Property Development Scheme (PDS)

Definition

The Property Development Scheme (PDS) refers to the Mauritian regulatory framework authorising foreign nationals to acquire residential property within projects specifically approved for that purpose. This scheme is one of the "residence through real estate" arrangements, alongside the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), the Real Estate Scheme (RES), the Smart City Scheme and G+2, all of which pursue the same objective: opening up Mauritian residential property ownership to non-citizens within a controlled framework.

Framework in Mauritius

The PDS falls within the remit of the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Mauritian body in charge of investment promotion and the issuance of property- and residence-related permits. It is the EDB that approves projects eligible for the scheme and processes the applications of foreign purchasers. Acquiring property under the PDS is subject to a minimum investment amount; subject to eligibility, it opens access to a residence permit attached to ownership of the property. The precise eligibility conditions and amounts must be verified case by case with the EDB, as these parameters may change from one budget to the next.

In practice

In practice, the PDS is aimed at foreigners wishing to combine property investment with a residence project in Mauritius, whether as a primary residence, a secondary residence or a rental investment. The property must be acquired within a PDS project approved by the EDB: buying a residential property outside these approved schemes does not give access to the same residence rights. The residence permit obtained on this basis generally remains linked to ownership of the property, such that its loss or resale may call into question the associated right of residence. It is also worth distinguishing the PDS from occupation permits linked to carrying on a professional or entrepreneurial activity, whose logic and conditions differ. Before making any commitment, points of caution include verifying the approved status of the project with the EDB, the interplay between ownership status and resident status, and the need for advice tailored to each purchaser's individual situation; no approval or timeframe can be guaranteed in advance.

Related terms

The PDS is close to the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), one of the first residence-through-real-estate schemes established in Mauritius, and shares with it the oversight of the Economic Development Board (EDB), the authority also competent for all Mauritian residence and occupation permits, such as the Occupation Permit or the Resident Permit.

Related terms