property on Airbnb in Mauritius involves several key steps, including legal considerations, to ensure compliance with local regulations.

1. Create an Airbnb account: Create an account on Airbnb in Mauritius. Provide detailed information about your property, including high-quality photos and a thorough description.
2. Obtain a Tourist Residence License: Before listing, you must acquire a tourist residence license from the Mauritius Tourism Authority (MTA). This license confirms that your property meets specific quality and safety standards.
3. Comply with MTA criteria: Ensure your property meets MTA’s criteria, including fire safety, maintenance, and cleanliness standards.
4. Set up your listing: Include details like availability, pricing, house rules, and cancellation policies. Highlight unique aspects of your property and its location.
5. Understand tax obligations: Familiarize yourself with the tax collection rules for vacation rentals in Mauritius.
6. Manage your bookings: Ensure you communicate fast and straightforwardly to potential guests, update your listing from time to time, and clean the property between the guests’ stay.

Is starting an Airbnb in Mauritius legal?

Starting an Airbnb in Mauritius is legal, provided you adhere to the specific rules and regulations set forth by local authorities. Key to this process is obtaining a vacation rental license from the Mauritius Tourism Authority, ensuring your property meets essential quality and safety standards. This step is crucial for anyone looking to start short-term rentals in Mauritius.

Foreigners can buy a house in Mauritius and list it on Airbnb. Additionally, property owners must comply with various criteria, including fire safety and maintenance standards. These regulations protect both the property owner and the guests, ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay for tourists seeking furnished apartments in Mauritius or monthly rental options in Mauritius.

Taxes for Airbnb in Mauritius

Rental income, including that from short-term rentals like Airbnb, is taxed at a flat rate of 15%. For nonresident individuals, this includes a withholding tax of 10% or 5%, which is credited against the individual’s income tax liability.

It’s important to maintain accurate financial records to calculate taxable income effectively, which is determined after deducting expenses, losses, and debts incurred in producing income from the gross income.

Remember, any individual owning more than one residence or a property costing over MUR 2 million ($45,065) must file an income tax return, regardless of whether the income is taxable or not.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)