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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.

start and run 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)

What is the best location to start an Airbnb in Mauritius?

The best locations to start an Airbnb in Mauritius include Port Louis, Grand Baie, Mont Choisy, Albion, and Flic en Flac. Grand Baie has a vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches. Its tourist-friendly amenities make it the top choice for starting an Airbnb in Mauritius. While Port Louis offers a rich cultural experience, Mont Choisy is known for its serene beach setting. Flic en Flac and Albion also present attractive options with their beautiful coastlines and relaxed atmosphere.

Where can I sign up for Airbnb in Mauritius?

To sign up for Airbnb in Mauritius, visit the Airbnb website and create a host account. The process is straightforward, requiring you to provide details about your property, set up your listing with photos and descriptions, and specify your availability and pricing.

Do I pay taxes when running an Airbnb in Mauritius?

Yes, running an Airbnb in Mauritius does involve paying taxes. Rental income 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.

Can I start short-term rentals in Mauritius?

Starting short-term rentals in Mauritius is possible. However, hosts must obtain a tourist residence license from the Mauritius Tourism Authority (MTA) and adhere to specific safety and quality standards to ensure legal compliance and guest safety.

How can you obtain a Tourist Residence license in Mauritius?

To obtain a Tourist Residence License in Mauritius, apply through the Mauritius Tourism Authority. This involves ensuring your property meets the required safety and quality standards, including fire safety and maintenance. The license is a crucial step for legal short-term rental operations in Mauritius.

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List your property in Mauritius on Airbnb
Airbnb is a globally popular booking platform that allows property owners to list their properties for rent. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to earn a passive income. List your property on Airbnb today!

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4 Responses

  1. Hi Matt,
    Thanks for all the info. One question here, is listing a property that I rent legal in Mauritius?
    Thanks

      1. Bonjour Matt
        Ayant la double nationalité mauricienne, mais vivant en France.
        – Dois je aussi avoir la MTA?
        – Quel endroit est le plus demandé à Maurice pour la location courte durée ?
        – est il simple de gérer son Airbnb via une conciergerie mauricienne ou à distance ?
        – ayant un compte bancaire Mauricien dois je déclarer les revenus en France ?
        Merci pour votre aide
        Lesly Pillay

        1. Bonjour Lesly, étant donné votre double nationalité, vous devrez peut-être encore obtenir une MTA (Mauritian Tax Account) pour des transactions spécifiques. Les zones les plus demandées pour la location courte durée à Maurice incluent Grand Baie et Flic en Flac. Gérer un Airbnb via une conciergerie locale est tout à fait faisable, et cela peut être géré efficacement à distance. Concernant la déclaration des revenus, vous devrez probablement déclarer vos revenus mauriciens en France, mais il est préférable de consulter un conseiller fiscal pour des conseils précis.

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