Economy Guide in Seychelles
Economic overview, job market trends, income levels, and financial landscape for expats
GDP
$1.59B
Total economic output of the country
HDI
0.79
High human development
Quality of Life
61/100
Good quality of life — above global average
Purchasing Power
16/100
Very weak purchasing power — limited buying capacity
Cost of Living Index
Moderate costs (CPI: 65.2). Groceries (75.8) and restaurants (69.7) are somewhat expensive, while rent (26.0) is relatively low compared to NYC.
Housing Market
The property price to income ratio is 4.8, indicating a very affordable housing market. The rent index is 26.0, suggesting relatively low rental costs.
Average Income Levels
A purchasing power index of 37.3 indicates low buying power compared to NYC, suggesting that average incomes may not stretch far.
Tax System
The personal income tax for non-citizens is progressive (15-30%), with potential for no tax on foreign-sourced income for qualifying expats. VAT is 15%. An annual immovable property tax of 0.50% applies to non-Seychellois owners.
Business Environment
Seychelles is developing its startup ecosystem, particularly in fintech and AI, supported by initiatives like the Innovation HUB. While regulatory frameworks are evolving, challenges in funding and infrastructure persist.
Social Security
Seychelles offers a universal healthcare system, primarily government-funded, with a quality index of 75/100. A comprehensive pension system is in place, alongside various statutory benefits, though specialized medical care often requires overseas travel.
Banking & Financial Safety
Seychelles currently lacks a formal deposit insurance scheme. However, a depositor preference scheme provides protection up to SCR 10,000 (approx. USD 720) per depositor in case of liquidation. The banking sector is stable and subject to Central Bank oversight, with ongoing reforms to align with international standards like Basel III and FATF.
Deposit Protection: up to $720 USD (see sources)More Insights for your Move to Seychelles
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